Re-configuring services: Key drivers for adapting responses to child exploitation

This paper is aimed at strategic leaders who are considering how to (re)configure services and shape system responses to tackle the fast-changing nature of child exploitation and extra-familial harm. It draws on a series of interviews that explored how some local areas have adapted their approach to tackling child exploitation, as understanding and awareness of these forms of harm has expanded from child sexual exploitation (CSE) to wider forms of exploitation. This paper sets out the six overarching themes that emerged across the interviews, namely:

• drivers for adapting responses to exploitation;
• approaches to shifting cultures and mind-sets;
• efforts made to improve learning and development;
• recommendations for developing new relationships and enablers around effective partnership working;
• reconfiguring services: setting up new multi-agency exploitation hubs; expanding remits and restructuring teams; providing support to young people beyond the age of 18; improving regional coordination, and
• using learning and good practice.

The paper concludes with some reflections from interviewees about the importance of reflecting on what was working well and less well as practice around tackling child exploitation develops. Individual profiles summarising the different ways local areas have adapted their responses are also presented here.