Suffolk Constabulary has some good child protection practices, but further improvements must be made
Suffolk Constabulary has some areas of strength in the way it protects vulnerable children, but further changes are needed to how it manages risk, a new report has found.
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Suffolk – National child protection inspection
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that Suffolk Constabulary has some good child protection practices and committed leaders who are determined to make the county safe for children.
The inspectorate said good practice included how the constabulary responds to children needing immediate protection and how its child protection investigators work effectively with other organisations to improve outcomes for children.
However, HMICFRS said that despite Suffolk Constabulary’s strengths, some areas require improvement. The constabulary needs to ensure:
- managers understand the implications of risk for all vulnerable children and respond without delay to reduce the risk of harm;
- all staff have guidance to respond effectively to complex child abuse, including online sexual exploitation; and
- all staff use intelligence about high risk more effectively to refine their multi-agency responses to help children.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said:
“During our inspection, we found that Suffolk Constabulary has a committed workforce that are dedicated to making the county safer for children.
“The constabulary has made changes to make sure child protection investigations are effective and help children. It also works closely with safeguarding partners to protect vulnerable children and has a clear focus on the voice of the child.
“Suffolk Constabulary still needs to improve the way it assesses and responds to the risk affecting some vulnerable children. This will help increase the effectiveness of its safeguarding response.
“We have highlighted some areas for improvement which, if acted on, will help safeguard children in Suffolk. We will continue to work closely with the constabulary to monitor its progress.”
Get the report
Suffolk – National child protection inspection
Notes
- For further information, the HMICFRS Press Office can be contacted at 0300 071 6781 or HMICPressOffice@hmicfrs.gov.uk.