Calderdale Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB) has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award thanks to its work to protect vulnerable children from sexual exploitation, trafficking and going missing.
The Board is one of the finalists in the Children’s Services category of the MJ Local Government Achievement Awards.
Richard Burrows, Chair of the Calderdale Safeguarding Children Board said:
“This is recognition of our innovative and determined approach to tackling CSE, which is helping to keep children safe in Calderdale.
“We have developed a wide ranging strategy which is being delivered by social workers, the Police, health workers, teachers and many others working together so that no vulnerable child is left unprotected.”
Stuart Smith, Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Calderdale Council said:
“And safeguarding children is everyone’s business. We’re working with children, parents and carers, schools and communities to do all we can to help them recognise the signs of child sexual exploitation and know what to do if they suspect that something is wrong.”
A dedicated CSE team has been formed which includes social workers, Police, and members from the NHS, education and the Youth Offending Team. The team meets daily to share information which will identify any vulnerable children and intervene if they are felt to be at risk of harm.
Adults and children across Calderdale are being offered training to ‘know the signs of CSE’, with active members of the community being encouraged to sign up to the sessions. Theatre productions have been developed for primary and secondary schoolchildren to educate them on the issue.
Calderdale Council has also commissioned the Children’s Society to deliver the ‘Safe Hands’ project. This provides specialised support for victims of sexual abuse, helping them to move on with their lives.
To make sure you ‘Know the Signs’ visit the West Yorkshire Police website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/cse(external link). If you are ever concerned about the welfare of a child call 01422 393336 or 0845 1111137 after 5pm.
The winners will be announced on 18 June 2015.