The Cabinet Member - Children and Family Services introduced a report, by the Director of Children’s Services, which had been written following the enquiry into Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council by Professor Alexis Jay, published in August 2014.  The report outlined the issues arising from the Rotherham Enquiry and provided details of work that was taking place to address Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in Wirral, and future work that was planned. 

The Cabinet noted that CSE was tackled effectively when there was clear and committed leadership and where safeguarding professionals co-operate together.  In Wirral, direction was provided through the Local Safeguarding Children Board and a regional approach to strategic partnership working.  Section 5 of the Director’s report set out a plan of action, to be delivered with key partner agencies, to identify and support young people at risk of CSE.  It explained the range of responses and services that were provided and how greater engagement of the community would support early identification of the risks.

Cabinet Members agreed that it was important that lessons were learnt from what had happened in Rotherham and the action plan was welcomed.  It was also agreed that Elected Members needed to be more vigilant and the CSE training they were to receive in November 2014 was also welcomed.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the content of the report be noted and the action plan be endorsed; and

(2)  regular reports be provided for the Cabinet on CSE so that the situation can be kept under review and continuously monitored.