Help for survivors of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham to run for another three years

Services set up by Rotherham Council to support survivors of child sexual exploitation will carry on for at least another three years.
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The current contract to support adult survivors of child sexual exploitation was due to end in December.

However, at a meeting of the council's overview and scrutiny management board, members voted to extend it until at least April 2023.

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Comments from service users were included in a consultation on renewal.

One said it had 'kept them alive' and another said they now feel they have a future with their children.

Approval was given for services to be re-commissioned until March 31, 2023, with an option to extend until March 2025, at a meeting of the board.

Practical and emotional support was offered to adult survivors following the Jay Report, which identified that high numbers of Rotherham residents were affected by child sexual exploitation between 1997 and 2013.

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The National Crime Agency continues to investigate historical child sexual exploitation as part of Operation Stovewood, and the trauma and resilience service will be in place for at least three more years.

Between July 2016 and September 2019, the services jointly supported 1,430 survivors.

Survivors also have access to Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy which is funded by the National Crime Agency as part of Operation Stovewood.

A report to the board states: “In summer 2016 the council commissioned support services for young people and adults who have experienced child sexual exploitation.

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“Following an open tender procedure in line with public contract regulations 2015, contracts were awarded to three local voluntary sector organisations.

“The contract arrangements commenced from July 1, 2016, to March 31, 2019, with an option to extend for a further two years.

“The contract was extended for one year initially and then for a further nine months until December 31, 2020. '

“The successful providers are Rotherham Rise, GROW and Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service.

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“It is important there are services to support all victims / survivors of child sexual exploitation regardless of whether they are part of active investigations.”

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