NORTHERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE TRUST
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
GUIDANCE FOR STAFF
November 2015
Page 1
INTRODUCTION
Trust staff are well aware of the vulnerability of children and young people to sexual
exploitation and of the need to work with them, their families and with other key
agencies and groups to protect them. The CSE protection work undertaken by the
Northern Health & Social Care Trust is co-ordinated by a multi-disciplinary crossDirectorate group, ably supported by the Trust Senior Social Work Practitioner re:
CSE.
This group recognises the need to provide Trust staff with support and guidance in
how best to respond to concerns that a child or young person is being, or is at
significant risk of being, sexually exploited. The guidance set out in this pack
(available as hard copy ring binder and on the Safeguarding Children page on
Staffnet) will help provide this.
Marie Roulston
Director of Children Services
CONTENTS
Page 2
1. Guidance for Staff Completing Child Sexual Exploitation
Risk Assessments
2. Terms of Reference for Trust/PPB CSE Weekly Meetings
3. Missing 3+ Times Guidance for Social Work Staff
4. Trust Referral Process re; Barnardos Safe Choices
Service
Appendices
1. Interim Regional Guidance for the Management of Child
Sexual Exploitation Referrals
2. Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment Appendix 1a
3. Child Sexual Exploitation Appendix 2
4. Young People Missing 3+ Times Checklist
Page 3
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
Guidance For Staff Completing CSE Risk Assessments
1. All relevant Trust staff, particularly family and childcare social workers have a
responsibility to ensure that they are familiar with the Interim Regional
Guidance – Management of Child Sexual Exploitation Referrals and updates
as they are circulated.
2. When staff have a concern that a child/young person is at potential risk of
CSE they should, as a starting point, complete the CSE Risk Assessment
Form (Appendix 1a).
3. Issues/situations where consideration should be given as to whether a young
person could be at risk of CSE include;
 Periods of going missing
 Associating with older persons especially if the young person is
refusing to provide details of the individuals
 Presenting as having more money/goods than would be expected
 Misuse of alcohol/drugs/substances
 Getting into cars of people not known to parents/carers
 Inappropriate use of social media
 Change in presentation following use of social media/phone etc
 Disclosure of a significantly older boy/girlfriend
 Discovery of sexually explicit items/messages on electronic devices
owned by young person
 3rd party disclosures of sexual interactions/activities in respect of young
person
 Attending parties known to be attended by older persons
 Self-disclosure of sexual exploitation
4. All completed CSE Risk Assessment Forms (Appendix 1a) to be e-mailed to
the Trust Senior Practitioner for CSE – frankie.nolan@northerntrust.hscni.net .
5. In cases where CSE Score is 16+ or where the score is less but the Social
Worker or the Trust’s Senior Practitioner for CSE are of the opinion that this
lower score does not reflect the level of risk the CSE Risk Assessment
(Appendix 1a) and the Appendix 2 Form must be completed and forwarded to
the Senior Practitioner for CSE.
6. Where the Senior Practitioner for CSE is of the opinion that the threshold is
met to consider the child/young person’s name being included on the CSE
Master List they will contact the social work staff who have completed the
Appendix 1a/Appendix 2 Forms and arrange a meeting with a relevant
member of the Public Protection Branch CSE Team to progress.
7. If the Senior Practitioner for CSE agrees that a case should be considered for
the CSE master List and the Appendix 2 has not been completed, the Senior
Practitioner for CSE will request the relevant social worker to complete this
and will copy their line manager into this request.
Page 4
8. Once the Senior Practitioner for CSE has received the Appendix 1a/Appendix
2 Forms they will arrange with police colleagues for the case to be discussed
at a joint PPB CSE/Trust meeting. The Senior Practitioner for CSE will advise
the relevant social work staff of the date, time and venue of this meeting. It is
expected that the relevant social worker or an appropriate substitute will
attend.
9. The Senior Practitioner for CSE will provide the social worker with minutes of
the joint police/Trust meeting which will include actions and a risk
management plan.
10. All cases added to the CSE Master List will be reviewed at intervals no greater
than 3 months.
11. The social worker must update the Appendix 1a and Appendix 2 after
significant incidents and ensure that police colleagues and the Senior
Practitioner for CSE are provided with details and a copy of the updated
forms.
12. When completing a CSE Risk Assessment form Appendix 1a staff must give
consideration to the health/sexual health need of the child/young person.
Consideration to be given to the need to a referral to the Rowan/GP/LAC
nurse as appropriate.
13. When social work staff identify a person of concern who may be responsible
for the CSE these individuals must be reported to the appropriate authorities –
PSNI and Gateway.
14. If the scoring of Appendix 1a falls within the moderate or significant risk
ranges, or it is the professional opinion of the social worker completing the
forms, that the child is at significant risk of CSE, a PJI1 must be completed
and processed as per regional guide lines.
Page 5
Terms of Reference for Trust/ PPB CSE Weekly Meetings
The joint Trust Social Services and Public Protection Branch CSE meetings are to
ensure that all cases scoring 16+ or where the score is less but the Social Worker
and/or the Trust’s Senior Practitioner for CSE are of the opinion that this lower score
does not reflect the level of risk are discussed on a joint agency basis and all cases
on the CSE Master List are reviewed on a minimum 3 monthly basis.
1. Twice weekly meeting will be established between PPB CSE staff, Senior
Practitioner for CSE and relevant Trust staff
2. Meetings will alternate between the PPB station and Trust premises. Agenda
of cases to be discussed will be developed in advance of the meeting and the
Senior Practitioner for CSE will invite the young person’s social worker, senior
practitioner or senior social worker to attend.
3. Every relevant Appendix 1a that scores 16+ (or where professional opinion is
that the case is high risk despite a lower score) will be discussed at this joint
agency meeting.
4. In cases where there is active involvement with Barnardos Safe Choices the
relevant staff member will be invited to attend these meetings.
5. All cases on the CSE Master List will be reviewed at a minimum of every 3
months.
6. In the 3 monthly review directly before the young person turns eighteen yearsold a member of the Trust’s Adult Safeguarding Specialist Team will be invited
to attend to facilitate transfer to the service if appropriate.
7. Minutes of these meetings will be completed by the Trust Senior Practitioner
for CSE and disseminated to all relevant Social Services and PPB CSE staff.
These minutes will include all decisions and actions agreed at the meeting.
8. Overarching trends/patterns of concern will be identified at the joint meetings
for discussion, consultation and dissemination to relevant authorities.
9. If any issues/problems are identified with respect to collaborative working
between PSNI and the Trust staff a resolution will be sought at the meeting
and if not successful will be brought to the attention of the relevant managers.
10. The Terms of Reference for these meetings will be reviewed 6 months after
initial implementation to assess their effectiveness. Recommendations arising
from this review will be made to relevant Trust and PSNI managers.
Page 6
Missing 3+ times Guidance for Social Work staff
Each month the Trust’s Senior Practitioner for Child Sexual Exploitation receives
information from the police setting out the names of the young people living in the
NHSCT area who have been reported missing 3 times or more in the past six month
period. The Senior Practitioner for CSE will check these names and identify if a CSE
Risk Assessment (Appendix 1a) has been completed in relation to the young person.
This information will then be distributed to the social workers involved who will review
and consult with their line manager to decide if a CSE Risk Assessment (Appendix
1a) needs to be completed or updated.
In order to protect these vulnerable young people it is essential that social work staff
complete the attached Children Missing 3+ Times Checklist and return it to the
Trust’s Senior Practitioner for CSE.
Page 7
CHILDREN MISSING 3+ TIMES LIST
PROTOCOL
1. The Senior Practitioner for CSE receives the list each month from PSNI. This
list provides the names for all young people who have been reported to the
police as missing three times or more in the past 6 months.
2. If the list is not received the Senior Practitioner for CSE will request the list
from the PSNI PPU Central Referral Unit. If there is an on-going problem with
the provision of the list the Senior Practitioner for CSE will bring this to his
manager’s attention.
3. On receipt of the list the Senior Practitioner for CSE will check the names
against the names on the CSE Master List and check if he has received a
CSE Risk Assessment (Appendix 1a). These details will be added to the
Missing 3+ Times List.
4. The Senior Practitioner for CSE will send the Missing 3+ Times List with the
additional information from the CSE Master List and the CSE Risk
Assessment Forms to the relevant SWSM. It is sent to the relevant SWSM in
order that they are able to have an overview of the CSE cases in their teams
and actions that have been taken or may need to be taken.
5. In each case the Senior Practitioner for CSE will ask, via the relevant SWSM,
that the Missing 3+ Times Checklist (Appendix 3) is completed by the named
social worker for each young person. This checklist is to be returned to the
Senior Practitioner for CSE (cc to the relevant SWSM) so that demographic
data and analysis of actions relating to children going missing can be collated
by them.
6. When completing a CSE Risk Assessment Appendix 1a staff should consult
the Guidance For staff Completing CSE Risk Assessments
Page 8
Trust Referral Process re: Barnardo’s safe Choices Service
Barnardo’s Safe Choices is a specialist service working with young people who are
affected by child sexual exploitation. They offer young people the opportunity to
engage in a therapeutic environment to help them recognise the abusive process
they have experienced and to overcome this. The outcome of this work aims to
reduce the risk of children and young people being sexually exploited and to help
reduce the number of missing episodes from home or care, which can make young
people vulnerable to being exploited.
Referral Criteria
Presently it has been agreed that the Safe Choices will only accept referrals that are
scoring moderate (11-15) or significant risk (16+) on the current CSE Risk
Assessment.
In exceptional circumstances where the Risk Assessment for the young person is
less that 11 but is assessed by the PPU and the Senior Practitioner for CSE that the
criteria for significant risks are met i.e. on the CSE Master List this referral will be
considered as a suitable referral to Safe Choices.
Given the demand on this service it has been agreed that each Trust will identify a
Safe Choices gate-keeper to assist with all future referrals. The gate-keeper for the
NHSCT is Frankie Nolan, Senior Social Work Practitioner for CSE.
Referral Process
The referral process is as follows:
1. The Safe Choices referral form signed by the social worker, young person
and parent/carer and an up-to date CSE Risk Assessment is to be forwarded
to the Senior Practitioner for CSE– not Safe Choices. If the Senior
Practitioner for CSE considers that there is a need for additional information
the he will contact the referrer and discuss.
2. The Senior Practitioner for CSE will review and quality assure the material and
forward to Safe Choices as appropriate. The Senior Practitioner for CSE will
confirm in writing to the referring social worker when the referral has been
forwarded to Safe Choices.
3. In all cases that meet the threshold for referral to Safe Choices the Senior
Practitioner for CSE will liaise with the referring social worker to discuss and
advise on the Interim safety Plan.
Page 9
4. Once the referral has been accepted by Safe Choices it is the responsibility of
the referring social worker to contact Safe Choices in relation to updates and
an allocation date.
5. When Safe Choices allocates the referral within the service the social worker
will be notified by Safe Choices.
6. Should there be any concerns/issues regarding services provided by Safe
Choices these should, in the first instance be the relevant social worker/senior
social worker but if not resolved the Senior Practitioner for CSE should be
advised.
Page 10
APPENDICIES
Page 11
Interim Regional
Guidance – Management
of Child Sexual
Exploitation Referrals
October 2014
Page 12
Regional Guidance – Management of Child Sexual Exploitation Referrals
Introduction
This paper sets out regional guidance on the management of Child Sexual
Exploitation (CSE) cases coming to the attention of Health & Social Care Trust Staff
within Northern Ireland. To achieve this it considers the responsibilities of Trusts
within legislation and several regional policy documents namely; the Children (NI)
Order 1995 and associated Guidance and Regulation; Cooperating to Safeguard
Children (2003); the Area Child Protection Committee’s Regional Policy and
Procedures (2005): Regional Guidance on PSNI Involvement in Residential Units –
Safeguarding of Children Missing from Home and Foster Care (2012), the Protocol
for Joint Investigation of Alleged and Suspected Cases of Child Abuse by Social
Worker and Police Officers - Northern Ireland (2013) and the Regional Residential
Childcare Policies (2012) namely child sexual exploitation page 29 – page 34.
A regional Social Services child sexual exploitation Managementl Group was
established in 2013 which recognised the need to agree consistent regional guidance
for all social work staff working in both residential units and community teams to
ensure clarity of process and engagement with the various interagency fora.
Child Sexual Exploitation – a definition
Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse in which a person(s) exploits,
coerces and/or manipulates a child or young person into engaging in some form
of sexual activity in return for something the child needs or desires and/or for the
gain of the person(s) perpetrating or facilitating the abuse.’
(SBNI 2014, adopted from CSE Knowledge Transfer Partnership NI).
gain of the person(s) perpetrating or facilitating the abuse.’
(SBNI 2014, adopted from CSE Knowledge Transfer Partnership NI).
CSE is difficult to identify and is not a crime per se. It is made up of a number of
other offences. The challenge is joining together those links and identifying it as CSE.
Young people rarely report CSE so professionals need to be actively looking for and
reporting it.
The offender typically plays on the victim’s insecurities making them feel “special” or
“loved”. The victim might nonetheless feel ashamed of the sexual activity itself or of
ancillary activities such as the consumption of drugs or alcohol, further increasing
their reluctance to come forward. Adults may misunderstand the grooming process
and assume that the young person was a willing participant in a relationship rather
than the victim of sexual abuse. This can further amplify the victim’s sense of shame
If you are concerned that a young person is vulnerable to CSE or suspect he/she is a
victim of CSE the ACPC’s regional policy and procedures should be initiated and
followed.
Page 13
Operational & Strategic Interagency Arrangements
The Regional Guidance on PSNI Involvement in Residential Units – Safeguarding of
Children Missing from Home and Foster Care (2012) provides a useful framework for
interagency working (p42-43). This Guidance requires an Operational Liaison Group
to be established which meets monthly (or more frequently if required) to share
information, identify patterns of absconding, implement and monitor action plans and
develop preventative strategies. The Guidance also requires a Strategic Liaison
Meeting to take place on a quarterly basis to develop and monitor strategies for
interagency working, improve communication, inform regional developments and link
with regional safeguarding bodies.
Management of Individual Cases
Cooperating to Safeguard Children (2003), the Area Child Protection Committee’s
Regional Policy and Procedures (2005) and the Protocol for Joint Investigation of
Alleged and Suspected Cases of Abuse by Social Worker and Police Officers Northern Ireland (2013) provide clear guidance and procedures on the management
of individual cases where a young person is considered to be suffering, or at risk of
suffering, significant harm. Child sexual exploitation is a form of child abuse and as
such the procedure for its management is set out in chapter 5 (Recognition, Referral
and Investigation) and chapter 9 (Child Protection in Specific Circumstances –
specifically paragraphs 9.72 - 9.92) of the Area Child Protection Committee’s
Regional Policy and Procedures (2005) which must be followed at all times. This
procedure complements chapters 5 & 9, and provides additional clarity to Social
Workers and Social Work Managers on specific processes where child sexual
exploitation is suspected.
The Regional Guidance on PSNI Involvement in Residential Units – Safeguarding of
Children Missing from Home and Foster Care (2012:p10) places additional duties on
Trusts to inform the PSNI where child sexual exploitation is a concern
“Any information that is disclosed to a member of staff that leads to a concern that
the child/young person is being sexually exploited or where they come across
information that would raise such concerns (i.e. seeing indecent texts/images on a
child/young person’s mobile) this matter should be brought to the attention of police
as soon as possible.”.
Where applicable, Children’s Homes must also ensure compliance with the statutory
regulations governing their service provision and notify the Regulation, Quality and
Improvement Authority of events as per Schedule 5:
“C2 - Child Protection Enquiry – Instigation and outcome of any child protection
involving a child accommodated in the home”
“C4 -Sexual Exploitation – Involvement or suspected involvement of a child
accommodated in the home in sexual exploitation”.
Page 14
Procedure

If the child/young person is not currently known to Family and Child Care or
Looked After Services a referral should be completed using a UNOCINI
alongside the Child Sexual Exploitation risk assessment (Appendix 1a) and
forwarded to the local Gateway/Single Point of Entry Service. An initial
assessment will be undertaken by the Gateway Service in consultation with
relevant colleagues, residential keyworker/carer/parent (as appropriate) and
professional judgement applied to ascertain the level of potential or actual risk.

If the child/young person is known to Family and Childcare or Looked After
Services, and there are indicators of potential child sexual exploitation, the
social worker will conduct an initial assessment of the information, complete
the risk assessment (Appendix 1a), adhering to the guidance notes (Appendix
1b). This should be completed in consultation with relevant colleagues and
professional judgement applied to ascertain the level of potential or actual risk.

If a specific risk(s) of abuse through CSE is suspected/identified, in respect of
the Gateway service, the social worker will review and update the risk
assessment, and complete the Young People at Risk of CSE proforma
(Appendix 2) capturing significant incidents and events to support the
concerns.

Similarly, in respect of current cases, if a specific risk(s) of abuse through CSE
is suspected/identified through the completion of Appendix 1a, the social
worker should complete the Young People at Risk of CSE proforma (Appendix
2) capturing significant incidents and events to support the concerns.

Having considered all the information, and it is considered that the child or
young person is suspected to be at risk of significant harm through Child
Sexual Exploitation, the Social Worker, with their agreement of their Manager,
will refer the matter, along with all the documentation, to the relevant Child
Abuse Investigation Unit and ‘The Protocol for Joint Investigation by Police
Officers and Social Workers of Alleged and Suspected Cases of Child Abuse
– Northern Ireland’ instigated. The same documentation should be copied to
your Trust senior practitioner attached to the co-located team (see below).





Northern Trust: frankie.nolan@northerntrust.hscni.net
South Eastern Trust: steven.mcneill@setrust.hscni.net
Belfast Trust: maeve.gillen@belfasttrust.hscni.net
Southern Trust: carmel.weir@southerntrust.hscni.net
Western Trust: charmaine.mcnally@westerntrust.hscni.net
Completion of Appendix 1a should be considered following each episode of the
young person going missing in keeping with the following definition:-
Page 15
“Anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances
are out of character or the context suggests the person maybe subject of a crime or
at risk of harm to themselves or another”

The Regional Guidance regarding Safeguarding of children missing from
Home and Foster Care (May 2012) should also be implemented.

When there are sufficient grounds to consider the young person at risk of
suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm a strategy discussion/meeting
should take place to plan the investigation in accordance with the ‘Protocol for
Joint Investigations by Social Workers and Police Officers, of Alleged and
Suspected Cases of Child Abuse (2013: Chapter 5) and a detailed safety plan
should also be developed with the young person and their carers.

If appropriate (taking into consideration the duel process guidance) the child
protection procedures as set out in chapter 5 of the Area Child Protection
Committee’s Regional Policy and Procedures (2005) will be the primary
process for the management of the case.

“Actions may include the use of Harbourer’s Warning Notices, offences under
the Sexual Offences (NI) Order 2008, for example, Article 21 (arranging or
facilitating commission of a sex offence against a child), Article 22 (grooming),
trafficking offences within the UK under Section 58 of the Sexual Offences Act
2003, etc. On some occasions this may necessitate a case being declared
‘organised or complex’ which will require a planned and coordinated response
as set out in Chapter 6 of the ‘Protocol for Joint Investigation of Alleged and
Suspected Cases of Abuse by Social Worker and Police Officers - Northern
Ireland’. It may also necessitate the use of the reluctant witness process
outlined in Appendix F”.
Record Keeping
“Quality recording is central to good practice within children’s services and is an
integral part of a social worker’s responsibility. Good recording helps to focus the
work undertaken with children and families and assists with continuity when workers
are unavailable or change. It is an essential monitoring tool for managers and
provides evidence for investigations and enquiries. Clear and accurate records are
vital in providing documented evidence of social work involvement with children and
their families. Recording enables service users to hold the service to account in
terms of the work being undertaken with them.”
(Administrative Systems Recording Policy, Standards, and Criteria - DHSSPS)
Accurate and timely record keeping is essential. Good quality record keeping
enhances service provision and the outcomes for those children, young people and
family members who become involved in investigative processes. Investigations are
also highly likely to be subjected to some level of review, judicial or otherwise,
Page 16
Record keeping will include accurate details of the following:






Referral information to both Social Services and Police including completion of
appropriate pro-forma;
Communications between Police, Social Services or others pertaining to the
investigation;
Strategy discussions including grounds for decisions, identified actions and
timeframes;
Contacts with children including Pre-interview Assessment 4
Interviews with witnesses including children and medical examinations.
It is important concerns in relation to young people are recorded. Relevant
information such as the car registration plates, colour, make and model of the car
are recorded on the young person’s case records and reported to the local police.
Information related to known associates or individuals of concern should also be
detailed on the young person’s records.
Page 17
Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment (Appendix 1a)
Name of Child
Date of Birth
Name of Worker Completing Assessment
Date of Assessment:
Parent / Guardian Details
Legal Status:
Gender
M / F
For Information only – has sexual exploitation ever previously been identified as an issue for this child?
1
. □ Yes – confirmed
□ Yes – suspected
□ No
Does the child have a pattern of going Missing?
2
.□ Yes (please select one box from 2b & note where this information is detailed e.g. Missing Report)
□
How to complete
the form.
2b.
occasionally
□ frequent and short episodes
□ frequent and prolonged episodes
Vulnerability –
Please tick ALL vulnerability factors that apply, whether known or suspected. Please only leave boxes
blank where the risk indicator does not apply.
3Moderate
No Risk Factors –
Please tick the box if the risk indicator is present now OR if it has been present at any time during the
last 6 months. Tick ALL indicators that apply. Factors that may inform decision making have been
added in as bullet points. Additional information relating to them may be provided on the ‘Follow on
Information Sheet’.
Significant Risk Indicators –
If the risk indicator is not present and has not been present at any time in the last 12 months, leave
both columns blank
If the risk indicator is present now, or has been present at any time during the last 6 months (but not in
the 6 months preceding that tick the first column only)
If the risk indictor has not been present in the last 6 months, but was present between 6 and 12
months ago, tick only the second column.
If the risk indicator has been present in the last 6 months AND in the 6 months prior to that, please tick
both columns so we are aware of the prolonged nature of the risk.
.□
Underlying Vulnerabilities (please tick all that apply)
Vulnerabilities
Tick if present now or
at any time in past
(score = 1 per tick)
Vulnerabilities
Emotional neglect by
parent/carer/family member
Family history of domestic
abuse
Physical abuse by
parent/carer/family member
Family history of substance
misuse
Sexual abuse ( known or
suspected)
Family history of mental health
difficulties
Breakdown of family
relationships/ isolation
Low self esteem
Learning Disability
Unsuitable /inappropriate
accommodation/ placement
Adapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Isolated from peers/ social
networks
Page 18
Tick if present now or
at any time in past
( score = 1 per tick)
Moderate Risk Indicators
Moderate Risk Indicators
Tick if present now
or at any time in
last 6 months
( score = 1 per risk
ticked
Moderate Risk Indicators
Tick if present now or
at any time in last 6
months
( score = 1 per risk
ticked)
Staying out late

Frequency

With who

When

Issues on return

Appearance

Demeanour
Concerns around Sexual Health
Multiple callers ( unknown adults/ older
young people)
Peers/ Siblings who have been
sexually exploited ( known or
suspected)
Use of mobile phone that causes concern

Calls

Multiple Sims / phones

Time & Frequency of calls

Behaviour post call
Expressions of despair ( self harm,
overdose, eating disorder, challenging
behaviour, aggression, loss of interest in
appearance)
Exclusion, or unexplained absences,
from school or not engaged in
school/college/training/ work
Disclosure of sexual/physical assault,
followed by withdrawal of allegation
Drugs Misuse

Type of Drug

Legal Highs
Alcohol Misuse

Frequency of use
Substance Misuse

Aerosols

Solvents
Use of internet that causes
concern
Prolonged / Inappropriate use of
social media
Comments/ Professional judgement
Living independently and failing to
respond to attempts by worker to keep in
touch.
Accommodation type
Duration of stay
Issues arising
Significant Risk Indicators (please tick appropriate column based on when indicator was present – tick both
columns if present in both time periods)
Significant Risk Indicators
Tick if present now or
during the last 6 months
( score = 5 per risk ticked)
Tick if present between 6
and 12 months ago
( score = 1 per risk ticked)
Periods of going missing overnight or longer
Older and /or controlling ‘boy/girlfriend’
Physical abuse by that older ’boy/girlfriend’/ Physical injury without
plausible explanation
Emotional abuse by that older ’boy/girlfriend’
Entering /leaving vehicles driven by unknown adults
Unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, drugs/alcohol or other
items
Frequenting ‘party houses’ operated by adults / peers
Comments /
Professional Judgement
Total Score
0-5 = No Risk
6-10 = Mild Risk
11-15 = Moderate Risk
16 or over = Significant Risk
Current Risk Score
Adapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 19
Current Risk Level
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION JOINT RISK ASSESSMENT
PRACTITIONER GUIDANCE NOTES
(Appendix 1b)
About the Joint Risk Assessment
The Child Sexual Exploitation joint risk assessment is an adaptation of the Barnardo’s
Northern Ireland Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment which in turn was developed out of the
SERAF model developed by Cymru (Wales). The CSE Joint Risk Assessment is to be used
as an interim multi agency risk assessment tool whilst a more comprehensive Northern
Ireland specific tool is in development.
The following Guidance provides a brief outline as to how the Risk Assessment should be
used by social care practitioners. For Practitioners who have used the Barnardo’s Risk
Assessment there will be very little change in how the Joint Risk Assessment is completed.
The scoring mechanism remains the same and any additions have been introduced to assist in
informing decision making and not to add another level of bureaucracy.
These are presented in 3 different sections – underlying vulnerabilities; moderate risk factors
and significant risk factors – each of which have an accompanying score (see section D as to
how to calculate risk score)
Definition of child sexual exploitation
Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse in which a person(s)
exploits, coerces and/or manipulates a child or young person into engaging in
some form of sexual activity in return for something the child needs or desires
and/or for the gain of the person(s) perpetrating or facilitating the abuse.’
(SBNI 2014, adopted from CSE Knowledge Transfer Partnership NI).
Section A: Underlying Vulnerabilities
This section of the risk assessment form includes factors that we know may render children
and young people vulnerable to being targeted for child sexual exploitation. You should tick
the box if the vulnerability is present now OR if it has been present at any time in the young
person’s life.
Please tick ALL vulnerability factors that apply, whether known or suspected. Please only
leave boxes blank where the risk indicator does not apply.
Section B: Moderate Risk Indicators
This section of the risk assessment form includes indicators that are associated with risk
of/potential indication of abuse through sexual exploitation. You should tick the box if the
risk indicator is present now OR if it has been present at any time during the last 6 months. As
above, please tick ALL indicators that apply.
Section C: Significant Risk Indicators
These risk indicators are very prevalent in cases where children and young people are at risk
of or are being abused through sexual exploitation.
Adapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 20
This section is a little more complicated - there are four possible ways to record an answer in
this section:
1. If the risk indicator is not present, and has not been present at any time in the last 12
months, leave both columns blank.
2. If the risk indicator is present now, or has been present at any time during the last 6 months
(but not in the 6 months preceding that) tick only the first column.
3. If the risk indicator has not been present in the last 6 months, but was present between 6
and 12 months ago, tick only the second column.
4. If the risk indicator has been present in the last 6 months AND in the 6 months prior to
that, please tick both columns so we are aware of the prolonged nature of the risk.
The different columns have different scores, so it is important that you record this accurately.
Section D: Calculating the Risk Score
For each underlying vulnerability and moderate risk indicator that is present, score 1.
For each significant risk indicator that is present in column 1 score 5. For each present in
column 2 score 1. If present in both columns, score a total of 6 for that indicator.
Calculate total score. The categorization of scores is as follows:
0-5 No current risk
6-10 mild risk
11-15 moderate risk
16 or over significant risk.
See table on next page for explanation of risk levels and suggested associated actions.
Please note, the risk assessment tool only measures current risk at the point of assessment.
Risk may increase or decrease as circumstances change, often significantly within a short
period of time. For this reason, we recommend regular review of the level of risk, through
completion of the risk assessment tool.
Adapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 21
CATEGORY
OF RISK
Category 1
No Current
Risk
(score of 0-5)
Category 2
Mild Risk
(score of 610)
Category 3
Moderate
Risk
(score of 1115)
DESCRIPTION
ASSOCIATED ACTIONS
A child or young person
who may be ‘in need’ but
who is not currently at
particular risk of being
groomed for sexual
exploitation
A vulnerable child or
young person who may
be at risk of being
groomed for sexual
exploitation
A child or young person
who may be targeted for
opportunistic abuse
through exchange of sex
for drugs,
accommodation
(overnight stays) and
goods etc.


Educate to stay safe
Review risk following any significant
change in circumstances

Undertake preventative work with young
person on risk awareness and staying safe
Review risk following any significant
change in circumstances





Category 4
Significant
Risk
(score of 16
plus)
Clear indication that a
child or young person is
at significant risk of, or is
already being, sexually
exploited. At this stage,
sexual exploitation is
likely to be habitual and
often self-denied.
Coercion/control is
implicit





Adapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Refer to ACPC Regional Policy and
Procedures and Co-operating to Safeguard
Children May 2003
Convene a multi-agency meeting to share
information and formulate a protection plan,
with agreed actions for all relevant partners
Schedule a review meeting and review risk
following any significant change in
circumstances
Prioritise work with the child/young person
around risk reduction and keeping safe
Refer to ACPC Regional Policy and
Procedures and Co-operating to Safeguard
Children May 2003
Convene a multi-agency meeting to share
information and formulate a protection plan,
with agreed actions for all relevant partners
Schedule regular review meetings and
review risk following any significant change
in circumstances
The protection plan should include measures
to protect the child from both immediate and
longer term risk and should involve longterm intensive work with the child/young
person
An effective response to concerns around
sexual exploitation must also prioritise the
identification, disruption and prosecution of
suspected perpetrators
Page 22
YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK OF CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (Appendix 2)
Details of Young Person
Name
DOB/Age
Address
Date of Admission / Placement:
Educational Employment
Placement
Legal
Status
Soscare
Number
____________________________
Current Placement
Secure Care:
With Parents
ISU
Children’s Home
Foster Care
Other (please specify) (double click on box and choose ‘checked’)
Placement History
Date: From – To
Placement
Reason Changed
Parent/Carer with Parental Responsibility
Name
Telephone Number
Name of Social Worker / Trust:
Name
Telephone Number
FIT/FS
Gateway
Lac
IST
16+
Is the Young Person on the CPR? Yes
No
(If Yes List categories and dates registered/de-registered)
Dates Registered
Categories
Known To Other Agencies
Professional Name
Agency
Telephone Number
Details of
involvement
Date Child Sexual Exploitation Assessment Completed: (Please attach a copy)
Date
Completed by:
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 23
Policing
District
CSE Assessment Score
Risk Level:
No
Moderate
Is Sexual Exploitation identified as a CURRENT issue for this child?
Yes – Confirmed
Yes – Suspected
Low
Significant
Not of concern
Chronology of missing / unauthorised absence episodes
Date
Details of Incident – to include outcome of return to home
interview
Length
of Time
Missing
Risk Management
1. Details of Risk Management Strategy in place.
2. Risk Management Arrangements: List of meetings, dates and agencies attending.
Name / Designation of People Contributing to the Protection / Support Plan:
Name (Please Print)
Designation/Role
1.
Parent / Carer / Keyworker
2.
Social Worker
3.
PSNI Officer / PPU

Please add / delete rows as required
Signed:
1.
_________________________
Date: _________________
2.
_________________________
Date: _________________
3.
_________________________
Date: _________________
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 24
Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment (Appendix 1a)
Name of Child
Date of Birth
Name of Worker Completing Assessment
Date of Assessment:
Parent / Guardian Details
Legal Status:
Gender
M / F
For Information only – has sexual exploitation ever previously been identified as an issue for this child?
1
. □ Yes – confirmed
□ Yes – suspected
□ No
Does the child have a pattern of going Missing?
2
.□ Yes (please select one box from 2b & note where this information is detailed e.g. Missing Report)
□
How to complete
the form.
2b.
occasionally
□ frequent and short episodes
□ frequent and prolonged episodes
Vulnerability –
Please tick ALL vulnerability factors that apply, whether known or suspected. Please only leave boxes
blank where the risk indicator does not apply.
3Moderate
No Risk Factors –
Please tick the box if the risk indicator is present now OR if it has been present at any time during the
last 6 months. Tick ALL indicators that apply. Factors that may inform decision making have been
added in as bullet points. Additional information relating to them may be provided on the ‘Follow on
Information Sheet’.
Significant Risk Indicators –
If the risk indicator is not present and has not been present at any time in the last 12 months, leave
both columns blank
If the risk indicator is present now, or has been present at any time during the last 6 months (but not
in the 6 months preceding that tick the first column only)
If the risk indictor has not been present in the last 6 months, but was present between 6 and 12
months ago, tick only the second column.
If the risk indicator has been present in the last 6 months AND in the 6 months prior to that, please
tick both columns so we are aware of the prolonged nature of the risk.
.□
Underlying Vulnerabilities (please tick all that apply)
Vulnerabilities
Tick if present now or
at any time in past
(score = 1 per tick)
Vulnerabilities
Emotional neglect by
parent/carer/family member
Family history of domestic
abuse
Physical abuse by
parent/carer/family member
Family history of substance
misuse
Sexual abuse ( known or
suspected)
Family history of mental health
difficulties
Breakdown of family
relationships/ isolation
Low self esteem
Learning Disability
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 25
Tick if present now or
at any time in past
( score = 1 per tick)
Unsuitable /inappropriate
accommodation/ placement
Isolated from peers/ social
networks
Moderate Risk Indicators
Moderate Risk Indicators
Tick if present now
or at any time in
last 6 months
( score = 1 per risk
ticked
Moderate Risk Indicators
Staying out late

Frequency

With who

When

Issues on return

Appearance

Demeanour
Concerns around Sexual Health
Multiple callers ( unknown adults/ older
young people)
Peers/ Siblings who have been
sexually exploited ( known or
suspected)
Use of mobile phone that causes concern

Calls

Multiple Sims / phones

Time & Frequency of calls

Behaviour post call
Expressions of despair ( self harm,
overdose, eating disorder, challenging
behaviour, aggression, loss of interest in
appearance)
Exclusion, or unexplained absences,
from school or not engaged in
school/college/training/ work
Disclosure of sexual/physical assault,
followed by withdrawal of allegation
Drugs Misuse

Type of Drug

Legal Highs
Tick if present now or
at any time in last 6
months
( score = 1 per risk
ticked)
Alcohol Misuse

Frequency of use
Substance Misuse

Aerosols

Solvents
Use of internet that causes
concern
Prolonged / Inappropriate use of
social media
Comments/ Professional judgement
Living independently and failing to
respond to attempts by worker to keep in
touch.
Accommodation type
Duration of stay
Issues arising
Significant Risk Indicators (please tick appropriate column based on when indicator was present – tick both
columns if present in both time periods)
Significant Risk Indicators
Tick if present now or
during the last 6 months
( score = 5 per risk ticked)
Periods of going missing overnight or longer
Older and /or controlling ‘boy/girlfriend’
Physical abuse by that older ’boy/girlfriend’/ Physical injury without
plausible explanation
Emotional abuse by that older ’boy/girlfriend’
Entering /leaving vehicles driven by unknown adults
Unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, drugs/alcohol or other
items
Frequenting ‘party houses’ operated by adults / peers
Comments /
Professional Judgement
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 26
Tick if present between 6
and 12 months ago
( score = 1 per risk ticked)
Total Score
0-5 = No Risk
6-10 = Mild Risk
11-15 = Moderate Risk
16 or over = Significant Risk
Current Risk Score
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 27
Current Risk Level
YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK OF CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (Appendix 2)
Details of Young Person
Name
DOB/Age
Address
Date of Admission / Placement:
Educational Employment
Placement
Legal
Status
Soscare
Number
____________________________
Current Placement
Secure Care:
With Parents
ISU
Children’s Home
Foster Care
Other (please specify) (double click on box and choose ‘checked’)
Placement History
Date: From – To
Placement
Reason Changed
Parent/Carer with Parental Responsibility
Name
Telephone Number
Name of Social Worker / Trust:
Name
Telephone Number
FIT/FS
Gateway
Lac
IST
16+
Is the Young Person on the CPR? Yes
No
(If Yes List categories and dates registered/de-registered)
Dates Registered
Categories
Known To Other Agencies
Professional Name
Agency
Telephone Number
Details of
involvement
Date Child Sexual Exploitation Assessment Completed: (Please attach a copy)
Date
Completed by:
CSE Assessment Score
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Risk Level:
Page 28
No
Moderate
Low
Significant
Policing
District
Is Sexual Exploitation identified as a CURRENT issue for this child?
Yes – Confirmed
Yes – Suspected
Not of concern
Chronology of missing / unauthorised absence episodes
Date
Details of Incident – to include outcome of return to home
interview
Length
of Time
Missing
Risk Management
3. Details of Risk Management Strategy in place.
4. Risk Management Arrangements: List of meetings, dates and agencies attending.
Name / Designation of People Contributing to the Protection / Support Plan:
Name (Please Print)
Designation/Role
1.
Parent / Carer / Keyworker
2.
Social Worker
3.
PSNI Officer / PPU

Please add / delete rows as required
Signed:
4. _________________________
Date: _________________
5. _________________________
Date: _________________
6. _________________________
Date: _________________
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 29
Appendix 3
MISSING 3+ TIMES CHECKLIST
Child’s Name:
Social Worker’s Name:
Social Work Team:
Were you already aware of these periods of missing?
Yes
No
If yes what was the source of the information?
Has a CSE Risk Assessment (Appendix 1a) been completed that takes into
account the dates gone missing?
Yes
No
If yes date completed and score
If no what was the rationale for not completing?
Has a decision since receiving the 3+ missing information be taken to
complete CSE Risk Assessment (Appendix 1a(? Yes
No
dapted from Barnardo’s NI CSE Risk Assessment Tool
Page 30