Shropshire people urged to report suspected cases of child sexual exploitation

People in Shropshire are being urged to look out for and report suspected cases of child sexual exploitation in the county.

The call comes from members of Shropshire Council’s young people’s scrutiny committee, who discussed the issue at a recent meeting.

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child abuse, which can range from seemingly consensual relationships, to informal exchanges of sex to get affection, accommodation or gifts, through to exploitation of gangs involved in serious, organised crime.

A national report published in November 2013 found that 16,500 children and young people were at risk of child sexual exploitation, though this figure is likely to be higher.

In line with the national picture, Shropshire has also seen a rise in the number of referrals relating to concerns about child sexual exploitation.

In December 2011, Shropshire Council set up a multi-agency Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Panel, which is made up of professionals who work with children and young people – including health professionals, social workers, carers and teachers – who can often identify young people who are risk of sexual exploitation. The panel receives referrals of concern, in order to share information and ensure a timely and proportionate response.

Latest figures show a 44% increase in the number of cases referred to the county’s CSE Panel between 2012/13 (27 cases) and 2013/14 (39 cases).

While this increase in referrals shows that agencies in Shropshire are becoming more confident in identifying potential cases of child sexual exploitation and protecting those at risk, it is evident that child sexual exploitation is happening in Shropshire.

Joyce Barrow, chair of Shropshire Council’s young people’s scrutiny panel, said:

“Sadly child sexual exploitation is happening across the country, including right here in Shropshire.

“The county’s child protection agencies are working closely together to identify cases in Shropshire and to help protect our vulnerable children.

“However, we really do need people to be aware that this is something that is happening in the county, and we need people to help us by reporting any actual or suspected cases that they are aware of.

“The CSE Panel is able to take steps to disrupt the activity of child sexual exploitation by utilising local authority child protection measures and the powers available to the police and schools.”

The Shropshire CSE Panel aims to ensure relevant organisations will co-operate and work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, child sexual exploitation in Shropshire.

If you think a child or young person is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed, you can report your concerns by calling 0345 678 9021 or click here.