A new initiative developed by Southampton Solent University has the potential to transform the way services protect young individuals who are at risk. The Mutual Information Sharing Tool (MIST) is specifically designed to enhance information sharing among various organizations, which could significantly aid in safeguarding youth from exploitation.
Professor Elaine Arnull, who led the research, emphasized the importance of collaboration with professionals, community members, and individuals who have experienced such vulnerabilities. She stated, “Thanks to the professionals, community members and people with lived experience who gave time and thoughts about how information might be better shared to support vulnerable young people, this project has generated insights and proposals on how local and national organisations—charities, social enterprise and voluntary groups—and the community can come together to address child exploitation and exposure to violence.”
Working closely with communities in Telford, Professor Arnull and her team identified critical gaps in the existing frameworks of justice, social care, public health, and education. MIST was developed with valuable input from community members, including survivors and young people themselves. Its innovative design not only maps out information sharing processes but also promotes dialogue among professionals, enhancing their capacity to collaborate effectively in safeguarding efforts.
The introduction of MIST may represent a significant step forward in the collective mission to protect vulnerable youth, enabling a more integrated approach to tackling issues related to exploitation and violence in society.
