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New FGM Assessment Tool for Social Workers now provided by the National FGM Centre
The National FGM Centre has created a tool for Social Workers to help guide the assessment of cases where FGM is a concern. This Tool is not intended to replace professional judgement and only provides recommendations. The tool has two elements: Best Practice Guidance (which can be downloaded as a hard copy or viewed online from the National FGM Centre's website) and an Online FGM Assessment Tool which generates a risk level and relevant alerts regarding Mandatory Reporting and more.
Development of a Model of Criminal Exploitation of Children.
The Circles of Analysis Model is set to be a major development of the SIPPS approach to safeguarding and tackling human trafficking, exploitation and modern or contemprary slavery.
The research by Craig Barlow has been funded by the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of slavery and Emancipation and (WISE) and is expected to be complete by next Summer.
The research has received a great deal of support and interest from Police Officers, Social Workers, Lawyers and other experts.
The next phase of the research is a series of focus groups which will test and evaluate the new model. These multi-agency groups are running accross England and Wales and have been supported by the Modern Slavery Police Transformation team.
Craig told "Police Professional" magazine that he is anticipating that by explaining and describing the relational contexts to the criminal exploitation of children in England and Wales, it will be possible to extend and improve the range of responses to the problem and share this more widely across other jurisdictions.
Striking an encouraging note he said "Despite what the national press, general media and some politicians might have us believe, we have some of the world’s best child safeguarding systems and expertise right here in the UK. If we understand Trafficking and Exploitation of children first as a pattern of child abuse, rather than trying to ascribe it to a category or type of crime, we can improve and develop and share joint agency responses.
To achieve this, constant input and feedback from a range of professionals but Police Officers, Social Workers and Lawyers in particular, has been invaluable. Over the coming months I will be running focus groups to gain systematic and structured feedback on the model, effectively “stress-testing” it, and ensuring that I am meeting that goal of producing something that is of real use and value to the professions. ”
Read "Tackling Child Criminal Exploitation" an artical about this research for EMPAC -East Midlands Police Academic Collaboration. If you are a Police Officer, Experienced Social Worker or Lawyer and would like to participate in the research by joining a focus group please contact us.
The annual report from the National Crime Agency on the NRM data for 2017 indicates that the numbers of those referred have now topped 5000.
Download the NCA Report HERE
A record number of over 5,000 potential victims of modern slavery and trafficking were referred to UK authorities last year, according to the NCA Report. British nationals made up the highest number of cases for the first time, followed by people from Albania and Vietnam.
A notable statistic is the rise in the number of children thought to be victims which rose by 66% from 2016. Perhaps it is of some reassurance that the agency suggests that increase in referrals was "driven by greater awareness" of the problem.
One reason for the increase in the numbers of children that are thought to be victims of trafficking and modern slavery is the growth of the "County Lines" method of dugs supply which uses children to courier Class A drugs from the city bases of the drugs gang to rural and coastal towns.
Investigators said this was largely the reason for the rise in the number of UK nationals involved - up to 819 last year from 326 in 2016.
Last year, 5,145 potential victims of trafficking and slavery were flagged up to the National Referral Mechanism, which identifies and supports victims, the highest number recorded by the UK authorities since the figures were first compiled in 2009 - and a 35% rise from 2016.
The report found that forced labour accounted for 2,352 cases - almost half of all referrals and that in a third of cases (1,744) it was suspected that people had been exploited for sexual purposes.
More than 2,000 children (2,118) were referred for help, compared with 1,278 the previous year.
Will Kerr, NCA director, told the BBC that greater reporting of modern slavery was behind the overall rise in referrals but that the figures "almost certainly represent an underestimate of the true scale" in the UK.
He added that authorities were dealing with an "evolving threat" as criminals go into online spaces - particularly "adult services websites", to enable their offending.
Modular Risk Assessment Training Program is Well Received by Social Workers
The training program Systemic Approaches to Risk Assessment and Child Safeguarding has been decalred a success by social workers and managers in Medway. The course consists of 5 modules covering physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, sexual abuse and neglect as well as special issues relating to adolescents at risk of harm. The course structure is a blend of classroom based learning and e-learning which allows participants access to additional resources, tools and opportunites to recap learning points from the taught sessions.
Managers have noted an immediate impact citing improved confidence, improved analysis and development of the professional discussions both within supervision and more general discussions between colleagues. The program incorporated a Train the Traner module so that some of the modules can be run in-house in future but the access to trained practitioners locally also helps practitioners to with the transition from classroom based learning to daily practice.
The course has been so successful that it has been recommissioned.
SIPPS Domestic Trafficking and Criminal Exploitation of Children Training Course Praised by Participants in Knowsley and Sefton
This new course was commissioned by Knowsley Community Safety service through the Understanding ModernGov, the training division of GovNet, the leading UK company running public sector events and exhibitions. With contributions from leading Barrister and Modern Slavery Expert Caroline Haughey, this course provided an environment in which professionals could develop their knowledge of the nature and dynamics of domestic trafficking and criminal exploitation and build confidence in identifying and describing the problem , developing systemic safety plans to intervene and disrupt or prosecute offenders, divert potential children and young people away from exploitative relationships, and support those that have been exploited towards safety and recovery.
It was a highly interactive day as delegates posed interesting and astute questions throughout the day. The program was built upon Craig Barlow's current research in the field of criminal exploitation of children and drew on a range of practice examples and detailed case studies.
One senior member of the Community Safety Service said "This course has given us the academic weight to support what we are trying to achieve locally". Another practitioner said that Doemstic Trafficking and Criminal Exploitation of Children was "A really enjoyable course. the theory added much needed contexts to my own thoughts and observations which I can evidence in decision making and practice". Further praise came from a Locality Team Manager who said that the "training and tools given to support those being exploited were clear, concise and relevant".
"Of course I'm delighted that this course was so well received," said Craig Barlow "But it is more important that training like this has practical, useful value to practitioners. The professionals on courses such as this are working with the issues every day and what they value is the opportuity to develop their knowledge and practice experience through sound, research based theoretical models supported by practical demonstrations of theory in action. The commitment of everyone to the day was fantastic and it was really exciting to see how practitioners from Law enforcement, Youth Justice and Social Care backgrounds were using the SIPPS model together to make some impressive analyses and in so doing come up with equally impressive and flexible solutions to problems."
The "Domestic Trafficking and Criminal Exploitation of Children Course is available as an In House course through Craig Barlow Consultancy and Training or ModernGov.
New Modular Risk Assessment Training Launches in Medway
This week saw the launch of the Systemic Approaches to Risk Assessment and Child Safeguarding training for social workers in Medway, Kent. This innovative course has 5 modules beginning with the principles of risk assessment theory and practice. Module 2 provides practitioners with the Family Risk and Safety Assessment, a structured professional judgement framework for the assessment of risk for physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
The remaining modules examine the issues relating to adolescents at risk of harm, children with sexually harmful behaviour and sexual abuse rik assessment.
What really excites us about this programme is that each module has classroom based face to face teaching which is then supported by extensive web content contained within this website, downloads, the FRaSA e-manual, e-learning activities and discussion forums.
"This specialist training for social workers has taken months to design and develop" said course leader Craig Barlow. "But we are really pleased with the product and intial feedback from course participants has been extremey positive. Classroom based training is incredibly important but we wanted to extend that experience back into day to day practice. This course is the solution, providing busy practitioners with fast access to up to date knowledge and research from the professional and academic literature, Q&A forums and discussion groups in which those face to face exchanges of ideas and questions can be pursued and developed. Furthermore, practitioners can access that additional content when and where it suits them."
The Systemic Approaches to Risk Assessment and Child Safeguarding is a 5 month course with 6 face to face training days. For more information on how to arrange this program for your organisation contact us.
MARCO FANTON - VIDEOGRAPHER AND FILM MAKER JOINS OUR ABE SERVICE
INTRODUCING OUR ABE TECHNICAL OPERATOR: MARCO FANTON
The Family Courts are increasingly ordering ABE compliant Video Recorded Interviews for children to be enabled to give oral evidence to family proceedings and calling upon Craig Barlow Consultancy & Training to undertake this specialist work. This has become an important extension of our ABE portfolio which includes Training for Police Officers and Social Workers, advice and assistance with Interview Strategy and Re:W Assessments.
Marco Fanton has now joined the CBCT team of associates as our Expert ABE Technician. Marco is an experienced Director of Photography and Film Maker with an incredibly diverse list of Commercial Credits to his name.
ABE Operator
Crucial to the ABE Video Interview Process is the smooth running of equipment, accurate recording, and a relaxed and comfortable environment for the child or vulnerable adult witness. "Marco's knowledge and experience is invaluable" said Craig Barlow." "Having him on the team substantially improves the flexibility we are able to offer in that we are not dependent upon the availability of Police Interview suites and equipment; we are able to be truly child and witness led meaning that with Marco's sate of the art recording equipment, we can set up an unobtrusive interview environment quickly and almost anywhere. This will be invaluable to some witnesses with special needs, physical disabilities and health issues".
Find out more about Marco and his commercial work at marcofantonmp.com .
Plymouth: 3 Women and 2 Men Jailed for 20 Years and 6 Months Following Prosecution for Trafficking Offences.
In the first case of its kind in Devon and Cornwall followed a large and complex operation by Devon and Cornwall Police and its partner agencies. The operation resulted in the emancipation of 7 men who had been trafficked for the purposes of labour exploitation. Read more here: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/News/newsarticle.aspx?id=2bb78bbe-2071-4223-9786-4e0eace57522
Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act finds it is working but identifies wide ranging training needs.
Barrister Caroline Haughey undertook the Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act
Theresa May, whilst still Home Secretary, commissioned a review of the Modern Slavery Act, published in July. She commissioned Barrister, Caroline Haughey to undertake the Independent Review. Ms Haughey is one of the most experienced prosecutors in the field of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery and Craig Barlow has worked with her, uitlising the SIPPS Model to assist in the successful prosecution of more than 20 perpetrators of Modern Slavery Offences. The Haughey Report identified that the operational response to Modern Slavery is improving but also that training for Police Officers, Investigators and Prosecutors is "patchy". She has recommended a comprehensive plan for professioanl development at all levels emphasising the need for a stuctured organisational approach to the identification, investigation, prosecution and prevention of slavery.
London Borough of Southwark Recognises Craig Barlow Consultancy and Training as Doing Great Work for Diversity in its Services.
In July 2014 The london Borough of Southwark agreed a new council plan that set out how it will deliver the Fairer Future vision. One of the commitments made in the plan is to build on the existing equality work by introducing a new Diversity Standard.
The Diversity Standard provides a baseline set of standards that organisations including voluntary and community sector organisations and businesses of all sizes can sign up to. Through the Standard, the council is recognising good practice among local organisations that are already doing great work in developing diversity.
The Standard has been shaped through discussions with representatives of some of the key forums and umbrella organisations in the borough, including the Business Forum and the Business Improvement Districts, Community Southwark, Southwark Multi Faith Forum and the Forum for Equalities and Human Rights in Southwark. It addresses all nine strands of the Equality Act: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation as well as socio-economic status – the last being high on the council’s agenda.
Craig Barlow said "Quite a lot of effort goes into ensuring that our training reflects and respects the diversity of our participants and the communities in which they live and work. I really appreciate having this acknowledged by Southwark in such a public way and am proud to be able to display the Southwark Diversity Standard".
The Diversity Standard was approved by Southwark Cabinet in February 2016
Unchosen Makes Valuable Deposits in the CBCT Knowledge Bank
The Modern SLavery Charity Unchosen produces high quality films illustrating the nayure and impact of Modern Day Slavery. they use film to create innovative DVD resources, which are used at events and trainings around the country to raise awareness of Modern Slavery. Some of Unchosen's films are made in house, and some come from the Unchosen Short Film Competition.
Craig Barlow Consultancy & Training uses these films for SIPPS training courses and now, Unchosen has generously supported our training even further with video links in our Knowledge Bank and other pages. Find out more about the work of the Unchosen Team and their products and their Short Film competition by visiting www.unchosen.org.uk.
Domestic Servitude and Child Safeguarding - Children are Forgotten Victims Craig Barlow August 31 2016
Father and son Ioan Berlan, 47, and Reni Parczewski, 25, worked a pregnant woman as their house servant after offering her accommodation at a house in Tottenham, North London. This month, Southwark Crown Court heard how the Polish woman was threatened with 'grave consequences' if she failed to keep the home spotless. The victim's statement described how she was treated as "a toy" by a 5 year-old child in the home.
A neglected aspect of such cases is the impact upon children who are exposed to domestic servitude in addition to direct victims.
Domestic Servitude has some specific characteristics that set it apart from other forms of forced labour.The perpetrators are often singletons or a couple and the exploitation occurs within a family context.. Facilitators may include intermediaries such as employment agencies, friends or family of the end user and / or the victim in the source country or destination country. Much of the logistics may well be co-ordinated by the end user.
By nature it is often a form of exploitation that is occurring within a family home. As a consequence, a part of the forced labour may involve the victim undertaking duties to children such as basic care, cooking, school run etc.
Relevance to Safeguarding Children
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another, causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children..
There is increasing evidence of the adverse long-term consequences for children’s development where they have been subject to sustained emotional abuse. It has an important impact on the development of the child’s mental health, behaviour and self-esteem. Emotional abuse can be especially damaging in infancy. Underlying emotional abuse may be as important, if not more so, as other more visible forms of abuse with regard to its impact upon the child.
As adults, children who have witnessed violence and abuse are more likely to become involved in a violent and abusive relationship themselves. Children tend to copy the behaviour of their parents. Boys learn from their fathers to be violent to women. Girls learn from their mothers that violence is to be expected, and something you just have to put up with. This was a worrying aspect of the abuse in R-v-A where such statements were made by the husband and colluded with, or supported by other family members
However, children don't always repeat the same pattern when they grow up. Many children don't like what they see, and try very hard not to make the same mistakes as their parents. Even so, children from violent and abusive families may grow up feeling anxious and depressed, and find it difficult to get on with other people.
A particularly troubling aspect to the impact of exposure to domestic servitude, is that the abuse is perpetrated and condoned by the children’s parents and possibly extended family. Children learn social norms, values and behaviours from their parents. When the victim of domestic servitude is also required to tend to the needs of the children, attitudes to the victim are modeled by the adults.
Children are often the indirect victims of domestic servitude. Investigators need to recognise the presence of children and the effects of exposure to this form of abuse, in exactly the same way that we would with regard to domestic violence. At the point of identifying suspected Domestic Servitude, Children’s Social Care should be engaged in joint planning and investigation with the Criminal Investigators.
Children within families may therefore be witnesses but should also be considered as indirect victims of the abuse i.e. suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
Case Examples
Siliadin v France 43 EHRR A cse of Domestic Servitude: A young woman who arrived in France at the age of sixteen, had worked for several years carrying out household tasks and looking after their three, and subsequently four, children for seven days a week, from 7 am to 10 pm, without receiving any remuneration.
In February 2016, in Rochdale, Psychiatrist Minu Chopra and her Marine Engineer Husband,Sanjeev Chopra, both aged 47 were charged with intentionally arranging or facilitating entry into the UK of a person with a view to their exploitation, and knowingly holding another person in slavery or servitude between January 1 2011 and July 31 2015. The alleged victim was a 28 year-old female. The couple had an 8 year old child.
Emanuel and Antan Edet kept Ofonime Sunday Inuk in domestic Servitude. Emanuel Edet was a Doctor and his wife a senior nurse. Ofonime was made to sleep on a piece of foam and kept his meagre possessions in a cupboard under the stairs. Ofonime Inuk’s work included included cooking, cleaning and gardening and looking after the couple’s two children.
In the Case of R-v-SK (2011) the victim, MM, gave evidence. She said she had worked as a cleaner at the hospital run by SK’s husband in an African country. After he had died she was made redundant. SK then proposed that MM should come to the United Kingdom and work for her. MM said that when she arrived at the SK’s home she was not given her own room. She was made to sleep on a mattress on the kitchen floor. She had to keep her belongings in a shed outside. Often she was cold at night. SK required her to work all day and into the night. She cooked, cleaned, worked in the garden and attended to SK’s two children, which required her to work at night because both of them suffered from disabilities. She would only be allowed out to do the SK’s shopping or to take SK’s son for a walk. If SK wanted something she would ring a bell to summon the complainant. MM was expected to be available to SK 24 hours a day.
