Links
Links is Devon’s new targeted Level 3 specialist service which will work to increase safety and reduce risk and harm to children, young people, and some young adults outside of the home.
Links brings together the expertise of staff within the Youth Intervention Team (crime prevention) and the REACH team (missing children and exploitation) to form an offer of intervention and support to children and young people who:
- have gone missing from home (any form of home)
- are at risk of being exploited
- are involved in increasing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and offending which may increase vulnerability to exploitation or exposure (or both) to youth violence
Links can work with children and young people from the age of 10, and young adults 18-25 who are care experienced. Links can work alongside lead professionals where there is already a plan of support in place, and can sometimes take the role of lead professional where the primary concerns are risk and harm outside the home.
How to access
Referrals to Links are made via the request for support to the ‘Front Door’.
Internal referrals for children or young people or young adults already open to a social worker or PA – agreement from team manager to request Links support, and then a discussion with a Links team manager to confirm referral meets Links criteria and type of support. A Safer Me assessment must also be completed or updated prior to requesting Links support.
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Information for professionals
What is CSE?
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is an illegal activity by people who have power or influence over young people. It is a form of sexual abuse in which a young person is manipulated into taking part in sexual acts. It can happen face-to-face, as well as online or over a mobile phone.
The young person may not recognise what is happening because the abuser makes them think they are in a relationship and are special. CSE can also happen as a result of violence, threats or intimidation. Therefore it is important that professionals don’t rely on the young person disclosing their abuse in order to identify that CSE is taking place.
CSE can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity or background,
Warning signs
CSE is not always easy to spot as the warning signs can often be confused with other difficulties the young person is experiencing. These are some of the main indicators of CSE (although it is not an exhaustive list):
- Going missing or absent for periods of time, or regularly returning home late without reasonable explanation.
- Regularly missing school.
- Being secretive about where they are and who they are with.
- Secretive use of the internet.
- Being in contact with older people online that are not part of their usual peer network.
- Having unexplained new possessions, for example, a mobile phone.
- Having older boyfriends or girlfriends.
- Isolation from peer group, family and friends.
- Drug and alcohol misuse.
- Displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, including how they dress.
- Mood swings or changes in behaviour.
- Changes in physical appearance such as weight loss or appearing tired all of the time.
- Having unexplained injuries.
- Frequent sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies.
Who can I speak to?
If you are worried about a child or young person, the first thing you should do is speak to someone at the MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) on 0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk and give as much information as you can. If you have immediate concerns about a young person, please call the police on 999.
Support the campaign
A key step in protecting young people from CSE is to raise awareness amongst young people, parents or carers and professionals. Below are links to key online information and leaflets about CSE. Please distribute this information within your agency and consider handing out leaflets to young people or parents/carers that you are working with.
Important information