Case study: Operation Innerste
Operation Innerste was developed in 2016 as a multiagency response to the complex issues surrounding missing unaccompanied migrant children. This was led by Devon & Cornwall Police and Immigration Enforcement, working in partnership with police forces, non-governmental organisations, the Home Office Children’s Champion, Border Force and the Association of Directors of Children’s Services. The goal of the operation was to develop a process whereby first responders (usually the police) could build an early rapport with a child. This involves providing the child with a safe environment to express their needs and concerns, and the opportunity for authorities to explain the support, services and protection entitled to them. The first 72 hours following the initial contact with a child are highly significant in establishing a relationship. Through building trust between the professional and the child, it is intended to reduce the influence of traffickers and prevent the child from absconding and going missing. As part of the process, the first responder completes an initial welfare (or safeguarding) form, and obtains fingerprints and photographs from the child, which are passed on to the National Command and Control Unit for uploading on to immigration systems to ensure the identification and continuing safety of the child. This process offers a standardised, national operating response for all 43 police forces, Local Authorities’ Children’s Social Care, Immigration Enforcement and UK Visas and Immigration. Current data reveals 387 referrals have been made in the last six months, with cases rising.
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