Overview

The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and takes its responsibility seriously. Everyone has the right to live a life free from harm and abuse. Promoting the welfare of Adults and Children and protecting them from harm is referred to as “Safeguarding”.

The Trust is committed in ensuring the principles and duties of safeguarding adults and children are holistically, consistently and diligently applied. Working in partnership with education, social services, police, and other health services, we ensure patients, visitors and staff are appropriately safeguarded.

We have a dedicated Safeguarding Children and Adults Team and our Executive Director of Nursing, Melanie Johnson has board level responsibility for safeguarding children ensuring that the board is satisfied that all measures are taken to safeguard children and adults in our care.

How you can contact us

  • Safeguarding Adults and Children Teams: 0191 541 0555 ext. 40555 or email stsft.safeguardingteam@nhs.net
  • Children in Care Health Team: 0191 569 9980 

Click the Link Below to Register:

https://www.safeguardingchildrensunderland.com/events/event/autumn-conference-2023-thinkfamily

Safeguarding Adults

How to make a referral

Safeguarding Children

Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty

Our Team

  • Exeutive Lead for Safeguarding - Melanie Johnson
  • Assistant Director for Safeguarding and MCA Lead - Tracy Dean
  • Senior Nominated Officer for LADO/ Allegations management - Kath Griffin 

Safeguarding Adults:

  • Named Nurse Safeguarding Adults and PREVENT lead - Tracy Dawson
  • Safeguarding Adult Advisor -  Margaret Deary, Naomi Kelly, and Michael Leadbitter
  • Safeguarding Adult Nurse - Lucy Yorke and Ashleigh Aiston

Safeguarding Children:

  • Named Doctor Safeguarding Children - Dr Rhona McCrone
  • Named Nurse Safeguarding Children - Kerry Pate
  • Named Midwife Safeguarding - Janice Blakey
  • Safeguarding Children’s Advisor -  Lindsey O'Connor, Janet Campbell, Alison Simpson, Michelle Milburn, Victoria Gray
  • Safeguarding Children's Nurse - Rachel Allan
  • Safeguarding Paediatric Liaison Nurse - Billie Lees

Children in Care Health Team:

  • Lead Nurse/Named Nurse Children in Care - Vicky Smith 
  • Advanced Clinical Practitioner Children in Care - Claire Elwell
  • Senior Nurse Children in Care - Brigid Iley and Victoria Button
  • Staff Nurse Children in Care - Christine Smith 
  • Staff Nurse Children in Care - Shevaun Mulholland

Domestic Abuse Health Advocates:

  • Domestic Abuse Health Advocate - Julie Wanless
  • Domestic Abuse Health Advocate - Lesley Fearon
  • Domestic Abuse Health Advocate - Nathan King

MCA and DoLS team:

  • MCA and LPS lead - Stephen Down
  • MCA and DoLS Advisor - Christine Johnson

Click here to view our team poster

Safeguarding Annual Report

Please click the below link for the Trust's Safeguarding Annual Report:

Domestic Abuse

The UK government’s definition of domestic violence is “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional.”

What to do if there is a disclosure of abuse

  • Always talk to the person alone 
  • Never pressure a person to leave partner
  • Reinforce options
  • Explain the role of expert agencies
  • Always use a professional interpreter. Never use family members or clients friend if English is not his/her first language
  • Document all contacts, when asking ‘the question’, disclosure, actions, observations, use safelives dash and consider MARAC referral 
  • Are there any children? Consider concerns about a child’s safety , including the unborn child
  • Inform client of your concerns 

Guidance for risk assessment and identifying support

Guidance for Young Person risk assessment and identifying support

Links to Domestic Abuse Agency referral forms

Links to Stalking Services and referral forms

Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service is a trauma-informed service established in 2013, to assist high risk victims of stalking in England and Wales. Their unique trained team of accredited Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) ensure that high risk victims of stalking are supported and that a coordinated community response is developed locally to keep victims and their children safe.

Further information can be found on their website: Paladin – National Stalking Advocacy Service

Useful information and referral forms:

The role of the DAHA (Domestic Abuse Health Advocate)

The DAHA can, with consent, offer direct support to victims (patients and staff) following a disclosure of domestic abuse. The DAHA can assist with assessing the current risk to the patient and support to explore safety planning prior to discharge, facilitating referrals for the victim to access support to increase their safety and address any issues they face as a result of the abuse.

The DAHA will also support staff with professional enquiries or concerns about domestic violence and abuse. Where appropriate, the DAHA will support staff to make appropriate referrals into Safeguarding Adults, MARAC and Child Protection processes.

STSFT Domestic Abuse Health Advocate

Julie Wanless, Domestic Abuse Health Advocate

Email: julie.wanless1@nhs.net

Phone: 0191 541 0555

Mobile: 07881812081

Bleep: 57598

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm

Lesley Fearon, Domestic Abuse Health Advocate

Email: lesley.fearon@nhs.net

Phone: 0191 541 0555

Mobile: 07920143567

Nathan King, Domestic Abuse Health Advocate

Email: nathan.king7@nhs.net

Phone: 0191 541 0555

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm

Out of Hours:

South Tyneside Women's Aid 0191 454 8257

Sunderland Wearside Women In Need 24 Hour Helpline 08000665555

Useful Links

Sexual Assault and Rape

Sexual Assault and Rape

Adapted from current Emergency Department Guildelines

For young people 16 years and under please follow the following link:

This guidance is based on Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Sexual Assault Guidelines, and advice from STSFT Sexual Health Service/Safeguarding and Northumbria Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

Sexual offences are common, but infrequently present to Emergency Departments. Sexual assault/rape may not be disclosed initially and the treating clinician should be suspicious when there is domestic violence and in patients requesting emergency contraception.

Sexual assault/rape may result in physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections including HIV and Hepatitis B, unwanted pregnancy, human bite injuries and psychological symptoms

Role of the STSFT Clinician

Whilst the STSFT clinician can manage some aspects of their care, it is best practise to encourage patients to attend a SARC.

The role of the STSFT clinician is to manage any acute physical injuries, whilst being sensitive and sympathetic and remembering to avoid disturbing evidence and that the absence of injuries does not exclude sexual assault. A pelvic examination should NOT take place unless there is significant bleeding needing urgent intervention.

The STSFT clinician can help the patient to access appropriate assessment and support, such as counselling and sexual health services.

Assessing Blood-Borne Virus (BBV) risk and bacterial infections

See also link to National Sexual Health Guidance

A blood sample for should be taken for storage

See link to chapter on Post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure

 Consider:

  • Need for hepatitis B vaccination/Immunoglobulin - refer to Sexual Health Clinic for continuation of vaccines if new accelerated course commenced
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Human bite wound management
  • GUM will consider testing for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and broader spectrum of sexually transmitted infections. Advise the patient to self-refer to the Sexual Health Clinic:

Sunderland Sexual Health Services
Chester Lodge
Sunderland Royal Hospital
SR4 7TP

Telephone: 0191 569 9966/0191 5699115 between 0800-1700 hours.

Sexual Health Clinic - Palmer Community Hospital
Wear Street
Jarrow
NE32 3UX

Telephone 0191 4028168 between 08.45-19:00 hours.

Out of hours the on-call GUM consultant can be contacted via switchboard.

Emergency Contraception

In-hours, consider discussion with ED pharmacist, GUM consultant, Family planning

Out of hours, Ward D47 may be contacted

Psychological concerns

Some patients may present as self-harm/suicidal and express rape/sexual assault as a precipitant to their actions. These patients should be referred to PLT. 

Safeguarding and Information Sharing

See links to Trust MCA/DoLS and Children's Safeguarding pages 

Consider the age of your patient:

17 and under

  • Safeguarding Referral
  • Police input
  • HEADSSS Assessment
  • MSET (Missing, Slavery, Exploited, Trafficked) risk assessment
  • Follow CSA pathway (16 and under)
  • Safeguarding Notification (Meditech order)
  • 16-17 Do they have capacity to make decisions
  • Consider Domestic Abuse referral

18 and over

  • Do they have capacity to make decisions?
  • Consider adult safeguarding referral
  • Consider child safeguarding if any concerns or involvement of children
  • MSET (Missing, Slavery, Exploited, Trafficked)
  • Consider Domestic abuse referral / contact trust Domestic Abuse Health Advocate on 0191 5410555 within office hours.
Confidentiality

Clinical information is confidential and cannot be disclosed to the police if a competent adult has declined police input.

A patient’s wishes can be overridden if:

  • The victim is a child
  • There are concerns around the welfare of the victim’s children
  • The victim lacks capacity and it is unlikely to be regained
  • If there is a wider public interest
  • Guns or knives have been used by the perpetrator

The decision to share information should be discussed with the consultant in charge and the decision must be clearly documented and communicated to the patient where practical.

Discharge

Consider whether it is safe to discharge the patient: where will they stay? Do they live with the perpetrator?

Provide patient with an Information Leaflet

Useful Contacts
  • Sunderland City Council Survivors Guidance
  • Trust Sexual Health Guidance
  • Male Rape Happens, Survivors Help Line 0845 122 1201
  • Sexual Health Advisors Sunderland- 01915699115
  • Sexual Health service main number Sunderland- 01915699966
  • Sexual Health service main number South Tyneside- 0191 4028168
  • Sexual Health service Gateshead main number- 0191 2831577

Police

Forensic evidence is time limited:

  • 48 hours for digital penetration
  • 72 hours for oral or anal rape
  • 7 days for vaginal rape

All patients should be offered police involvement, but any decision not to involve the police should be respected.

In those cases where police are present at triage, patients can be managed direct via SARC unless their injuries are deemed to take priority.

Regardless of the patient’s area of residence, responsibility for the police force where the complaint is made will deal with the case- In our area this would be Northumbria Police.

There is no requirement for pre-transfusion blood samples unless as part of an assessment for BBV exposure. Any police request for a pre-transfusion sample must be performed by a Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) who can quality-assure the chain of evidence.

SARC

  • SARC is only for patients aged 16 and over. For those under 16, refer to the Trust Child Sexual Assault pathway (click here to access Standards and Guidance for Children’s Safeguarding in STFT)
  • A SARC cannot deal with acute injuries or infections
  • Some patients may initially decline SARC and police input

The national SARC number, which is accessible 24/7, is 0330 223 0099.

The first contact at SARC is usually a support worker, when the following is offered:

  • Opportunity to speak informally with an officer from the Rape Investigation Team
  • Opportunity to give anonymous information
  • Forensic evidence can be collected whilst the client decides to report to police or not
  • Samples can be stored securely on site until a decision is made (for up to 7 years)
Local SARCs

There are SARCs in Durham, Teesside and Newcastle - click here for Newcastle Information Leaflet

Prevent

Prevent is about stopping people from being radicalised and becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

Safeguarding vulnerable people from radicalisation is no different from safeguarding from other forms of harm.

The Trust has been a key partner in delivering Prevent for some time now, both nationally and locally with WRAP (Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent). Full training on raising awareness of Prevent is now included into Adult E-Learning Level 2.  Basic Prevent Awareness Training is included into Adult E-Learning Level 1 training.

What is the Prevent duty?

Section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on specified agencies in the exercise of their functions to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism".

All NHS Trusts are required to ensure staff are trained in the identification of potential victims of radicalisation who may be at risk of, or involved in terrorist activities.  The NHS, as a universal service, is seen to be a key organisation in safeguarding vulnerable people as it provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to identify people who are at risk of, or are victims of radicalisation.

What is extremism?

Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation is a process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.

What should I do if I think someone is at risk of radicalisation?

If you have any concerns that a patient or colleague is being radicalised, please contact:

The Safeguarding Adults Team on:

Tel:0191 5410555

Or:

Tracy Dawson - PREVENT Lead Tel:0191  5410555
 

Margaret Deary - Deputy PREVENT Lead Tel: 0191 5410555

What is the Channel Programme?

Channel is a programme which focuses on providing support at an early stage to people who are identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.

What is CONTEST?

CONTEST is the name of the UK's Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

CONTEST is split into four work streams that are known within the counter-terrorism community as the "four P's": Prevent, Pursue, Protect, and Prepare.

  • Prevent: The purpose of Prevent is to stop people from becoming drawn into or supporting terrorism. This includes countering terrorist ideology and challenging those who promote it; supporting individuals who are especially vulnerable to becoming radicalised; and working with sectors and institutions where the risk of radicalisation is assessed to be high.
  • Pursue: The purpose of Pursue is to stop terrorist attacks by detecting, prosecuting and otherwise disrupting those who plot to carry out attacks against the UK or its interests overseas.
  • Protect: The purpose of Protect is to strengthen protection against a terrorist attack in the UK or against its interests overseas and so reduce their vulnerability. The work focuses on border security, the transport system, national infrastructure and public places.
  • Prepare: The purpose of Prepare is to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack where that attack cannot be stopped. This includes work to bring a terrorist attack to an end and to increase the UK's resilience so we can recover from its aftermath.

Victims of terrorism

Useful Contact Numbers

If someone is at immediate risk of harm, the matter should be reported to the police straight away on 999 or by calling the Anti-Terrorist hotline on the number above.

How do I report online terrorist or extremist content?

If you've come across a website or online content (including emails, forums or social media) that you feel is of a violent extremist or terrorist nature, please report it using the UK government's quick and anonymous online tool. 

Specialist officers will assess your information and, where appropriate, investigate the website and work with partners to remove it.

Of course, if you suspect an immediate danger please call 999 now.

Possible terrorist activity

If you've seen or heard something that could suggest a terrorist threat to the UK, even if it seems minor or not worth mentioning, trust your instincts and ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) by reporting it. Any piece of information could be important, it's better to be safe and report. Your information could save a life.

Is it an emergency?

If you suspect an immediate danger, please move away and call 999 now.

How can I report?

Reporting is quick and easy.

You can report in confidence online via HM Governments secure form.

The MET Police also host an online reporting tool on behalf of all UK police forces.

Alternatively, you can call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline confidentially on 0800 789 321. All reports are kept confidential and you can report anonymously.

In an emergency always call 999. 

Further information

Let’s talk about it is an initiative designed to provide practical help and guidance in order to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. For more information please visit: https://www.ltai.info/ 

External Links

Northumbria Police Force Intelligence Mailbox

The mailbox is an email address for partners and police officers to share intelligence and ensure it is received. The emails sent to the mailbox are accessed by Police Officers working in the Force Intelligence Bureau who will rate the intelligence and share with the most appropriate resource. Police Area Command use it to further build intelligence. 

If no victim is identified but you have information that suggests someone could be at risk of being harmed, you can inform the Police by e-mailing: forceintelligence@northumbria.pnn.police.uk 

To assist with the assessment of information provided, this form must be completed. 

If you have concerns about a child / young person / vulnerable adult you should make a safeguarding referral to your local children’s or adult’s services. DO NOT USE THIS FORM IN PLACE OF A REFERRAL.

FGM - Female Genital Mutilation

What is FGM?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):
“comprises of all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”.

FGM is illegal in the UK. It is a practice which takes place worldwide in at least 30 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It also takes place within parts of Western Europe and other developed countries, primarily among immigrant and refugee communities

FGM is a complex issue - despite the harm it causes, some women and men from affected communities consider it to be normal to protect their daughters and their cultural identity.

Some people believe that FGM is a way to ensure virginity and chastity. It is sometimes done to preserve girls from sex outside of marriage and from having sexual feelings. FGM is often claimed to be carried out in accordance with religious beliefs, but it is not supported by any religious doctrine.

Safeguarding women and girls at risk of FGM:

The Department for Health have created guides and templates to support practitioners in safeguarding and assessing women and girls who are at risk of FGM. Please click on the links below:

Our Duty to Report:

Healthcare professionals must report to the police any cases of FGM in girls under 18 that they come across in their work.

Trust staff must refer to the Safeguarding Childrens Procedures for the locality in which the child resides.

In the case of an adult you must speak to the named midwife for the trust who will collate information for public health England reporting.

For further information on the mandatory reporting duty please click:

Please click the links below for useful documents and further information:

Forced Marriage and 'Honour' Based Abuse

Forced Marriage:

 

A forced marriage is one in which one or both people do not - or in cases of people without mental capacity cannot - consent, and pressure or abuse are exerted to ensure the marriage takes place. It is recognised as a form of violence against women, men or children, and is a serious abuse of human rights.

Forced marriage is very different to an arranged marriage, which is where family members take a lead in choosing the bride or groom but both parties are free to choose whether they marry the chosen person or not.

If a professional has a concern about an adult who they believe may be subject to a forced marriage, they should raise a concern by following local safeguarding procedures.

 

So called 'Honour' based abuse:

 

So called 'Honour' based abuse is defined as "an incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation coercion or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse) which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family and/or community for alleged or perceived breaches of the family and/or community's code of behaviour (Crown Prosecution Service).

Victims are usually girls or women, but not exclusively so. Men may also be victims.

When dealing with potential victims of so-called honour based abuse, it is essential that professionals understand the seriousness of the situation and that immediate, but discreet, action is required.

 

Below are links to further information around forced marriage and so called honour based abuse:

 

Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service: Fire Safety and Safe and Well Checks

Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has recently flagged a concerning rise in fire deaths across the North East.  Many of these involved one or more of the following themes:

  • older, vulnerable people with health conditions that made mobility restricted
  • smoking
  • use of emollients (skin creams that can be highly flammable)

Sunderland’s ‘Alan’ SAR (published in 2021, can be viewed on the Learning resources page of the SSAB website here) was a fire death involving smoking as well as other complex factors such as alcohol misuse and mental capacity issues. Information on this case can be found on the Adult Safeguarding Page under SARs/Learning Reviews.

TWFRS has some excellent fire safety tips on their website here: https://www.twfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/home/prevent/

It has been established that the risk factors which increase the vulnerability of an individual to fire are closely aligned to those which affect a person’s health and wellbeing – Age, Mobility, Alcohol, Mental Health and Living Alone etc.

Please see attached information below that provides detail of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) Safe and Well checks (formerly known as home safety checks).

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Modern slavery is a term that covers:

  • slavery
  • servitude and forced or compulsory labour
  • human trafficking

From 31 July 2015, potential victims of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour in England and Wales recognised with a positive reasonable grounds decision may also have access to support previously only offered to potential victims of human trafficking.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland this support is currently only available to victims of human trafficking, and the NRM will not consider victims of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. This is why there is a separate form for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Modern Slavery Statutory Guidance has been updated in July 2023, following a judicial review challenge that led to the Home Secretary agreeing to withdraw, reconsider and revise parts of the Guidance.

How to refer cases to the National Referral Mechanism

Modern slavery is a complex crime and may involve multiple forms of exploitation. Victims may not be aware that they are being trafficked or exploited, and may have consented to elements of their exploitation, or accepted their situation. If you think that modern slavery has taken place, the case should be referred to the NRM so that a competent authority can fully consider the case. You don’t need to be certain that someone is a victim.

If you think you have encountered a person who has been a victim of modern slavery in England and Wales, you should complete the NRM referral form and send it to the relevant competent authority.

Adults will only be accepted into the NRM if the consent section of the form has been completed. Informed consent requires that the potential victim have the NRM, the referral process, and potential outcomes, clearly explained to them.

Human trafficking

For a person to have been a victim of human trafficking there must have been:

  • action (recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt, which can include either domestic or cross-border movement)
  • means (threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability – however, there does not need to be a means used for children as they are not able to give informed consent)
  • purpose of exploitation (eg sexual exploitation, forced labour or domestic servitude, slavery, financial exploitation, illegal adoption, removal of organs)

Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour

For a person to have been a victim of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour there must have been:

  • means (being held, either physically or through threat of penalty – eg threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability. However, there does not need to be a means used for children as they are not able to give informed consent)
  • service (an individual provides a service for benefit, eg begging, sexual services, manual labour, domestic service)

Forced or compulsory labour may be present in trafficking cases. However, not every person who is exploited through forced labour has been trafficked.

There will be cases of exploitation that do not meet the threshold for modern slavery – for example someone may choose to work for less than the national minimum wage, or in undesirable conditions, without being forced or deceived. These cases should not be referred into the NRM but you may want to refer them to the police.

Alternatively you can contact the pay and work rights helpline for more information on 0300 123 1100, or the Gangmasters Licensing Authority on 0800 432 0804.

Slavery and servitude are more serious versions of forced or compulsory labour. Click here for more information on the indicators of modern slavery.

Duty to notify

From 1 November 2015, specified public authorities are required to notify the Home Office about any potential victims of modern slavery they encounter in England and Wales. Completing this NRM form is sufficient to satisfy this duty to notify as long as all of the sections marked with a † are completed.

However, if the potential victim does not want to be referred to the NRM, then an MS1 form should be completed and sent to dutytonotify@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. The MS1 form can be anonymous. The MS1 form and guidance is available.

Access to support

Individuals who are recognised as a potential victim of modern slavery through the NRM have access to specialist tailored support for a period of at least 45 days while their case is considered, which may include:

  • access to relevant legal advice
  • accommodation
  • protection
  • independent emotional and practical help

Support in England and Wales is currently delivered by the Salvation Army and a number of subcontractors. The Salvation Army will assess each potential victim to determine what support is most appropriate.

You must explain this process to the potential victim using the frontline worker guidance and seek their consent before filling out the NRM form. If they consent to being referred they should sign the form, and also sign if they wish to access support.

The frontline worker should contact the Salvation Army as soon as possible to make the support referral (prior to the reasonable grounds decision which has a target of 5 days).

Completing the form

The NRM form should only be completed for adults when a member of staff from a designated frontline organisation (known as a first responder) suspects someone is a victim of modern slavery and where the individual concerned has understood the implications of, and consented to, a referral.

It is not to be used as an interview record but as a means for a first responder / frontline worker to provide as much information as possible to competent authorities to enable a decision to be reached.

This does not prevent the first responder from approaching the potential victim to obtain further details where appropriate, while avoiding placing them under unnecessary additional stress or trauma.

Throughout the form, items marked with an asterisk should be supported by documentary evidence where possible.

Child victims

If the potential victim is under 18, or may be under 18, you should complete a child referral form. Child victims do not have to consent to be referred into the NRM and should be referred to wider child safeguarding processes for support. Read the separate guidance and form for child victims.

Referral processes

In England and Wales, only designated first responders can refer cases to the NRM.

Forms should be sent to the NCA Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU) by email to nrm@nca.x.gsi.gov.uk or by fax to 0870 496 5534.

The competent authorities (UK Visas and Immigration for non-EEA nationals and MSHTU for EEA Nationals) will then aim to make a reasonable grounds decision within 5 days.

If you are unsure which police force area the individual was identified in, please check police.uk.

Additional Information

Training Presentations:

MSET - Missing, Slavery, Exploited, Trafficked

MSET (Missing, Slavery, Exploited, Trafficked) is a framework which covers all areas of exploitation. MSET Operational Groups in each Local Authority area meet and  gather multi-agency information to identify, risk assess and develop safety plans for children and young people at risk of exploitation.

When a child or young person is exploited they are often sold a dream, but the reality is very different. Children or young people may be given things, like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection in exchange for carrying out a criminal activity, known as Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) or performing sexual activities, known as Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

The most common form of CCE is when a child or young person is forced to sell drugs for an older person. Some of the activity takes the form of county lines dealing, which is when people travel from large cities such as London to sell drugs in new areas/locations.

CSE is a form of sexual abuse of young people. It involves an individual or group coercing, manipulating and deceiving a child or young person into performing sexual activities or others performing sexual acts on them in exchange for something such as gifts, money or affection.

Children and young people can be groomed by a stranger or by someone they know. Abusers may use threats, violence or take advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person.  With the increase in the use of social media, it’s becoming easier for offenders to approach and begin talking to children or young people online. 

Many children or young people don’t realise they’re being groomed because the signs aren’t always obvious and offenders can go to great lengths to remain unidentified. The signs and symptoms which may indicate child exploitation can include;

  • receiving unexpected gifts or money
  • using their phone secretively or increased use of online platforms
  • having significantly older friends
  • being picked up from school by strangers
  • mental health difficulties/self-harm
  • regularly going missing from school and home or returning home late
  • changes in behaviour
  • using drugs and/or alcohol
  • unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns

Any professional who has concerns about child exploitation must;

  • complete the appropriate MSET risk assessment using the links below
  • email a copy of the assessment to stsft.safeguardingteam@nhs.net to be reviewed and uploaded to child’s Meditech record 
  • Apply local safeguarding thresholds to consider referral to either Early Help or Children’s Social Care *High-risk cases will almost always require a safeguarding referral*
  • When safeguarding thresholds have been met, the completed MSET form must be attached at part 9 and10 along with your safeguarding referral via Datix.
  • If an imminent risk to the young person is identified and/or a crime has been committed, information MUST immediately be shared with Police.
  • Report any relevant intelligence to Northumbria Police via forceintelligence@northumbria.pnn.police.uk

Sunderland:
​Sunderland MSET screening tool Click on 'MSET Framework' tile, open word document, click on 'MSET screening' in section 1.1, open word to complete.

South Tyneside:
South Tyneside MSET screening tool Complete appendix 1 'stage 1 screening tool'.

Durham:
Durham exploitation risk assessment tool Click Child Sexual Exploitation risk assessment tile, open word document to complete.

Gateshead:
Gateshead MSET screening tool Click on 'stage 1 screening tool', open word document to complete.

Please click on the following links for further information:

Substance Misuse

Substance Misuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances  including alcohol and illicit drugs.

Links to services:

Adult services:

Young Peoples services:

For Meditech users a safeguarding order for young people requiring drug & alcohol referrals can be made selecting the appropriate service depending on postcode. Further guidance is available via the Standards and Guidance for Children's Safeguarding in STSFT  document section 6. This can be accessed by clicking >this link.

Documents:

ICON and Preventing Abusive Head Trauma

Research points to persistent crying in babies being a potential trigger for some parents/care givers to lose control and shake a baby.  It also shows that around 70% of babies who are shaken are shaken by men.  So any prevention programme should include male caregivers and use the best opportunities to reach them as well as support all parents/caregivers with information about crying and how to cope with a crying baby.

 

ICON is here to help prevent abusive head trauma. ICON is an evidence-based programme consisting of a series of brief ‘touchpoint’ interventions that reinforce the simple message making up the ICON acronym.

 

Useful information:

Click the links below for some useful videos: 

More information and resources for both parents and professionals can be found on the ICON website:

 

 

Safe sleeping and prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The Lullaby trust offer guidance and support for professionals and families around Safe Sleep.

Some key messages include:

-If parents smoke and drink alcohol or take medication that makes them drowsy, co sleeping with baby can be very dangerous.

-Car seats are designed to keep babies safe while travelling, not as a main sleeping place. Car seats should only be used for transport and not as an alternative for cots or high chairs.

-To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) babies should be slept on their back on a firm, flat, mattress for every sleep day and night. It is important that this routine is followed on holiday.

-Babies that get too hot have a greater chance of SIDS.

-Overcrowding in the home increases risk to baby

Useful Information:

Useful Videos:

Safeguarding Training

The Trust is committed to continue to develop a highly skilled workforce that is confident in facing safeguarding challenges.

Safeguarding Children and Adult training is mandatory for all Trust staff, and reflected by the requirements within Safeguarding Children & Young People: Roles & Competencies for Healthcare Staff (2019), Looked after Children: Roles and competencies of healthcare staff (2020) and Adult Safeguarding: Roles and Competencies for health Care Staff (2018).

All newly appointed employees of the Trust must attend an organisational induction programme which specifically outlines safeguarding responsibilities required within the Trust.

Please click the links below for staff training requirements:

As part of the Level 3, Face to Face, ‘Think Family’, Safeguarding Training, participants will be expected to complete a pre-read document to support learning and discussions within the session. When booking on the session a link to the pre-read document will now be automatically sent with the calendar invite. Please ensure you click this link to access the pre-read prior to your training session.

Please click the link for guidance on accessing training:

Below are links to Sunderland and South Tyneside multi-agency training:

Professional Challenge and Escalation

Learning from reviews has highlighted the need for staff to have a clear understanding about their responsibility for professional challenge and to know how to escalate concerns about decisions made where there are concerns about the welfare and safety of a child or an adult at risk.

The safety of the child or adult at risk is the paramount consideration in any professional disagreement and staff should be mindful of the risks in considering escalation and resolve difficulties quickly and openly.

Please click the links below or further information:

Professional Curiosity

Learning from reviews has highlighted the need for staff to adopt professional curiosity. Professional curiosity is the capacity and communication skill to explore and understand what is happening with an individual and / or within a family, adopting a "Think family" approach.

Curious professionals engage with individuals and families through visits, conversations, observations and asking relevant questions to gather historical and current information. Nurturing professional curiosity is a fundamental aspect of working together to keep children, young people and adults safe.

Please click the links below or further information:

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