Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership has welcomed the findings of a recent inspection into how local services respond to child sexual abuse within the family environment.
The inspection found several key strengths, including a quick and effective first response when concerns are raised, strong partnership working, staff who keep children at the centre of their work, and leaders who are committed to improving support for vulnerable children.
Inspectors noted that staff across the county are committed, skilled and focused on children’s needs. They also found that schools, health services, police, social care and voluntary organisations are working together to support children and families.
However, the report also identified some improvements that could be made. These include sharing information more effectively, making sure practice is more consistent, and speeding up the partnership’s plan for responding to child sexual abuse within the family environment.
The inspection was carried out by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.
Partners are already working on these findings, with work under way through a dedicated group set up earlier this year to focus on child sexual abuse within the family environment.
A new strategy shaped by survivors and specialist organisations is also being finalised, and improvements are being made in how information is shared.
Bernie Brown, Director of Children’s Services and chair of the Delegated Safeguarding Partnership Executive group of Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, said:
Keeping children safe is our highest priority, and we welcome this inspection as an important opportunity to learn and improve.
The report recognises the commitment of staff and partners across Staffordshire, while also making clear where we as a Partnership need to do more.
We accept the findings and are already acting on them, including improving information sharing, strengthening consistency and moving forward with our partnership strategy so children receive the right support and protection."
Nick Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said:
No child should ever have to experience abuse, and our focus is on making sure children and young people in Staffordshire are listened to, protected and supported.
This inspection gives us a clear direction for further improvement. We are working closely with police, health, schools and voluntary sector partners to strengthen support for children and families and to act quickly when concerns are raised."
Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, said:
The JTAI inspection has provided valuable assurance and identified important opportunities for learning and improvement, while recognising the dedication, professionalism and collaborative efforts of colleagues across the system in safeguarding children and young people.
Safeguarding children and young people remains an absolute priority, and we are fully committed to fulfilling our statutory duty to protect them from abuse and neglect.
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we will continue to work closely with partners to strengthen our safeguarding arrangements. The findings provide an opportunity to further improve the way we work together, ensuring children, young people and families receive timely, joined-up support and protection when they need it most.”
Partners will use the findings to strengthen support and protection, helping children and families receive the right help at the right time.
Chief Superintendent Sally Blaiklock, of Staffordshire Police's Public Protection Unit, said:
We welcome the findings of this inspection, which recognise the commitment of safeguarding professionals across Staffordshire and the positive difference that strong partnership working is making to the lives of children and young people."
As a force, we will relentlessly pursue those who abuse children and remain committed to safeguarding all children from harm. We know that identifying and responding to child sexual abuse in the family environment can be particularly challenging, which is why working closely with our partners is so important.
"We acknowledge the areas identified for improvement and are already taking action alongside our safeguarding partners to strengthen information-sharing, improve consistency and ensure children receive the right support at the right time.
"Anyone who is worried about a child acting differently or showing possible signs of abuse should contact us as soon as possible. Your report will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. By working together, we can better protect children, support victims and bring offenders to justice."
The Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership brings together Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Police, the Integrated Care Board and other organisations that help protect children and young people.
Partners will continue to work together to address the inspection findings and build on the progress already being made to strengthen safeguarding across Staffordshire.
