Parents Information
If your child is vulnerable to exploitation, Children’s Services may become involved. Joe was initially referred to Norfolk Children’s Services in 2019, but the experience was not always straightforward.
Emma and Phil discovered that there was very little information available to parents explaining the processes and what to expect.
This is why they now share their knowledge and experience—to empower parents and help make what can be a difficult situation a little less daunting.
An adult working with your child, whether in a formal or voluntary setting, can make a referral to the Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CADS). Once informed of concerns about your child, CADS will assess their level of risk of harm from exploitation.
This assessment is conducted jointly with the Police, Health services, Education, and the Youth Justice Service. After these discussions, your child’s risk will be rated as follows:
Levels of risk
1. No Risk
(Child Criminal exploitation (CCE)/child sexual exploitation (CSE) No evidence of exploitation or exposure to serious youth violence.
2. Standard Risk
At this stage, there is no evidence or reasonable cause to suspect that the child is currently exposed to exploitation or serious youth violence. However, there are concerns that, without support, the child could be at risk in the future due to identified vulnerability factors or warning signs. The child or young person requires support to build resilience and reduce this risk.
3. Medium Risk
There is evidence or reasonable cause to suspect that the child is at risk of being targeted for exploitation or exposed to serious youth violence. The risk is such that the child would be unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable level of health or development without support, or their health and development is likely to be significantly or further impaired without it.
4. High Risk
There is evidence or reasonable cause to suspect that the child is currently exposed to exploitation or serious youth violence. The risk to the child’s safety is significant, and immediate support is required to safeguard them.
What is a child planning meeting (CPM)
Mitigate Risk
If your child is rated as medium or high risk of exploitation, a Child Planning Meeting (CPM) will take place for as long as they remain at that level of risk. A CPM is a meeting where your child’s risk of exploitation, and sometimes serious youth violence, is reviewed. Plans to mitigate and reduce risk are discussed and agreed upon. CPMs are designed to ensure effective, coordinated multiagency plans.
Child Planning Meetings can be daunting. You may enter a boardroom with many unfamiliar professionals seated around a large table, often with paperwork spread out in front of you. The meeting is chaired by an independent person.
Emma and Phil attended their first CPM for Joe in November 2019 at Whiting Road, Norwich. They were initially shown into a small side room and asked to read reports from professionals such as the school safeguarding officer, social worker, and police.
When they entered the main boardroom, they were understandably frightened. Around the large table sat 15 different professionals, most of whom they had never met before. All were there to discuss Joe. Emma and Phil were unprepared for how stressful the situation would be and heard a lot of information that was new to them.
Joe was rated as high risk,and remained on high risk until about a month before he turned 18.
MACE Procedures
Child Planning Meetings are a key part of the Multi-Agency Child Exploitation (MACE) procedures in Norfolk. The name and process may differ depending on which county you live in.
During the meeting, your child’s risk level will be discussed, you will have the opportunity to share any updates about your child, and the professional network will attend to share information and review the current level of risk.
How Often Will My Child Be Seen?
This entirely depends on what risk your child is rated as. Joe was high risk on a Child protection plan.
If your child is open on a Child in Need (Section 17) or Child Protection (Section 47) Plan, there is a statutory requirement for a social worker to see your child:
- Section 17 – At least every 20 days
- Section 47 At least every 10 days
Your child will also meet with other professionals who are part of the network. The frequency of these meetings will be agreed between the professionals and your child. As a parent, you will be kept informed of when these meetings will take place and provided with any key dates.
Joe was on a Child Protection Plan, he was often left frustrated and annoyed due to visits being arranged and the staff member failing to show.
Where will the meetings take place?
You and your child will have meetings with the professionals involved. These meetings may take place face-to-face or virtually. Your child may choose the location of the meeting, preferably somewhere neutral or where they feel comfortable.
Joe was often picked up by his social worker and taken to the gym or out for food.
Emma and Phil attended a mix of face-to-face and virtual meetings, partly due to Covid. Some meetings took place at home, while others were held in coffee shops or at Children’s Services.
What professionals will be involved?
Social Worker
Your child will be allocated a social worker. You will be provided with their name and contact details, so you and your child can discuss any concerns or issues directly with them.
MACE Team
If your child is deemed Medium or High risk of exploitation there will be an allocated Police Officer from the Multi Agency Child Exploitation team. They will attend the CPM and be allocated to work alongside the network and your family.
Youth Justice Officer
Youth Justice will allocate an officer who will meet with your child and you.
Health
There may be a school nurse or another health professional who will attend the CPM and be able to support with any health needs for your child.
Education
If your child attends school or college the designated safeguard lead for the education provider where your child is on roll will attend the CPM
Targeted Youth Services
Your child may be allocated a support person from Targeted Youth Support Services.
Emma and Phil found it overwhelming how many people were involved and noticed a lack of continuity in Joe’s care.
Joe had at least eight social workers due to changes within Children’s Services or the use of locum staff. Building rapport and trust with staff takes time, which was made difficult by the frequent changes.
Your role as a parent?
If your child is deemed at risk of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), it can be a stressful and challenging time for your family. It is important to work closely with professionals and confidently share any information that may reduce your child’s risk and help safeguard them.
You will be asked to attend meetings so you can contribute to your child’s plan and hear updates from key professionals. Be open and honest with the professionals if you have information directly related to concerns about your child.
Your child may not want all the support offered by professionals, but try to keep them engaged. Inform them about meetings so they know what is happening and understand that you are not acting behind their back. Always try to see things from their perspective and continually offer your support. Over time, your child may choose to accept the help available, and you will be there for them when they do.
Joe initially engaged with the professionals and attended some of the meetings. However, over time he chose to engage with only one individual, feeling that the rest were a waste of his time.
Emma and Phil initially attended all meetings together. However, Phil found it difficult to attend due to work commitments and the timing of the meetings. Emma continued to attend all meetings to ensure there would be no question about her engagement in Joe’s care.