Last month the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS), the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) hosted a summit on child sexual exploitation at Local Government House.

In response to calls on the day from delegates for the sector to step into the space left by central government in leading the response to this issue, the three associations have begun looking at ways to do just that.

As leaders of public services we know all too well that the work of identifying vulnerable children and young people at risk, disrupting criminal activities and prosecuting the perpetrators is complex. Attendees heard first-hand about some of the work being done in individual authorities to raise awareness of the signs of exploitation in young people before destructive relationships form.

Going forward, ADCS, the LGA and SOLACE will continue supporting local areas to identify and disseminate effective practice for all safeguarding agencies, including councils, to utilise.