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

Annual Report 2020/21

This is the second annual report of the Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership, it covers the period from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021. In these unprecedented times it is more important than ever to ensure that we are in touch with our most vulnerable children to make sure they can be as safe and healthy as possible. The “Spirit of Salford” remains resolute. Safeguarding services and communities have continued to prioritise safeguarding children. We want to thank everyone who continue to go above and beyond to make Salford a safer place for children.

This report recognises the progress the Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) has made throughout the year and sets out our commitment to continue to address the challenges that remain in 2021/22.

Priority Areas 2021/22 - These are the key areas that the Partnership will address in its business plan

Neglect
Contextual Safeguarding and Children Missing
Sexual Abuse (including intrafamilial and child protection processes)

Assurance Areas 2021/22 - These are areas led by other partnerships but have key safeguarding elements

Trauma Informed Practice
Children Affected by Domestic Abuse
Ensure effect transition from CCGs to ICS retaining local capacity for health safeguarding

For further information can be found within the SSCP Annual report 2020-2021

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Assessment Toolkit and Guidance

The FGM Task Group has recently launched a new FGM Assessment Toolkit with accompanying guidance. Its purpose is to support in multi-agency assessment of whether FGM has taken place or there is a risk of FGM to an adult, child or close family member.

The aim of the toolkit is to

support sensitive discussion with those who have experienced or may be at risk of FGM
strengthen multi-agency assessment, decision making and signposting of those who have experienced or may be at risk of FGM
avoid survivors being repeatedly questioned regarding their experiencing thereby preventing further trauma
provide robust information to inform decision making at Bridge
assist in determining the level of risk and ensure cases managed at the appropriate threshold

Please submit the appropriate assessment tool alongside referrals made to Bridge to assist in screening and decision-making process and store a copy on records

Accompanying pathways for both adults and children and a 7-minute briefing also aim to further promote understanding of associated risks and professional roles and responsibilities

Information regarding Third Sector support services is available on the SSCP website Female Genital Mutilation page

Understanding the threat of Incel violence

Practitioners need to be aware of a growing online community which promotes hate towards women. The community is made up predominantly of males aged 13 to 30 and preys on the insecurities of young males who consider themselves to be unattractive to girls and women. They call themselves “incel” which is short for involuntary celibate. Some forums have links to the far right and promote racism; and incel culture has been linked to incidents of real world violence. Read more in this BBC news article.

For further information and advice visit the Greater Manchester Prevent website or contact the Salford Prevent Team on the details below:

Denee Cassidy, Salford City Council Prevent Lead denee.cassidy@salford.gov.uk
Dionne Duffill, Prevent Officer for Communities & Venue Hire dionne.duffill@salford.gov.uk
Wendy Robinson, Prevent Education Officer wendy.robinson@salford.gov.uk
Jo Rutter, Hate Crime Lead Josephine.rutter@salford.gov.uk
Pamela Wright, Prevent Business Support Officer pamela.wright@salford.gov.uk

https://www.salford.gov.uk/people-communities-and-local-information/the-prevent-duty/

https://www.salford.gov.uk/people-communities-and-local-information/the-prevent-duty/venue-hire/

https://www.salford.gov.uk/crime-reduction-and-emergencies/hate-crime/

Early Help Assessment and Team around the Family 7 Minute Briefings

A recent case review which concerned a child found in neglectful home conditions highlighted the need for greater awareness about the Early Help Assessment and the Team around the Family (TAF) process. Two new 7 Minute Briefings have been produced:

Early Help 7MB and Team around the Family (TAF) 7MB

Case Review Baby I

A recent case review dealing with Non Accidental Injury to a child has again highlighted the vulnerability of babies under the age of 12 months. Read about the learning identified in the case in this 7 Minute Briefing

Listening Hub Update!

The first Listening Hub and hybrid event 😊

Held at The Beacon Centre with young people, parents and professionals. This was an engaging event which focused on "keeping children safe online". Further information regarding the feedback and next steps from young people, parents and professionals can be found on the Listening Hub and Education Listening Hub pages.

First Lunch Bowl to launch the Listening Hub 😊

With the showing of the animation video on Thursday 25th November via Microsoft Teams from 13:00 to 14:00, this lunch bowl will:

provide details about the Listening Hub and update
Listening Standards/Loops
feedback from the first workshop regarding "keeping children safe online"

If you want to join this Lunch Bowl, please contact thelisteninghub@salford.gov.uk

Listening Hub Animation Clips

7 soundbites from the full Listening Hub animation video are now available to use for training and publicity purposes. Please see the "useful resources" section on the Listening Hub and Education Listening Hub pages.

Learning from Practice Reviews

A recent review has once again highlighted the vulnerability of babies aged under 12 months. Practitioners are encouraged to be extra vigilant where babies are concerned. Key messages include: be confident to ask difficult questions about males in the household; share information about domestic abuse incidents; make use of opportunities to support and safeguard pregnant women.

Read the Case Review 7 Minute Briefing "Chloe" available on the 7-Minute Briefing page.

Gender based violence

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10th December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL).

2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Global 16 Days Campaign. Inspired by the original vision and history of the Campaign, which focused on raising awareness about violence against women (VAW), and considering the continuing impunity for femicide, this year the Campaign will focus on the issue of “femicide or the gender-related killing of women.”

In 2021, in addition to the anniversary theme, the Campaign will continue its program activities to end gender-based violence (GBV) in the world of work by focusing on the link between domestic violence and the world of work, drawing on legal standards outlined in ILO Convention 190 (C190) and the actions put forward in Recommendation 206 (R206).

Useful Links to Training, Information and Resources

The SSCP has developed a Virtual Training Programme offering webinars, spotlight briefings, lunchbowls, practitioner forums and videocasts. Our training programme is complemented by e-learning courses, 7 minute briefings Learning from Practice Reviews, and Learning Events. 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 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: Salford standards for listening, Knife Crime, Young Persons Plan
SSAB 7 minute Briefings: Cuckooing, Joint Safeguarding Adult Review and Domestic Homicide Review
Latest Greater Manchester policies Tri-X briefings, Tri-X Circular and Tri-X Resource Hub – includes The Domestic Abuse Act 2021
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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