Children’s Scrutiny Panel praises Get Safe Partnership at May meeting

The Partnership, which celebrates its third anniversary next month, provides multi agency support and protection for children and young people at risk of Criminal Exploitation across the county and is committed to tackling Child Criminal exploitation and the many forms of harm and abuse it takes.

Councillor Kyle Daisley, Vice Chairman of the County Council and former chairman of the Children and Families Scrutiny Panel said: “The Panel recognise the importance of partnership working and highly commend the way agencies are working together to have a positive impact on young people.”

We need to ensure that the voice of the young person is always heard when tackling all forms of exploitation and I personally look forward to hearing how the service continues to progress over the next year.”

Tina Russell, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Children First, said: “As the partnership looks forward to its third anniversary, I’m really grateful for the hard work and tireless dedication of the partnership, to ensure we continue to both tackle and raise awareness of Child Criminal Exploitation. I’m looking forward to seeing the partnership continue to develop and the recent launch of Get There clearly demonstrates our commitment to this by giving local practitioners the practical guidance and tools to support young people aged 16+ through to adulthood and independence to build in safety and support in their community and reduce the risk of exploitation.”

Superintendent Rebecca Love, local policing commander for West Mercia Police, said: “The Worcestershire GETSAFE partnership is an excellent collaborative approach to tackle the exploitation of young people.  

“Each agency brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills and ensures a joined up approach from the outset. 

“Ahead of the third anniversary we look forward to developing this essential work to support and continue safeguarding young people.”

In March 2022, the Partnership launched the latest element of the service; Get There. 

Get There was created to help address the additional concerns and vulnerabilities that staff found come into play when a young person turns 16 and they move into a more independent phase in their life.

The resources created as part of Get There included a practitioners guide and a website for young people.

The Get There guidance gives local practitioners the practical guidance and tools to support young people aged 16+ through to adulthood and independence to build in safety and support in their community and reduce the risk of exploitation.  

More information on Get Safe can be found by visit the dedicated Get Safe pages of the County Council website.