Cumbria strengthens Child Protection Team

Cumbria Child Protection Committee (CCPC) has a new member to further strengthen its partnership working in child protection. Yvonne Lake, Manager of Cumbria's Youth Offending Team (YOT), is the new member joining colleagues from the Police, Probation Services, Health Authorities, Education, NSPCC and Cumbria Social Services. Yvonne Lake says, 

"The YOT is pleased to become a member of CCPC and looks forward to contributing to the valuable work being carried out for the protection of vulnerable children. The YOT has the lead responsibility for intervention with children and young people aged 10-17 who are at risk of becoming offenders. 

Nationally, adolescents' account for a large proportion of those reprimanded, warned or convicted of sexual offences. It is important to try and help young people change their behaviour before their beliefs become more entrenched and difficult to change in adulthood. Developing integrated planning processes to ensure the safeguarding of children is a priority for the Youth Offending Team. The YOT has dual responsibilities, which are protection of the public and making sure that young people have appropriate interventions or services." 

Graham Brooks, Chair of Cumbria Child Protection Committee, says, 

"I am delighted to welcome Yvonne to Cumbria Child Protection Committee. The YOT has close links and works with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that risk management strategies are agreed and carried out. The development of local protocols between the YOT and Cumbria Child Protection Committee, incorporating child protection, intervention and risk management are crucial."