Implementation of Updated Form 87A for Exploitation Referrals
This briefing note discusses the implementation of an updated Form 87A to address concerns related to domestic abuse, child sexual and criminal exploitation, FGM, and referrals for child and adolescent exploitation issues. The rationale behind the update, consultation process with key partners, and details of the revised form are outlined to ensure a consistent approach across London in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
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Annex B Key points brief document Briefing Note redrafted Form 87A and introduction of exploitation referrals Detective Superintendent Owain Richards South West BCU
PURPOSE PURPOSE To implement the adoption of an updated Form 87A to include details relevant to domestic abuse, child sexual and criminal exploitation (modern slavery), FGM and for referrals for concerns relating to child and adolescent criminal and/or sexual exploitation.
RATIONALE RATIONALE Current 87A is intra-familial child abuse focussed and has its origins in joint working for S47 Children s Act investigations and relevant child protection conference practices. Developments in awareness and practice have outgrown the effectiveness of the current form in areas such as child criminal and sexual exploitation, and a growing Police awareness to emotional abuse caused through adverse childhood experiences. The BCU model created multi-skilled domestic, sexual and child abuse investigation teams and dedicated teams working in areas such as exploitation, modern slavery and on line abuse and imagery. All of these are developing strong joint working practices. Individual boroughs were developing their own notification and referral forms, or adapting the current 87A. It is important that we maintain a consistent approach across London, especially given the transient nature and cross border offending that occurs with exploitation. Adopting the redrafted 87A ensures a consistent practice across London, enhances and develop the joint working protocols in emerging areas of Police service delivery and helps those completing the forms to recognise areas of concerns beyond the immediate focus of the notification/referral.
CONSULTATION CONSULTATION Revision subject to various consultation stages with Police and partner agencies. Discussed at the London Child Protection Procedures Editorial Board originally submitting a proposal for an amended 87A and introduced a suggested Form 87E for exploitation referrals. Feedback was given to amalgamate both forms into one. Further consultation with key partners and DSU Andy Furphy (with regard to the London Exploitation Protocols) also suggested that with regard to exploitation, a single form and entry process should be adopted for both children and adolescents in transition. Both pieces feedback have been adopted into the revised version of a single Form 87A. The LCPP Editorial Board took this refreshed paper to other London Councils fora, notably the CP Managers and Assistant Directors of Social Care forums. It received inputs from the London Boroughs of Croydon, Enfield, Hackney, Islington and Royal Greenwich. The finalised version was approved by the Editorial Board of the London Councils Child Protection procedures.
DETAIL DETAIL The amended version of Form 87A includes the following additional details: Referrer Adding of Team Manager field: If the Referrer/Social Worker is unavailable, this provides a second point of contact with someone who knows the case; Details of Child Adding of new fields - A contact number for the child and an area to show if they are known to another Borough: Provides a contact point for the child if needed, and aids research; GP Details Adding of additional contact information: To enable the OIC to contact the GP direct if further information is required about a case; Family Members section expanded: To enable the address for someone with significant contact to be added i.e. Paternal Grandmother living at another address;
DETAIL DETAIL The amended version of Form 87A includes the following additional details: School Detailsexpanded: These details are required for all young people under the age of 18 to be input on the systems; Disabilities fieldsadded: Is there any factors/requirements the OIC made need to take into account when dealing with the family i.e. Deaf family; Footeradded: Highlighting we will only carry out research on the named people. This has been trialled in South Area BCU (Sutton, Croydon, Bromley boroughs) and there was a noticeable improvement in recognition, inter agency working and practice delivery as a result as evidenced in dedicated inspection team reports, and Op Aegis, by the MPS Child Safeguarding Delivery Group.
Referral for Child and Adolescent Exploitation Referral for Child and Adolescent Exploitation 87A is also amended to allow specific detail of risks relating to sexual or criminal exploitation. The latter part of the form is be completed where there are exploitation concerns. Of note is the inclusion of adolescents (18-25) on this form to ensure consistency and a single approach to referral of this nature. A version was trialled in West Area BCU (Hillingdon, Ealing, Hounslow boroughs) and there was a noticeable improvement in recognition, inter agency working and practice delivery as a result as evidenced in dedicated inspection team reports by the MPS Child Safeguarding Delivery Group. The risk factors have been further developed with the assistance of Anne Stoker (DCS Enfield) and correspond to the amendments being made to the Pan London Protocol for Child Exploitation.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Each agency to adopt the revised Form 87A; Promulgate in London Council Child Protection Procedures; Disseminate to all relevant agencies to amend their policies and procedures guides accordingly and to upload the revised form onto their systems; Each agency to consider their communications/training plans.
