Rotherham ‘well-placed’ to tackle child exploitation, report finds

Rotherham MBC is ‘ahead of the game’ on tackling local cases of child sexual exploitation, according to an independent review.

Analysis of services led by independent chair of Rotherham’s local safeguarding children’s board, Steve Ashley, between September and November last year has concluded the council is now in a better position than many other town halls in England and Wales.

Staff are ‘passionate about their jobs with an understanding of the need for continuous improvement’, while the ‘attitude and fortitude’ of employees will ensure even better protection for children and young people, the report into the ten week review said.

Rotherham has acknowledged previous failings and responded positively with a significant amount of transformational work, Ashley found.

New processes and structures have also contributed to the improving response and management of child sexual exploitation across the borough.

Ashley also urged Rotherham to view child exploitation proportionately alongside other safeguarding issues such as neglect.

The report has recommended a simplification of regional governance structures put in place to deal with child sexual exploitation, alongside improved communication with professionals, victims and potential victims.

‘This review is designed to reassure me and the public that Rotherham is moving forward and protecting vulnerable children and young people from sexual exploitation, and that our leaders are delivering improvement, not just talking about it,’ Ashley said.

‘I believe this report gives a balanced and accurate picture of how child sexual exploitation is being tackled in Rotherham but we must remember that such exploitation is only one element of the responsibility we have for protecting our children.’