Wigan and Rochdale Child Sexual Exploitation Innovation Project Evaluation Report

This document describes an evaluation of three distinct but related projects aimed at supporting young people at risk of exploitation, particularly child sexual exploitation (CSE), in Greater Manchester. The Wigan and Rochdale CSE Innovations Project focused on a phased approach involving action research, co-design, and implementation of a pilot service, which showed positive impacts on reducing risks and improving mental health among young people. The evaluation used diverse methods such as interviews and cost-benefit analysis, revealing successful service models and stakeholder satisfaction, despite some operational challenges. A second project evaluated a co-design approach in children's services, which enhanced staff knowledge and confidence in addressing CSE. The evaluation, based on staff surveys, supported the effectiveness of relationship-based work and high-intensity support, while noting the need for ongoing monitoring and further research. The third project assessed the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team's approach, which aimed to introduce effective services and foster partnerships to address complex safeguarding issues. Interviews were used to evaluate the ACT model's clarity, impact, and cost-effectiveness, with feedback from young people and families indicating service improvements. The document, published by the Department for Education, concludes that these innovative approaches and the phased strategy are effective in improving outcomes for at-risk youth and garnering support for new working methods. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Education (DfE)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Process methods: Case studies; Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews; Other; Other; Qualitative observational studies; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: March 2017

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes