This week the leader of Oldham Council gave an update on the assurance review of child protection currently underway. The only approach to a review of such importance is one of openness, transparency, and humility.
It is important all residents play their part in reporting concerns, and in understanding the different characteristics and patterns of abuse which take place.
In January I posted an article which set out the scale of the challenge currently in the borough, and it’s worth repeating.
According to published data there are 2,460 children in need in Oldham (2019/20), and a reported 400,000 children in need across England. Locally 386 young people were the subject of a child protection plan. 44% of those with a child protection plan were because of emotional abuse, 47% because of neglect, 3% physical abuse, and 6% sexual abuse.
In the same period there were 4,627 assessments completed by children’s social services, which are reviews carried out by social workers once a concern is raised.
At the meeting Cllr Arooj Shah said, “Our biggest responsibility as a council is to keep our children and young people safe. The review team are leading experts and I have no doubt they will identify areas where our work in the past has fallen short.
Nothing should be said today which seeks to either pre-empt or undermine the review. I am acutely aware that those who seek to make political capital will portray whatever is found as part of a conspiracy if it falls short of completely slamming all that was done at the time to protect young people. We must not allow that to guide us, or to blind us, in that we must take it’s findings even when it offers challenge and use that to ensure lessons are learned.
Nothing Madam Mayor, and I repeat nothing matters more than the protection of young people and bringing abusers to trial.
And so, I ask each and every one of you in order. Firstly, help us instil confidence so that victims feel supported to come forward. Help us educate and go into every community to teach young people what positive relationships are, and what signs of abuse to watch out for including control, grooming and inappropriate behaviour at home, in the community or online.
Secondly, there is no hierarchy of victim or offender based on race, religion, social class, gender, or anything else. All victims must be supported equally, and all offenders must be dealt with robustly and with the full weight of the law. I will not shy away, and I hope I have the support of the whole chamber and the wider community.
And finally, all of us in public service are here to serve the community to the best of our ability and judgement.
It is a fact, and a horrible fact that abuse does take place. Protesting, abusing or marginalising those of us fighting to put it right does not help victims, nor encouraging decent people into public service.
My personal commitment to you is honesty, hard work and accountability.”
If you have any concerns about child sexual exploitation you can report them and find resources at https://www.itsnotokay.co.uk/
If you have concerns about the welfare of children you can report them to Oldham Council Social Services on 0161 770 7777 or by email at child.mash@oldham.gov.uk
Jim McMahon OBE MP 