The POP, which stands for Problem Orientated Partnerships, award was presented to the East Lancashire child exploitation team, along with their multi-agency team.
Under Operation Blackrock, the team comprised of Pace, local safeguarding professionals in schools, health and social care and social services professionals. Through this partnership, it was realised that criminal child exploitation was the underlying cause of anti-social behaviour in Padiham.
Through multi-agency working, Operation Blackrock was able to safeguard young people who were at risk of, or involved with, organised crime. The operation meant that they effectively safeguard a number of young people, with help from the community and parents.
Lindsay Dalton, Pace CEO, said, “it is an honour to be part of the partnerships team receiving the POP award. This award is recognition of the successful partnership between the police, the affected family and their whole community, which is critical to keeping children safe from exploitation”.
