Cumbria is set to launch a new risk assessment and review process aimed at reducing inconsistencies in child exploitation practice in the county.
From September 1, a new Child Exploitation Risk Assessment and Review (CERAR) process for Cumbria will be launched.
What will change?
The CERAR process aims to reduce inconsistencies in child exploitation practice through a uniformed approach to chairing and coordinating risk assessments and safety planning, which ultimately aims to improve service response to children and young people including those who are becoming young adults, creating safety and reducing risk.
A CERAR manager and coordinator have been appointed. The CERAR manager will be involved in screening all child exploitation contacts that go into the Safeguarding Hub and they will chair all initial child exploitation risk assessment meetings. The CERAR manager is also available to offer professional advice to colleagues across the partnership with regards to child exploitation.
The CERAR coordinator will ensure the effective and efficient running of the CERAR process. As part of the implementation of the CERAR process:
- The Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Criminal Exploitation policy and procedures have been updated and combined into one Child Exploitation procedure
- The Child Exploitation pathways have been revised
- The screening tool has been updated on the Child Exploitation vulnerability checklist
- The risk assessment tool and associated categories of risk have been refreshed
- A new vulnerability tracker is being implemented
How to find out more about CERAR
During August and September, a number of lunchtime learning sessions are being held by the CERAR manager and coordinator to go through the new process and provide the opportunity for participants to ask questions.
If you wish to attend one of the sessions below, follow the link below for your chosen date to book your place:
Wednesday, August 25, 2021, noon – 1pm – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/child-exploitation-risk-assessment-and-review-cerar-briefing-session-tickets-167588400417
Wednesday, September 1, noon – 1pm – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/child-exploitation-risk-assessment-and-review-cerar-briefing-session-tickets-167589140631
Wednesday, September 8, noon – 1pm – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/child-exploitation-risk-assessment-and-review-cerar-briefing-session-tickets-167589407429
Wednesday, September 15, noon – 1pm – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/child-exploitation-risk-assessment-and-review-cerar-briefing-session-tickets-167589754467
The first lunchtime learning session on August 25, will be recorded and available for those unable to attend one of the four sessions to view on the CSCP website.
