identified in this report, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DOH) should direct the Public Health Agency to undertake a public health campaign on CSE-related issues. This should complement the work undertaken by SBNI. publish an implementation plan for all Marshall recommendations to be delivered by the SBNI. regardless of department or agency. Two on from the publication of the Inquiry Report it is not acceptable that updates on implementation are not provided or that the reporting process is not properly integrated. K2 The inquiry encourages the PSNI to pursue its commitment to strengthening relationships with communities and with young people as a priority in the context of the current climate of austerity. PSNI Complete – see previous report DoJ’s Second Progress Report detail not included here and it is unclear why this is not reflected in this report. The detail in the Second DoJ Report, while useful, does not demonstrate how relationships with young people, including those at risk of CSE have been strengthened. Recommendations should not be assessed as completed without evidence they have been delivered. K3 The DOH in conjunction with DOJ should develop guidance for parents Complete – see previous report 1 HSC
culture conducive to respect for the best interests of the child; and b) take account of the specific needs of separated and trafficked children and those affected by CSE. The DOH should issue a circular and associated guidance stating how these issues should be taken forward. Issues relating to safeguarding and protecting children from abuse, whether this relates to trafficking or CSE, are implicit within the standards. Equally issues and an awareness of cultural sensitivities relating to particular ethnic groups are also implicit in the standards. The HSCB will ensure that the detail and translation of these into practice and residential service delivery models are fully attended to in each facility’s statement of purpose and function. Work is currently underway to review the current Statement of Purpose and Function of the specialist facility for separated children with the assistance and input of the Belfast Trust Review/Training Team. This will afford an important opportunity to make explicit some of the This is not referenced in this report and no evidence is provided to indicate that inspections routinely assess whether children’s homes respect best interests and meet the specific needs of separated children and those affected by CSE. Other information provided illustrates ongoing or planned activity associated with the recommendation rather than evidence it has been implemented. No timeframes are given. Recommendations should not be completed without assurance of implementation.
particular issues pertaining to safeguarding, trafficking and cultural / ethnic issues. It is proposed that the HSCB will lead on a review of regional specialist children’s services. Among other things, the review will consider the policy, legislative and standards frameworks underpinning that specialist provision and make recommendations for change as appropriate. This will include specialist provision for separated children. K6 The DOH, along with the HSC Board and HSC Trusts, should consider how “safe spaces” could be developed for children and young people at risk of, subject to, or recovering from CSE. This development should take account of models of best practice and the views of young people, and should respect international human rights standards. DOH See previous report for details of progress made April to September 2015. Work to develop a range of “safe spaces” for children continues on a number of levels. Learning from best practice in NI and elsewhere, with a number of study visits and research into how other parts of the UK are developing services to help create a safer environment for all children subject to CSE. Engagement with local communities, raising awareness about CSE and helping develop defence mechanisms against CSE for parents and communities. 3 The work outlined should address all three aspects of the recommendation: safe spaces for children who are - at risk of CSE victims of CSE and need to be safe recovering from CSE. All three elements should be addressed in progress reports. NICCY is concerned that activity is focused on the latter two aspects and progress should be reported across all three areas. The outcome of activities, including consultation with young people through VOYPIC, and how DoH will
disrupt and tackle CSE. It should involve DOJ and DE and should: a) be informed by the experiences and views of children, parents and carers; b) recognise parents and carers as partners in preventing and tackling CSE, unless there are strong indications that they are involved or complicit; c) recognise the support and training needs of frontline workers in all agencies in relation to CSE; d) reflect the particular role of schools in raising awareness and identifying concerns about CSE; e) acknowledge the role of heath workers in early intervention, prevention and in reporting CSE, which should be made more explicit in policies, high level plan relating to the development of the strategy was agreed in June 2015 by DE, DOJ and DOH Ministers and is published on the websites of all three departments DfE and DAERA subsequently joined the Cross-departmental Implementation Group, specifically because of their responsibilities in the areas of further education, careers service and training. Mapping work has been undertaken which links Marshall recommendations to elements of a strategic framework identified by Professor Marshall. A further mapping exercise, which links areas for improvement identified by the Thematic Review undertaken by the SBNI, has also been conducted. The aim of both exercises was to potentially gaps in activity. DoH noted a draft strategy would be consulted on in June 2016, this has not happened and no clear commitment is given to a strategy in this report. NICCY highlights that the 2016 HMIC report into PSNI effectiveness cited lack of an overarching CSE strategy as a factor in inconsistent responses to missing children. It is unhelpful that the first embedded weblink simply highlights the June 2015 Cross-Departmental Plan which states the draft strategy will be consulted on in June 2016 while the second links to the published SBNI CSE Thematic Review document (which cross references Marshall recommendations within the report) but does not link to the further mapping exercise discussed. NICCY believes that if the DoH have identified an alternative
parents of disabled children. provided iro RSE. A report on the findings will follow in due course. The revised RSE guidance highlights the need for careful planning and adaptation of resources and teaching activities for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). For example, there is reference to some learners being vulnerable to abuse who may need explicit teaching and there is a version for MLD students. The need for communication with parents/carers is also clearly highlighted in the revised guidance so that learning can be reinforced in the home environment how schools are providing support about CSE for parents (including parents of children with disabilities) this should be reported on. This is particularly important following the 2016 ETI report which highlighted teachers not being confident or being uncomfortable addressing the ‘sensitive’ aspects of RSE and the need for further teacher training. S6 The HSC Board should ensure that child protection issues are consistently and skilfully addressed in LAC and disability settings, where these are separate from specific child protection processes. See previous report for details of progress made April to September 2015. Child protection issues relating to children with a disability A comprehensive review of the protection services available to disabled children has now been completed by Queen’s University Belfast, SBNI and Disability Network – “Safeguarding Disabled Children and Young People: A Scoping Exercise of Statutory Child Protection Services for Disabled Children and Young People in Northern Ireland”. 1 requests more detail on why this recommendation has been coded red. The Scoping Study referenced highlights a range of concerns in this area and makes a number of useful, practical recommendations. A timeframe for the subgroup’s work on taking these forward should be provided. HSC
S7 The Department of Education should ensure that all young people can access more information and support on healthy relationships, including LGBT young people. This could be included within the CCEA review of Relationships and Sexuality guidance materials DE Circular 2015/22 has been issued to schools alerting them to the publication of the revised guidance, one for Primary and one for Post Primary. to relevant resources were included including those on sexual orientation, gender identity and homophobic bullying. The EA, Education Committee and all HEIs were sent letters advising them of the revised guidance. The Education Authority is considering how best to disseminate the key messages in Circular 2015/22 and the guidance itself across the youth sector. As already the publication of guidance does not in itself provide assurance that recommendations are being properly met and changing practice on the ground. In this instance, it does not ensure that all young people can access healthy relationship support and the Progress Report should outline how this is being monitored, particularly for LGBT young people. S8 DOH in conjunction with DOJ should pursue an All-Ireland Information Sharing Agreements to achieve closer collaboration on CSE and related issues. DOH See previous report for details of progress made April to September 2015 An Inter-Jurisdictional protocol, Protocol for Transfer of Children’s Social Care Cases between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland” was published in November 2011 to assist with the transfer of cases and the sharing of information cross border on families and children known to Social Services. Work is also ongoing to review the cross border information sharing arrangements between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána. 2 Reporting should identify whether initiatives are leading to closer collaboration on CSE in frontline practice. It is unclear whether an All Ireland Information Sharing Agreement is being pursued and this should be clarified. Assurances should be given that, following the UK referendum, the impact of Brexit on all-ireland arrangements in relation to safeguarding, and CSE specifically, are being assessed.
referrals related to CSE have been / will be been acted upon; and Greater emphasis on prevention and empowering children and young people (appropriate to their age) to keep themselves safe. S12 Police and Community Safety Partnerships should seek to add value to the policing of communities by creating innovative mechanisms to hear and reflect issues of local concern. This should specifically reflect issues affecting children and young people. PSNI Awareness training for all PCSP members and managers has been scheduled for delivery as they begin the process of setting their strategic priorities for the next three years. While planning awareness raising is positive, the Progress Report does not indicate how PCSPs are developing mechanisms to respond to local concerns and address children’s issues. Information on planned engagement with children and how the impact of this will influence the work of PCSPs should be provided. S13 The HSC Board should monitor the arrangements for private fostering to ensure that awareness of CSE is raised and to ensure identification of cases that have not been notified to the Trusts. Completed - Articles 108 and 112 of the Children Order provide the relevant legislative basis for private fostering arrangements. Regulations made under Articles 108(2), 112(1) and (2) of the Children Order are the Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations (NI) 1996. Work to raise awareness of private fostering and what is required of individuals who 1 HSC
online resources responsibly, and how to keep their pupils safe. Teachers can also now access a Fronter resource called, ‘Better safe than This is an online room that a teacher can bring children into, with a range of readily available educational resources relevant to safety. S36 The Department of Education should give further guidance to schools on CSE and in its review of Relationships and Sexuality Education guidance for schools; CCEA should consider specifically referencing CSE. DE Complete – see previous report As highlighted in S31, the findings of the 2016 ETI report on RSE demonstrate that further work, including training for teachers, is required to ensure the guidance is implemented in schools and enables schools to better protect children from CSE. S37 The Department of Education should explore the possibilities for peer education and mentoring as a way of informing and supporting young people about CSE DE DE has supported the dissemination of the Barnardo’s/SBNI DVD and Resource Pack ‘False Freedom’ to all post-primary schools, the EA and regional youth officers. This resource was produced by young people for young people. The 2016 School Omnibus Survey includes questions on peer mentoring and its use within schools. It is important that activity marked against recommendations properly addresses these. While the examples given relate to the area of peer education, they do not indicate how peer mentoring practices have been developed or how resources such as False Freedom have been used within schools and other settings. S38 The Department of Education should DE The Department is currently drafting a records management policy for schools 2 The report should reflect that guidance has been provided
provide schools with clear, consistent guidance on recording, storing and handling of child protection records including CSE. which will address this particular aspect of records management. Work on the circular is well advanced and it is anticipated that it will be circulated to schools in September 2016. by DE. DE should identify if the guidance is adhered to and does improve child protection records management in schools. S39 Schools should ensure that all school governors have child protection awareness training which includes reference to CSE. The designated governor for child protection should have additional, enhanced training. There are 3 strands to child protection training for governors: All Governors receive child protection awareness training (which includes CSE) as part of their Governor induction training. This is provided by Assistant Advisory Officers in the EA. The Chair of the Board of Governors and the designated Governors receive targeted child protection training (which also includes CSE), provided by the EA CPSSS. recruitment and selection training is provided by EA HR staff. S40 The Department of Education should ensure that youth workers, whether paid or voluntary, should receive training to help them to inform and support young people, who may be at risk of CSE, and to identify and report DE An Interim Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy was approved by the EA in January 2016. The policy applies to all EA services including the youth service. This falls to the EA. The information provided should be relevant to the recommendation. DE and EA should demonstrate how they have ensured youth workers have had access to training on supporting young people at risk of CSE and identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns.
safeguarding issues appropriately S42 HSC Trusts should explore the potential for school nurses to play a wider role in safeguarding issues, including CSE. A review of school nursing services is ongoing. The outcome of this review will determine whether additional action is required to deliver this recommendation. 2 S43 PSNI and criminal justice partners in the Prosecution Service and Service should continue to develop their approach to responding to victims of CSE in a way that treats them fairly and sensitively and avoids blaming them for offending behaviour associated with their abuse. This involves attitude, not just policy or process. DOJ NICTS continues to work with NSPCC’s Young Witness Service and others to maximise the use of remote live links so that young witnesses can give their evidence away from the formal court environment. This reduces anxiety and helps with giving better evidence. In addition to facilitating these and other special measures the court will prioritise cases involving young or vulnerable witnesses (based on information provided by the parties) to ensure that their evidence is taken as early in the day as possible. Court staff and court clerks have customer service standards requiring them to treat all court users with courtesy and sensitivity. Further detail on how these actions are improving the way the criminal justice system responds to victims of CSE should be given. It is of concern that no detail regarding the work of PSNI is provided. HSC
package underpinned by the ‘Runaway and Missing from Home and Care Protocol has also been developed. S44 The Department of Justice should continue to seek to develop and improve the experiences of young witnesses, taking into account research and learning from other countries. This should include consultation with stakeholder groups and with young witnesses. DOJ Interviews have been undertaken on the experiences of victims of Sexual Abuse/Violence. Initial analysis of this has been undertaken and an overview of key areas has been published. A more detailed report, along with a response paper and action plan will be published shortly. The Department is working to identify individuals that could participate in the research into the experience of young victims of crime. A timeframe for this work should be provided. S45 PPS should ensure that prosecutors dealing with sexual offences against children continue to receive training at regular intervals on the dynamics of child abuse, including CSE. PPS Progress Reports should report on all recommendations regardless of department or agency. Two years on from the publication of the Inquiry Report it is not acceptable that updates on implementation are not provided or that the reporting process is not properly integrated. S46 Awareness-raising about the dynamics of child abuse and CSE PPS DOJ The Public Prosecution has established a Serious Crime Unit (SCU) to deal with all sexual offences cases including cases It is helpful that information has now been provided on this recommendation although the
in particular should be available for all legal personnel and should be mandatory for all legal professionals dealing with child abuse cases. This should be made the responsibility of the PPS for its own legal staff, the Northern Ireland Bar for its staff and the Judicial Studies Board for Judges. NI Bar involving Child Sexual Exploitation. This Unit became operational on 4 January 2016 and is staffed by 10 experienced Senior Public Prosecutors and is headed by an Assistant Director who reports directly to the Senior Assistant Director. All Prosecutors in the SCU have received training on sexual offences including sexual offences against children as well as specific training on Child Sexual Exploitation which was provided by Barnardo’s which included potential indicators of CSE and the particular needs of children who have been subjected to or are experiencing CSE Judicial Studies The Judicial Studies Board has issued a notice to all members of the Judiciary informing them of the recommendation to raise awareness of the issue. JSB representatives plan to attend and continue to distribute further insight and learning points from CSE related events. Northern Ireland Bar The Bar of Northern Ireland is delivering a programme of specialist training in the next legal term targeting publicly funded barristers to include child abuse and CSE as well as vulnerable witnesses, violence against women and court users with communications needs. impact of training on management of cases, the experiences of victims and witnesses and prosecution outcomes should be monitored.
S47 While we acknowledge the work already undertaken by the Department of Justice in order to avoid delay, robust case management is necessary. The DOJ should ensure that both statutory case management and statutory time limits are introduced in Northern Ireland. Both have already been the subject of clear recommendations by the Criminal Justice Inspection in Northern Ireland. DOJ The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2015 received Royal assent on 24 July 2015 and the Department will make regulations which will impose duties on the court, prosecution and defence. The arrangements for consultation on Statutory Case management regulations are on target. The regulations will also confer functions in the magistrate’s courts and the Crown Court, and will define the court’s key case management responsibilities. The Minister remains committed to STLs and the Department is engaging with the Justice Committee on a range of proposals and will shortly consult with key stakeholders on improving processing times for cases within the Youth Court. NICCY notes that no evidence of how improvements to case management have addressed delay have been provided. In relation to STLs it is concerning that no significant progress has been made on this and no timescale for achieving this is given. S48 PSNI should conduct a review of resources and operational delivery in respect of digital evidence examination to ensure that any evidence of CSE is provided to investigators in a timely manner, and to PSNI A review is currently being progressed regarding resource demand modelling which may identify resource deficiencies. Work has also been progressing to automate digital evidence examination services utilising various projects, one of which will improve imaging and dissemination of material for investigators to view and another which is intended to automate the examination of potential CSE material. Both