5. Contextual safeguarding

5

vii. For more information see the ‘Disrupting Exploitation Annual Report’ (The Children’s Society, 2019).

Contextual safeguarding

A key approach which was integrated into a number of good practice interventions was contextual safeguarding,7 also referred to as complex safeguarding. This approach recognises that a whole range of environmental factors influence young people, including people outside of their family and home. A contextual safeguarding approach focuses on the environments and spaces in which young people face risk. It acknowledges the need for two interlinked strategies, which respond to a young person’s immediate harm and the systemic issues which present risk. Such an approach aims to create safety in the places and spaces where harm occurs, for example, by first introducing mapping to identify unsafe zones for young people. It should be noted that this does not necessarily mean young people cannot access such spaces, as they can often be where essential services lie, but it does, however, plan to change how young people are supported to safely spend time, and feel included, in the space. Targeted interventions were also implemented at these locations of harm, highlighted by the work of the Safer Options Integrated Response to Exploitation and Violence in Bristol. By linking geography and risk, profiles of risk can be produced for young people, which can crucially be focused on areas of safety. Innovative practices are currently operating in the Barking and Dagenham local authority area through pilots such as the Schools' Safety Summit, Peer Assessments and Contextual Conferencing. The Children’s Society Disrupting Exploitation Programmevii is also a key example of building safety in peer, school and community contexts where exploitation occurs.

Recommendation 4: building on the early success of contextual safeguarding pilots, a contextual safeguarding approach to child trafficking cases should be widely encouraged. • There is a need for the research team to be embedded within the projects to ensure progress is effectively monitored. • Also, there is a pressing need for research briefings to inform the development of practical resources (for example, the safety maps tool ) to share best practice across the sector.