More support to be given to Sheffield parents whose children are at risk of criminal exploitation from gangs

Council chiefs are increasingly concerned about the rise in knife and gun crime in Sheffield and young people’s relationships with their parents being undermined by gangs.

Last year, a quarter of offenders involved in knife crime were under the age of 18 - the majority of offences were threats, assault and attempted robbery.

Each year around 4,000 youngsters aged between eight and 25 need support but the council says too many end up in the child protection system when instead, there should be support for the whole family to stay together.

A new strategy will help children not only at risk of criminal exploitation but also those facing online abuse, sexual exploitation and extremism leading to radicalisation. The focus will be on listening to the young person and supporting parents to help their child.

Coun Jackie Drayton, Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This is about protecting our vulnerable young people and builds on the work we have been doing for a number of years.

“We have seen a rise in knife and gun crime and criminal exploitation of young people.

Sometimes families find it difficult to protect their young people and when that danger comes from outside, it’s about how we can support families to support their children.

“If you are worried about your son with some expensive new trainers or your daughter being secretive with a new phone and think they might be exploited, there are people who can help.”

A serious case review recently found 15-year-old Samuel Baker was exploited through gang culture after being left without any education provision, although the council says the new strategy isn’t a response to this and work was already underway on it.

Which children are most at risk?

Around 70 children in the city should benefit but the council says it’s difficult to give a set figure as there may be more children who were on the edge of exploitation but have been diverted away and helped.

There are certain children who are at risk more than others though. The new strategy says: “There is a nationwide over-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic young people in the criminal justice system and identified as being involved in criminal gangs.

“Research shows us that young lesbian, gay and bisexual people face some specific barriers to healthy transitions to adulthood and can face particular risks to their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing which leaves them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

“Many young people who are disabled or have special educational needs do less well than their peers at school and college and are more likely to be out of education, training and employment at 18.

“This can make these young people more vulnerable and young people with disabilities may be more vulnerable because their understanding of how to keep safe may be less well developed.”

The council says sexual exploitation also remains a focus, particularly with 16 and 17-year-olds even though they are at the age of consent.

The report adds: “These are still legally children and older young people are in some ways vulnerable to not being identified as being in need of support due to their proximity to adulthood.”

Children in care or those who have had upheavals such as parents separating and bereavement are also vulnerable.

“Children in care may have had to move placements and change schools,” says the report. “This can disrupt their ability to maintain strong friendships which provide support and reduce social isolation, leaving them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

“They may have had pre-care experiences which have impacted on their understanding of what a healthy relationship looks like.”

Trusted ambassadors

The Amber Project will help youngsters on the edge of sexual or criminal exploitation take the first step towards telling someone what is happening.

Ambassadors will include professionals such as teachers and social workers but crucially, volunteers working with youth and community groups will be specially trained in spotting the signs of grooming and how to speak to young people about exploitation.

They will wear a pin badge so young people are reassured they can confide in them.

The council says volunteers play a critical role as they work across the city and engage with hard to reach groups, especially in deprived communities.

The name of the project comes from amber being a traffic light between whether to go for it or stop and also a precious stone with healing qualities.

Anyone who is worried about a young person can call the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub on 0114 273 4855.