Joint targeted child protection inspections

We carry out joint inspections with Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to assess how local authorities, police and health services in England work together to help and protect children.

The joint targeted area inspections (JTAI) review:

• the response, at the point of identification, to child abuse, neglect and exploitation;
• the quality of assessment, planning and decision-making in response to notifications and referrals; and
• the leadership, management, and effectiveness of local safeguarding arrangements in relation to this work.

Background

The joint targeted area child protection inspection programme was piloted in November 2021. It was developed using findings from earlier pilot programmes.

Get the inspection framework

An inspection framework for joint targeted child protection inspections was published in January 2016 following further consultation and a pilot inspection. This framework sets out the approach for the inspections. It was last updated on 17 July 2019.

Inspection framework – Joint Targeted Area Inspections

Joint targeted area inspections include a ‘deep dive’ investigation – an evaluation of children and young people’s experiences. This changes periodically to investigate different themes in detail.

Inspection themes

Children at risk of child sexual exploitation

The first theme examined was children at risk of sexual exploitation and those missing from home, school or care. This was examined in five inspections and the findings drawn together in the report ‘Time to listen’ – A joined up approach to child sexual exploitation and missing children.

Children living with domestic abuse

The theme for September 2016 to March 2017 was the response to children living with domestic abuse. This was examined for six inspections and the findings drawn together in the report The multi-agency response to children living with domestic abuse.

Framework: Joint inspections of the response to children living with domestic abuse: September 2016 to March 2017

Children experiencing neglect

The theme for May to December 2017 was how local partner agencies – including local authorities, health and probation services and the police – are working together to protect children living with, or at risk of, neglect. This was examined for six inspections and the findings drawn together in the report Growing up neglected: a multi-agency response to older children.

Framework: Joint inspections of the response to children experiencing neglect: May to December 2017

Children at risk from criminal exploitation

The theme for February to May 2018 was the multi-agency response to preventing and responding to child exploitation, including criminal exploitation. This was examined for three inspections and the findings drawn together in the report Protecting children from criminal exploitation and modern slavery which is an addendum to the 2016 report ‘Time to listen’.

Framework: Joint targeted area inspection of the multi-agency response to the criminal exploitation of children.

Child sexual abuse in the family environment

The theme for September 2018 to January 2019 was the response to children at risk of, or subject to, sexual abuse in the family environment. This was examined for six inspections and the findings drawn together in the report The multi-agency response to child sexual abuse in the family environment in February 2020.

Framework: Joint inspections of the response to child sexual abuse in the family environment.

Children’s mental health

The theme for September 2019 to February 2020 was the response to evaluate children and young people’s experiences living with mental ill health, with a focus on those aged 10 to 15 years old. This was examined for six inspections and the findings drawn together in the report ‘Feeling heard’: partner agencies working together to make a difference for children with mental ill health.

Framework: Joint targeted area inspections on the theme of children’s mental health.

Children who are victims of domestic abuse

The theme for September 2024 to May 2025 is the multi-agency response to children who are victims of domestic abuse.  This inspection will examine the multi-agency  response following the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and updated guidance for local safeguarding partners and their multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Framework: Joint targeted area response for children who are victims of domestic abuse.

Inspection reports

For further information about the programme, please see the Ofsted website

Please note: In July 2017 HMIC took on responsibility for fire & rescue service inspections and was renamed HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). Inspections carried out before July 2017 may continue to refer to HMIC.