Devon and Cornwall Police still faces challenges over its child protection practices despite some improvements, according to a recent report from the organisation which oversees policing nationwide.

Earlier this month Her Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) published a post-inspection review on the child protection work carried out by officers in Cornwall.

This was the follow up to an initial report in July 2015 which found "areas of concern that meant children were not receiving the service they deserve," despite "a clear commitment to protecting children."

The report found some improvements in relation to how the force recognises and responds to child sexual exploitation (CSE), including the introduction of a risk-based tracking process to provide regular oversight and scrutiny of children identified as being at risk, and how it monitors the implementation of protective plans.

It also found improvements in referral and risk assessment processes, including the development of a dedicated central safeguarding team to more effectively assess and identify risks to vulnerable children.

And the force has also provided additional vulnerability training to all frontline staff, including emphasising the link between those who regularly go missing from home and CSE.

At the same time the report found unnecessary delays remained in some child protection investigations by non-specialists, because additional risk was not highlighted at the earliest opportunity.

It found some children were still being reported missing a considerable number of times before any meaningful intervention, with the resulting risk of CSE.

It also criticised the numbers of children detained in police custody, and said the force needs better liaison with local authorities to find alternatives.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “Following our second inspection, it was clear that Devon and Cornwall Police is committed to improving how it protects children. We found examples of good practice in how it recognises and responds to child sexual exploitation, and its risk assessment of vulnerable children. However, the force still faces challenges which it must overcome to ensure children are protected in all areas.

“We found delays to child protection investigations, as well as delays in responding to cases where children were at risk of sexual exploitation. These delays can result in children being at risk of significant harm, and need to be addressed promptly. The force also needs to improve how it liaises with local authorities, in order to prevent children being detained unnecessarily in police custody.

“Although there are areas of concern, we are encouraged by the progress the force has made in other areas, and HMIC will continue monitor its performance closely.”