Child Protection

The report identifies improvements in police forces' approaches to child protection but also highlights ongoing challenges such as the inappropriate detention of children and inconsistencies in managing dangerous offenders. The Government is addressing these issues through increased investment, new training for first responders, and the development of a comprehensive package of measures including funding for the CAID database.

The Government have invested £22 million in the early intervention youth fund supporting 40 projects across England and Wales, aiming to reach over 60,000 children. Additionally, the £200 million youth endowment fund will provide funding for early intervention projects over ten years, starting with a grant round that has distributed £17.1 million to 23 successful applicants.

Welcomes the inspections but finds the results alarming; points out that every seven minutes a child is abused in the UK and criticises the police's lack of change in mindset despite previous action plans. Questions whether the new local safeguarding arrangements will provide opportunities for improvement and why there hasn't been any progress on implementing recommendations from earlier reviews.

Acknowledges that the Government's targeted funds are not just setting strategies but also implementing work across the country, with a focus on learning which projects work through long-term investments. Emphasises the importance of understanding various typologies of child sexual abuse, including online exploitation.

Concerned about children's services in Hull where Humberside police is responsible for safeguarding children; questions what should be asked of chief officers to ensure children are kept safe given the systemic issues highlighted.

Victoria Atkins highlighted the role of police and crime commissioners in setting priorities for local policing, emphasising their work on tackling exploitation and holding the police accountable. She also discussed the importance of the vulnerability knowledge and practice programme funded by the government to develop best practices in response to vulnerability.

Jane Hunt questioned Victoria Atkins about her stance on tackling child exploitation, both historical and current cases, emphasising its significance for a civil society.

Lucy Allan inquired about the challenges faced by vulnerable victims of child sexual exploitation who find it difficult to work with the police due to negative attitudes from law enforcement. She sought assurances that these crimes are taken seriously and prosecuted appropriately.

Katherine Fletcher asked Victoria Atkins about ensuring a cohesive response during early stages of child exploitation, seeking collaboration between different government departments.

David Simmonds requested a discussion with local authorities regarding the implementation of the Wood review to strengthen local accountability arrangements and bring schools into these considerations for effective safeguarding.

Ruth Edwards welcomed additional funding to protect children from online abuse and asked Victoria Atkins about how this investment will help in better protecting children from these crimes.

Greg Smith inquired about international efforts against online child sexual exploitation, seeking details on what the Government is doing with countries around the world to tackle this issue globally.

Jo Gideon welcomed investment in county lines co-ordination but expressed concerns over unregistered and unregulated facilities for looked-after children, urging Victoria Atkins to ensure better oversight and care for these children.