This new Child Exploitation Practice Guidance aims to support practitioners and managers through information and upskilling in relation to contextual harm; thereby achieving consistent practice across Leeds. This aims to help children who are at risk of exploitation receive the right support at the right time. The guidance is an overview of good practice and information. It is not intended to replace procedures or internal processes.
Working with children who may be being exploited is a challenging task for any practitioner. We know that children are unlikely to see themselves as victims of exploitation and may be resistant to working openly with professionals. We also recognise the complexity of the work in that children can be victims of exploitation but also present a risk to themselves or others. At times, the work can feel crisis led and without a clear solution. Conversely, we know that children often need consistent and tenacious workers who will build their trust through relationship-based work, therefore allowing them to feel able to talk openly. Again, this can be challenging in the context of caseloads and timescales. This guidance hopes to support workers who may feel unsure about processes or best practice. It also aims to provide links to relevant research and guidance.
Join us for a webinar which will introduce the guidance and cover the main themes of best practice in contextual safeguarding. See our training section for full details.