New tool to help staff protect children

A new assessment tool to help staff protect children from sexual exploitation has been launched at a local NHS trust to mark Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day (Wednesday 18 March 2015).

Designed by staff at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust the assessment tool has been designed to assist staff to identify children who are at risk of, or are experiencing child sexual exploitation.

The tool helps to support practitioners, making it easier for them to identify the vulnerabilities and warning signs shown by children and young people.

National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding CSE by encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance approach towards adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.

Emma Cox, named nurse for safeguarding children at the Trust said, “Children at risk of sexual exploitation are some of the most vulnerable in society.

“Many have experienced abandonment or have suffered from physical and mental abuse. They need help but don’t know where to look.

“This tool will help staff recognise those vital signs that children give but might not have the confidence to share.”

The tool will be shared with staff across the organisation and through local health and social care networks.