Up to two new cases of suspected child sex abuse are dealt with by Dudley social workers every week, an NHS report has revealed.

The grim figures are contained in a safeguarding document by Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.

Members of the trust's board were told last week that referrals to Dudley Council for suspected child sexual exploitation (CSE) remain ‘stable’ at one to two per week.

It went on to say that as of August this year 85 cases involving young people had been identified.

The report states: “Currently two children have been placed out of borough and are considered to be at serious risk, 12 are deemed to be at significant risk and 71 (55 female and 16 male) are considered to be at risk.”

Dudley Council House.
Dudley Council House.

But it added the true figure could be higher as boys are less likely to report abuse.

And it also identifies hostspots saying: “CSE appears to be more prevalent in Dudley Central and Halesowen townships but there is no explanation for this.”

The document suggests youngsters with behavioural problems are more likely to be at risk: “A feature within these young people is missing episodes, exclusions from school and children who are looked after.”

Home Office figures show 90 per cent of victims are known to the offender, who are often family members.

When approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a spokeswoman for Dudley Council confirmed the report's figures but added the 85 case figure referred to current open cases and the council had received 78 referrals this year.

Asked how many had been proven to be true, the council stated: "CSE is not easily evidenced it can take in excess of two years for children who have been victims of CSE to disclose information.

"Therefore it is essential that all children identified as at risk, low, medium and high (new categories were introduced in October) all receive the appropriate education, support, therapeutic intervention based on their need."

It went on to say: "We would assume that all children across the risk categories by nature have been groomed either online or in person."

Cllr Sue Ridney, cabinet member for children’s services, speaking of the council's work with health bodies and the police, explained: “Child sexual exploitation is a horrific crime and there continues to be significant work happening across the borough to disrupt offender activity and to identify and safeguard children and young people.

"However, we are not complacent. Spotting the signs and knowing how to report CSE is vital.

"Partners across Dudley Borough are committed to preventing and tackling CSE in Dudley.

"We work closely with police and neighbouring authorities through our high profile see me hear me campaign to raise awareness with parents, carers and young people about how to identify and respond to CSE so we can all help protect children and keep them safe.

“We have a sub-group of the Dudley Safeguarding Children Board that looks specifically at CSE and we meet with the police every three weeks to look at what actions we can take to protect the children and young people who are considered medium or high risk.

"The fact the vast majority of children identified at risk in the borough, are at lowest risk, demonstrates risks are being identified earlier allowing for swift and successful intervention, preventing the abuse from escalating.”

Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has been approached for comment.