A report to cabinet sets out the work of the city council and partners in tackling child sexual exploitation and highlights the work of a specialist multi-agency team.
EmpowerU was set up in 2018 by Birmingham Children’s Trust, bringing together social care, police, youth work, health, education, youth justice, the third sector and others.
Its aim is to prevent abuse wherever possible, to stop further harm and support victims to recover and disrupt and prosecute perpetrators and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Birmingham Children’s Trust regularly collects and updates information about children identified as victims or potential victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE). The EmpowerU team analyses this data alongside live intelligence from children, parents, carers, professionals and partners. This helps protect vulnerable children, families and communities, identify perpetrators, and respond to changing tactics and methods.
In line with the national picture and concerns of Baroness Louise Casey, it is believed there is an under-identification of children at risk.
In Birmingham, the approach is broken down into work to prevent CSE, protect victims, and take enforcement action against perpetrators.
Cllr Kamel Hawwash, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Child sexual exploitation and abuse has a profound effect on individuals, families and communities, and we are all committed to keeping children at the centre of everything we do.
“A huge amount of work has been done over recent years but there is always more that we and partners can do. That’s why Birmingham Children’s Trust, working with the council and partners, is making further improvements in prevention, protection and enforcement.
“Active Bystander training is helping support public understanding of CSE and the signs to look out for. The Harm Outside the Home practice model looks at emerging risks and strengthens the safety net around children; we are recruiting more practitioners into this system to work across the city. Children who have been missing from home is a real concern and we are increasing support to have those difficult conversations with them to find out what might have happened and what help they need.
“Every child in Birmingham deserves to be safe and we will continue to face this issue without fear or favour, ensuring our children and communities are safe and thriving. We will not leave any stone unturned to learn from the past and ensure our children are safe now and in future.”
Full details of work being done and current data can be found in the cabinet report that will be discussed at cabinet committee on 10 November.
