Covid-19 and safeguarding children in Salford

In these challenging times, SSCP would like to remind everyone that safeguarding remains a high priority and if you have any concerns that a child is being abused or is at risk of abuse, to follow the appropriate process as normal.

Please download the position statement and latest guidance from Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership which sets out how the partnership will function during COVID-19.

Safeguarding Children Arrangements during Covid-19 (Adobe PDF format, 420kb)

We have a dedicated web-page throughout this period visit: https://safeguardingchildren.salford.gov.uk/news/coronavirus-and-safeguarding-children

If you have any questions or want to add anything to our dedicated page above please do not hesitate to email: sscp@salford.gov.uk

Safeguarding Children Practitioner Survey

Please take the time to click on the link below and tell us about your frontline practitioner experience of safeguarding children in Salford, it will take less than ten minutes. The results will be used to improve how we work together across the Partnership to safeguard children.

Please share with your colleagues

Access the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/aGexX0xFe1

The Big Ask - Consultation with children

The Children’s Commissioner for England has launched the largest ever survey of children and young people in England. The job of the Children’s Commissioner, Rachel de Souza is to speak up for children in England, stand up for their rights, and make sure that the people in power listen to what children need and want.

The Big Ask is a survey for children and young people aged 4–17 in England. The survey is split into different age groups and includes easy-read ‘accessible’ versions as well as a version for care leavers and should take 5-10 minutes to complete. The survey also provides the opportunity for parents and professionals to share their views and includes resources for teachers, youth groups and parents to help children complete the survey.

Knife Crime and Violence

Greater Manchester Police will be joining police forces across the country to support Operation Sceptre from 26th April. Operation Sceptre brings a nationwide focus to knife crime and with coronavirus restrictions easing, it’s more important than ever that forces are brought together to remind the public that police are targeting serious violence. Early intervention remains a key part as forces look to identify and tackle the root causes of knife crime, with an aim of discouraging young people from carrying knives. Advice for parents guardians and family members is also available and the vital role they play in preventing young people being involved in knife crime and violence.

Violence can have devastating consequences, including stopping young people from achieving their goals in life. The I am greater campaign shows that together, young people are united against violence: it's not who they are what they want to be. Lots of help and support is also available for young people if they are involved or affected by violence including the charity Fearless that offer non-judgemental information and advice for young people and allows 100% anonymous information and reports.

Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy

This strategy sets out the government’s vision for preventing, tackling and responding to child sexual abuse in all its forms, whether it is committed in person or online, in families or communities, here in this country or overseas. The strategy will galvanise a whole-system response that brings together agencies, sectors and society to tackle child sexual abuse, as well as a focus on prevention and early intervention, to help protect children and empower professionals, parents and carers to keep them safe.

Sexual abuse in schools: Helpline and Ofsted review

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a new helpline to support potential victims of sexual harassment and abuse in education settings. The dedicated number 0800 136 663, run by the NSPCC, will provide both children and adults who are victims of sexual abuse in schools with the appropriate support and advice. This includes how to contact the police and report crimes if they wish. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals too. The government has also asked Ofsted to undertake an immediate review of safeguarding policies in state and independent schools in England looking at the extent and the severity of the issue and ensuring schools have appropriate processes in place to allow pupils to report concerns freely, knowing these will be taken seriously. The review will conclude by the end of May 2021.

Infant crying and how to cope - ICON

During this challenging time stress levels at home may be increased. ICON is a programme aimed at helping parents and carers with young babies to cope with infant crying. Please follow the ICON guidance for coping with crying to ensure the message is provided to all families with babies.

For more information visit or to download the resources visit https://safeguardingchildren.salford.gov.uk/parents-and-carers/infant-crying-and-how-to-cope-icon/

Modern slavery: how to identify and support victims

The Home Office has updated the statutory guidance on identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery for use on or after 1 April 2021. The guidance includes a section on child victims Modern slavery: how to identify and support victims - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Cuckooing

Cuckooing is when people (usually criminals) exploit a vulnerable person, taking over their home and often using it for criminal purposes such as dealing drugs or hiding firearms but not exclusively. The name is based on the practice of the cuckoo birds who take over the nests of other birds.

The restrictions that have been in place during the pandemic have meant that some people are more isolated, leading to increased opportunities for this type of crime to occur. The SSAB have produced a 7 Minute Briefing and plain text version with more information about cuckooing. You may wish to use these to discuss cuckooing with your teams so people are aware of it and especially potential indicators.

Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and the Metropolitan Police have produced this Powerpoint / video about cuckooing which may also be helpful. You need to click through the slides and then play the short videos contained within it. Just be mindful that all the contact details at the end are for Camden!

Domestic Abuse and Suicide Prevention Event

Hosted by the National Suicide Prevention Alliance with Kent and Medway STP. Tim Woodhouse of Kent and Medway STP will provide an insight into their work and findings on domestic abuse and suicide, and there will then be time for participants to share their challenges and concerns, ask questions, and think together about how to work on this issue.

Supporting people with Learning Disabilities affected by Domestic Abuse - Toolkit

The Ann Craft Trust in partnership with Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services has produced a Toolkit for supporting people with Learning Disabilities affected by Domestic Abuse. The toolkit contains information and advice in accessible easy read factsheets. It also uses the red / amber / green to reflect the traffic light system used in health passports and other individual plans for adults with learning disabilities.

Other National Days - 2021

Stress Awareness Month - April

Greater Manchester Mental Health Toolkit for Employers LAUNCHED

The toolkit has been developed to help organisations – whether business, public sector or charitable – support the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. The toolkit provides an evidence-based framework focused on positive actions to build a culture that champions good mental health and provides a greater understanding for how to help those who need more support. Early intervention remains a key part as forces look to identify and tackle the root causes of knife crime, with an aim of discouraging young people from carrying knives.

To access: www.gmhsc.org.uk/news/the-greater-manchester-mental-health-toolkit-for-employers/

Further training and information available on Partners IN Salford

Stephen Lawrence Day - 22 April

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation have created a powerful video to encourage and inspire young people to take positive action to live their best life. Help to raise awareness on #StephenLawrenceDay and watch the video and please share far and wide using #LiveOurBestLife. Stephen Lawrence Day - A Legacy of Change - FULL VERSION - YouTube

We stand together - May

#WeStandTogether month in May and is an opportunity to bring people together, increase understanding and respect and build strong relationships in and across communities. Further information and resources available from We Stand Together

Useful Links to Training, Information and Resources

The SSCP has developed a Virtual Training Programme offering webinars, spotlight briefings, practitioner forums and videocasts. Our training programme is complemented by e-learning courses, 7 minute briefings Learning from Practice Reviews, Learning Events and by subscribing our SSCP YouTube channel. We will continue to review the possibility of offering face to face training in line with Government advice and local needs.

Visit also Salford Thrive for further Training, Resources and Events including Eating Disorders, Psychological First Aid, Mindfulness, Helping young people with anxiety, low mood and depression during Covid 19
The Emotional Health Service Directory will help you access useful resources and services available to support children and young people's emotional health and well-being and to provide guidance when making a referral into services.
To support us to become more aware of trauma and how we can support resilience across the City, take a look at The Salford Way which includes self care resources for taking care of ourselves and our colleagues.

Safeguarding Resources, Training and Information

SSCP 7 Minute Briefings: Child Criminal Exploitation, County Lines Drugs and Gangs, Safeguarding Standards for Listening
SSAB 7 minute Briefings:Peter - Joint Safeguarding Adult Review and Domestic Homicide Review
Domestic Abuse Awareness - Training, Information, 7 minute briefings and facts sheet
Latest Greater Manchester policies Tri-X briefings, Tri-X Circular and Tri-X Resource Hub – includes Good Practice Supporting the Voice of the Child
Local supporting pathways and policies including Professional Challenge and Escalation Policy
Lessons Learnt from Practice Reviews including Chronology guidance and Ecogram guidance

Other Updates and Information

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