Agenda item

Members were presented with a report that outlined three aspects of the work of the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board which included;

A.    The arrangements for its consideration of the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report.

B.    The Independent Chair of Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board (DSCB) Doncaster – update on ten key CSE assurance questions

C.   An outline of the functions of the Performance Accountability Board.

Members were informed that the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report provided an update on the progress of the board and an overview of the effectiveness of each partner agency arrangements.  The following key points were provided;

·         That there had been good progress on the Business Plan which had built on Ofsted 2015.

·         That partner agencies were more aware and critical of their strengths.

·         That key areas of agencies were cross cutting and that safeguarding themes included domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation and participating in early help.

·         Evidence from reviews including Ofsted show an improved picture of the quality early help, but challenges still existed in this area.

Members were provided with an outline of the role and functions of the Performance Accountability Board, a new partnership board that met on a quarterly basis focussing on key issues for the partnership.

Concern was raised that of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), that Doncaster was the 4th most deprived area in the Yorkshire and Humberside region.  It was explained that when looking at performance data consideration was given to the national and regional data and also other local authorities of similar size and demographic (known as comparator authorities). 

In relation to safeguarding issues of school aged children, it was reported that there were more children missing from education at primary and secondary school in Doncaster than compared with regional and national averages.  It was responded that there were occasions when children were categorised as missing from school because the school had not been informed they were leaving and had not been taken off the role.  In addition, some were identified as missing when they have been off the site for an extended period.  It was noted that a report had been previously provided to CYPOSP which described the work being undertaken with children identified as missing.  Members were informed that the Preventing Vulnerable People Group had broadened its remit to include children missing from education to ensure that this issue was more fully understood.

Members were told that the attendance and commitment of partners had been good at board level but that there had been a low attendance from agencies, where there was only one representative from that agency or where an agency represented a number of Boards in the region.  It was clarified that substitutes were not always possible.  Members were reassured that the overall business process is strong.

The report outlined a number of areas being undertaken in relation to mental health.  Members were informed about the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Transformation Plan which was expected to address the issues identified.  Members were informed that the Performance Accountability Board will be receiving a presentation about the Plan from the Chief Executive of Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) during February 2017.  Concern was raised regarding an increase in self-harm and suicide attempts.  It was explained that previously it was seen that although there was direct involvement from CAMHS service, this was at a late stage.  It was therefore about providing a more preventative emotional health and wellbeing model. Members shared knowledge of schools where there was good support in place although it was unknown whether this was consistent across all schools.

Members were informed that work with Faith Groups had been slower than anticipated. As a result DCST had provided additional resources to enable the work to progress. Since then contact has been made with a number of groups and training has been provided.

Regarding referrals from different agencies, Members were informed that the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub had been established and there will be a single point of contact in 2017.  It was reported that there was a commitment for partners to work together and a growing confidence that children will receive the right response. 

In respect of Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) arrangements, it was reported that 73% of cases needed no further action.  It was explained that there were ongoing discussions between DCST and the police which should reduce the number of referrals.  In respect of Multi-Agency thresholds, it was reported that overall thresholds were satisfactory but work will continue to ensure so that families and organisations know how to access the right support

In respect of child protection, reassurances were sought as the report identified an increased number of children subject to a child protection plan.  Members were informed that this was due to a review of children known to social care when the DCST came into existence which resulted in a more robust approach being taken.  On this basis positive progress had been made as quality standards had improved and children were now being identified as being at risk at an earlier stage.  Members were also told that this was regularly monitored and assurances could be provided that children were in right place with the right support and were being protected.

Members were updated that DCST performance indicators were negotiated on an annual basis and reviewed as part of the annual contract review.  The review will look at what performance indicators it should be measured against within the contract and this will be signed off as part of annual contract report submitted to the Department of Further Education. It was acknowledged that some indicators were ambitious to drive improvement and the majority of them were doing well.  The Panel was also updated on progress against strategic priorities.

A Member questioned how many referrals were made from local football associations or the wider sports sector.  Members were informed that the safeguarding board had not received any referrals and there had been no indication of any escalations.  It was further explained that there was a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) who deals with all allegations against professionals was in place and that external validation showed that operations were robust and that referrals were dealt with vigorously.  It was explained that sports organisations were aware of the arrangements and that there was a well-established link as the LADO meets with sporting organisations on a regular basis. 

In respect of what could be achieved with football associations, Members were informed that the safeguarding board was being proactive and would work with football clubs to ensure that systems and processes remained robust so that victims and children were supported.  It was explained that recent press articles about abuse within football and other sports associations had only recently become a public issue.  The Independent Chair stated that there was a need to ensure that systems and procedures were operating consistently and that the capacity was there.  It was added that the DSCB would seek assurance in 2017 to ensure these are in place.  The Chair of the Panel stated that the Panel would look forward to receiving more information within a future report. 

Concern was raised regarding a reference made within the report that work would continue with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.  It was felt that this statement did not take into account that many heterosexual men may also suffer from such abuse.  Representation from the police clarified that this statement was included as there was a small cohort of men exploring sexuality that had come to the forefront and were currently working with the Police.  It was recognised that interactions with male victims did not just exist within LGBT groups and that the Police were engaging wider and not assuming that members of the LGBT communities were just victims.

RESOLVED that the Panel note;

1. The arrangements for its consideration of the Doncaster Safeguarding Children’s Board Annual Report; and
2. The updated assessment of the response to child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Doncaster; and
3. An outline of the functions of the Performance Accountability Board.