Agenda item

Mr S Hill, Commissioning Officer, CYPS, introduced a briefing paper outlining the current position of RMBC in relation to the provision of Post Abuse Support in Rotherham.

Long term post CSE support services for victims, survivors and their families in Rotherham that have been commissioned from the 1 July, 2016 for 3 years, with an option to extend for a further 2 years.

There are two main service areas that have been commissioned which provide a range of services to meet the levels of needs identified and also to offer a choice to individuals. These services include:-

i.          Practical, emotional support and advocacy and

ii.         Evidence based therapeutic interventions.

The demand for post CSE support services from July was estimated based on above needs analyses and the number of victims, survivors and family members that are currently receiving services including those supported by the former BASE Project, funded by Minister of Justice (MoJ). The service specification was been developed with direct input from people affected by CSE.

A transition plan for victims and survivors currently accessing services through organisations that were not re-commissioned was developed in line with the arrangements described for step down. Additional capacity has been factored into the first year of the long term post CSE contract to enable victims and survivors currently receiving support to continue to receive support.

Discussion ensued on the report with the following issues raised/clarified:-

-       Given the last needs analysis was undertaken in 2015, are there plans to refresh?

-       How long do survivors have to wait to access services? Waiting times are an issue for some services however, it is hoped that this will be addressed should the NCA ‘Fusion Bid’ be approved. There is a good level of joint working between adult services and health partners.

-       What contingencies are in place if the ‘Fusion Bid’ is not successful?

-       This briefing focuses on services commissioned by the Council, but there a number of third sector organisations who provide related services which are not reported on. Are all related services mapped in Rotherham? How are non-RMBC commissioned services monitored and evaluated?

-       Reassurance was sought that survivors are being supported post trial as required, particularly as the number of prosecutions have increased.

-       The current services were originally commissioned in 2015 on an assumption that demand would decrease, with a corresponding reduction in year-by-year funding to reflect this assumption. What has been the impact on the funding reductions on voluntary sector provision and service users?

-       Once a contract is coming to an end but there is still a requirement to provide a service, is the service recommissioned fully or the contract extended?

Resolved:- 

(1)  That the briefing be noted.

(2) That a further update be provided in six months’ time outlining:

-        A map of all provision across Rotherham, with an outline of how provision is being quality assured;

-        The impact of funding reductions on voluntary sector provision and service users;

-        What contingency is in place if funding bids are unsuccessful;

-        Evidence of post-trial support to survivors;

-        An assessment of the needs analysis to establish if it requires refreshing.