It is with sense of urgency and commitment that we announce the release of a crucial new briefing designed specifically for frontline practitioners who are working with young people in the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) process, who are preparing for legal adulthood. The briefing has been developed to respond to an identified gap in current safeguarding arrangements for young people as they make the legal transition into adulthood at 18.
This group, frequently vulnerable to or already victims of exploitation, present unique challenges and needs. As they transition from childhood to adult status, particularly within the NRM framework, they must navigate the loss of vital care and support that they may have received as a child.
The briefing emerges in the response to the significant issue where numerous children, who were entered in to the NRM as children, have reached legal adulthood without adequate support to understand the NRM process or the importance of giving informed consent to remain in the systems as adults. Consequently, many have had their cases suspended, losing access to critical support a time when they need it most.
As you are aware, the NRM serves as a pivotal process in the UK for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery. The transition to legal adulthood is a critical juncture for these individuals. It is essential that they receive support and guidance to navigate this period effectively, ensuring their continued protection and access to the support they are entitled to receive.
The 7 minute briefing aims to provide you with guidance on several key areas:
1. Understanding the NRM process: An overview of the NRM’s role in safeguarding young people, especially as they approach legal adulthood, and practical steps to develop transitions support plans.
2. Gathering Consent Post-18: Guidance on obtaining informed consent from young people (18 and over), which is mandatory for entering or remaining in the NRM. This briefing and links to wider documentation provide advice on how to facilitate these critical consent discussions.
3. Support through Transition: Guidance on post 18 support that can be accessed through the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract.
Within the briefing you will find additional links to wider supporting guidance. Please take time to read these and utilise the reflective questions in your service areas to strengthen the response to supporting young people in the NRM and transitional safeguarding. Please note, the supporting Children’s Society document “NRM transitions briefing” will be released at a later date.
The briefing is to address the issue which creates a gap in support and understanding. Our goal is to provide practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to guide vulnerable children and young people effectively through a pivotal time in their lives. The document represents our collective responsibility to ensure that their transition into legal adulthood is handled with care, and the utmost professionalism.
Please use the document for your review, and we encourage you to share it with your teams and your networks. Any comments or insights on this resource would be highly valuable as we continue to refine our support strategies in context of transitional safeguarding.
Thank you to our partners who supported the development of this guidance and for your unwavering commitment to safeguarding our young people in the West Midlands.
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