"Hello, and welcome to the latest newsletter from the CSCP. The subjects covered in our newsletters are always important but this issue that is even more apparent; mental health and wellbeing, child sexual abuse, serious youth violence and a LCSPR from another area that covers the death of a child. The items around professional curiosity and information sharing are timely reminders that there are resources available to assist you in the vital work you do everyday.
As always, thank you".
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As you are aware Coventry was the subject of a Joint Targeted Inspection in March 2024 in relation to Serious Youth Violence. The inspectorates have now completed this round of Joint Targeted Area Inspections which looked at six Local Authority Areas and have published their overall findings here: Multi-agency responses to serious youth violence: working together to support and protect children - GOV.UK
The report highlights that:
- The extent and impact of serious youth violence are more far-reaching than many adults realise.
- A failure to consistently identify serious youth violence as a safeguarding issue is leaving too many children at serious risk of harm
- The government and local agencies must prioritise the needs of children who are disproportionately at risk of harm from serious youth violence. This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and children from some ethnicities.
- Some local partnerships doing effective work to reduce harm to children from serious youth violence, but this is not happening in all areas.
- Multi-agency work was most effective when serious youth violence was a strategic priority.
- Local partnerships need to do more to evaluate approaches to addressing serious youth violence
- Engagement with the community, children and parents is essential.
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The National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel have published their latest national review, “I wanted them all to notice” about child sexual abuse within the family environment.
The voices and experiences of the 193 children at the heart of this review make very plain that too often we fail to notice and act to help and protect children from sexual abuse in their families. In recent years, very necessary attention has been given to the sexual abuse of children in public institutions, by strangers on the internet and by ‘high profile’ individuals. The uncomfortable truth, that safeguarding professionals know well, is that very many children are sexually abused by someone they know well and in their own home. This report seeks to shine a light on the many systemic and practice barriers to giving children the help and protection they need when they are abused within their families’.
The National Child Practice Review Panel have also produced a Practitioner briefing on this report.
The need for professional curiosity is a recurring theme in multi- agency audits, rapid reviews and Safeguarding Practice Reviews undertaken by Coventry Safeguarding Children’s Partnership. Professional curiosity is where a practitioner seeks to explore and understand what is happening in someone’s life, rather than making assumptions or accepting what they are told at face value. It involves looking out for signs that things are not right and seeking out the evidence of what is really happening. It is a combination of looking, listening, asking direct questions, checking out and reflection on ALL the information you receive.
To support practitioners to be more professionally curious the CSCP has developed a OMG on Professional Curiosity.
Please also look out for our Professional Curiosity lunchtime briefings coming soon!
“Child Friendly Cov have recently launched Safe Spaces, specifically for children and young people living in Coventry. If a child or young person is lost, scared, intimidated or simply without phone battery they can visit one of the many Safe Spaces located around the City and receive the support or help they need. Safe Spaces includes locations such as The Wave, The Transport Museum, The Methodist Church and McDonalds. To identify a Safe Space a child or young person will see a Child Friendly Cov Safe Space sticker in the window of the business.
For more information please see:
Earlier this year, the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership published a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (SPR) following the murder of Alfie. Alfie was killed by his mother’s partner who was convicted of murder and child cruelty and received a lengthy custodial sentence. The SPR found that professionals working with Alfie showed care and commitment to Alfie and his family but were often obstructed by his mother and her partner who sought to deliberately lie, mislead, and cover up what was happening. The review covered the period during the Covid-19 pandemic which meant usual safety mechanisms were absent and this enabled Alfie’s mother to keep him at home and isolate Alfie from family, friends and neighbours. Throughout the report lessons learnt are highlighted and offer those who are responsible for the delivery of services to children and families an opportunity to reflect on their own practice.
We have produced a One Minute Guide detailing the findings from review.
View the full Alife SPR Report.
The Department for Education has updated their guidance around information sharing for the purposes of safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. Coventry Safeguarding Children Partnership have created a poster highlighting the ‘7 golden rules’.
Coventry Safeguarding Children’s Partnership has a new exciting e-learning opportunity to enhance your knowledge on Reducing Parental Conflict. This practical and interactive Amity e-learning module is suitable for anyone working with children, adults and/or whole families. The course is designed to enhance your existing skills when talking about relationships with individuals or couples and will take you around an hour to finish. Once you have successfully completed the course and quiz your certificate and Amity Relationship Toolkit will be available to download and use.
To gain access to this course please email: cscptraining@coventry.gov.uk
Finding the right help at the right time to support children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing can be confusing.
To accompany the mental health website and directory, the Mental Health Surge Group has produced promotional flyers in a range of languages. The QR code will send users directly to the pages, that can also be translated using the Coventry City Council website’s ReachDeck toolbar.
We would encourage professionals to print and display these posters in their office and public facing spaces.
Download our promotional flyer (which includes translated versions) and our services leaflet.
Website: www.coventry.gov.uk/cscp
X: @covCSCPandCSAB
Facebook: Coventry Safeguarding Board and Partnership
Instagram: Coventry_lscb
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