Rotherham: Review into child abuse finds progress is being made

An independent review by children’s charity Barnardo’s has concluded that Rotherham Council and other local agencies are fully committed to addressing child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the town.

The snapshot of current practice - commissioned by the council as part of the local safeguarding children’s board action plan - found positive examples of how agencies are working well together to tackle the issue as a top priority.

Council chief executive Martin Kimber, said the report demonstrated the significant progress that Rotherham had made in tackling CSE, but would be used as part of the wider planning process to secure further improvements.

“It is important that we regularly review the actions we are taking to prevent the vile crime of child sexual exploitation; to protect our children and young people and to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.

“We are grateful to Barnardo’s for undertaking this independent review and for providing what we believe to be a balanced and accurate snapshot of our CSE services here in Rotherham.”

“This will now be considered along with the findings of a number of other wide-ranging reviews, including the independent inquiry commissioned by the council.”