HMIC Publish National Child Protection Inspection Review

The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has published its post-inspection review regarding child protection work carried out by South Yorkshire Police.

HMIC published an initial report in September 2014, which found that South Yorkshire Police had an "inconsistent approach" to child protection and improvements to the care of children in custody. A post inspection review was then carried out in April 2015, which found that improvements had been made to the force's initial response when attending incidents involving children at risk. Child protection had also been prioritised, while there was a "strong desire" to improve outcomes for children who are at risk of harm.

However, inspectors also revealed their concerns, such as the fact that although the force had undertaken a review of arrangements with care homes and provided guidance to police staff, it had not resulted in improvements in practice. In addition, the report found that South Yorkshire Police was still "failing to recognise" risks to some children and work jointly with other agencies; while recording practices remained poor, therefore limiting the ability of staff to make good decisions about children.

The organisation published its original findings just weeks after a report revealed that some 1,400 children had been sexually exploited in Rotherham.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Mike Cunningham said: "It is common knowledge that South Yorkshire Police's approach to protecting children has been severely lacking. In September last year HMIC raised serious concerns about the way the force was approaching this kind of work, which was undermining the service it provides to children.

"We carried out this post-inspection review in order to understand what progress South Yorkshire Police had made since our initial inspection, and we found there were still areas that need major improvements.

"I am keen to stress however, that the situation in South Yorkshire is not irretrievable. There are tangible signs that the force is improving its service to children in some elements of its service to children, so I am encouraged that the senior leadership of South Yorkshire Police demonstrated the determination to make improvements.

"HMIC will continue to monitor South Yorkshire Police approach to child protection."

In response to the report, Assistant Chief Constable Ingrid Lee, South Yorkshire Police, said: "The wellbeing and safeguarding of vulnerable children is paramount and is at the heart of everything we do. The force has made significant progress in protecting children, however, we agree with HMIC that more needs to be done.

"There has been a considerable increase in the number of police officers and staff in our public protection units, and also staff dedicated to tackling child sexual exploitation. We are absolutely committed to achieving justice, stopping harm and preventing future offending."

She continued: "The report recognises that the force has been influential in establishing multi-agency safeguarding hubs, which have representatives from all agencies working together under one roof and this is a 'significant achievement,' which will improve the protection of children.

"The force has identified a series of recommendations for improvement and is in the process of embedding them; HMIC recognise that successful implementation of these can improve how child protection is tackled."

(JP)