Issue - meetings

That members support the ongoing development and co-ordinated approach to contextual safeguarding that maximises resources to enable a streamlined and effective approach to individual and contextual safeguarding.

The Deputy Team Manager with the Early Interventions Service within Children’s Services who had been involved with the development of the Contextual Safeguarding approach for Flintshire introduced the report and briefly explained that it was an approach in the safeguarding and protection of young people that were at risk of extra familial harm which was harm outside of the family household.

            In response toCouncillor Bateman the Deputy Team Manager, Early Intervention Services advised that the age range of 10-25 was from the original research that had been undertaken and was based on the development of the brain she explained that up until the age of 25 the brain was not fully developed. She advised that the focus in Flintshire was18 and may go lower than 10.  She confirmed that online safety was a complex matter and that they worked closely with the Lucy Faithful Foundation who offer support.  She confirmed that the team currently consisted of herself from Children’s Services and other partners agencies.

In response to Councillor Gladys Healey the Deputy Team Manager, Early Intervention Services advised that County Lines cases were dealt with on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of risk and that some individuals were moved out of County to a secure placement which enabled them to make the environment safer for when they returned and also for others within that area.

In response to Councillor Hilary McGuill the Deputy Team Manager, Early Intervention Services confirmed that the way they dealt with exploitation did come from the Rochdale Enquiry.  She explained that they worked closely with North Wales Police with Online safety by providing information and intelligence to enable them to target the right areas.  They also worked closely with Youth Services to find out what distractions were needed and their findings suggested that the youths didn’t want organised youth clubs they want a safe warm place with Wi-Fi where they could meet their friends but unfortunately they didn’t have the resources but would use the information to build an evidence base with some of the detached work that was going on.

            The recommendations within the report were moved by Councillor Dave Mackie and seconded by Councillor Hilary McGuill.

RESOLVED:

That members support the ongoing development and co-ordinated approach to contextual safeguarding that maximises resources to enable a streamlined and effective approach to individual and contextual safeguarding.