Over recent years, PiP has supported a Standing Group ('the Group') on Child Protection / Safeguarding issues.  The Group has mainly focused its attention on the forensic and medical assessment following disclosure / allegations of child sexual abuse (CSA).  The Group examined the configuration and provision of services, and worked on improving the services for children where sexual abuse is alleged or suspected.   A benchmarking exercise established the need for an in depth examination of the service pathways for these children and their families.  There was evidence of significant variation in how cases were handled from area to area and concern among child protection professionals about variations in the process of care.  

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Care Pathway and Service Standards

This work led to the development of the CSA Care Pathway and Service Standards, to guide professionals working in children’s services when there is concern about the possibility of child sexual abuse. The CSA Care Pathway was completed in June 2009 and has been widely adopted across the West Midlands.  

During the Summer of 2011, the Care Pathway has been reviewed and revised.  

CSA Network

In June 2011, it was agreed that the Group would become a sub-group of the West Midlands Designated Professionals Group for Safeguarding, chaired by Anne Aukett, Clinical Lead.  The Group is now known as the CSA Network.

 Education Select Committee Inquiry on Child Protection

In August 2011, some members of the CSA Network contributed to a report which the RCPCH submitted to the Education Select Committee Inquiry on Child Protection issues.   Two reports are attached; a copy of the report which PiP sent to the RCPCH, and a copy of the RCPCH submission.   A significant number of points made in PiP's report were included in the final RCPCH submission to the Select Committee, which was sent in October 2011.

Development of a SARC in Staffordshire

Since 2008, PiP has been working with NHS Commissioners and commissioners form partner agencies across Staffordshire to establish an all age Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

A SARC is defined as a “one stop” location where victims of sexual assault can receive medical care, whilst at the same time having the opportunity to assist the Police investigation into alleged offences including the facilities for a high standard forensic examination. It is a dedicated, forensically secure facility, integrated with the hospital service, which is accessible 24/7, with availability for victims within 4 hours by appointment when needed.  A SARC service is provided by a partnership including linked specialist police officers, health services, and the voluntary sector.

The Staffordshire proposals were overseen by the Staffordshire SARC board, made up of partners agencies and chaired by a senior Police Officer.  Jenny Hawkes, Service Development Consultant for PiP, acted as an independent advisor to the Board. 

With the change of Government in May 2010, there was no clarity about how SARC services would be developed, and as a result, the project was paused for some months.  

This project is now moving forward again.  It is anticipated that the Adult SARC will open in January 2012. Discussions are ongoing concerning the provision of the service for children and young people.

Training

PiP was allocated funding from the West Midlands Deanery to support training around CSA.  In March 2011, a training event was held to raise the awareness of the skills and competencies required for dealing with issues relating to CSA, and to address some of the practical issues to ensure sustainability in the longer term.  Further training initiatives will take place during the course of 2012.

Development of a Managed Network

CSA services are sensitive, costly and highly complex multi-agency services for relatively small numbers of children, and should be considered as a specialised NHS service. 

Many areas across the country - including the West Midlands - have no jointly commissioned CSA services, and in some areas the expertise to jointly commission such services is lacking.

It is hoped that a managed network could be jointly commissioned to provide integrated CSA services across the partnership area.