Signposts to very good practice

Actions taken to help children are proportionate to the risks and needs identified.

Children are aware of any immediate help that will be provided and they do not feel that help has been delayed inappropriately.

Families have received sufficient, timely help to keep their children safe and meet their needs.

Example of working practices which led to positive action:

A class teacher was alerted that a 13 year old girl was frequently seen in the company of older men. The class teacher discussed information with the girl’s guidance teacher. Social work was contacted and immediately convened a meeting involving staff who knew the girl and were aware of her circumstances. It was agreed that the guidance teacher was the best person to sensitively bring the concerns to the girl’s attention and allow her to respond. The guidance teacher subsequently supported the girl through the formal investigation by social work and the police.

Signposts to very good practice

All staff who gather information in order to assess the risks to and needs of a child or young person ensure that they seek information from all relevant sources. This includes staff who may be involved with other family members.

All staff take immediate action to ensure that no child or young person is exposed to continued risk of harm.

When a concern is raised about or by a child or young person, an appropriate professional, preferably someone known to the child, sees them, reassures them and establishes the nature of the concern and any immediate risks.

Example of working practices which led to positive action:

Following child protection training for all Local Authority staff a council plumber visited a home and noticed that five children were living in very poor conditions. The plumber contacted social work who took prompt action to investigate and protect the children.

Signposts to very good practice

When concerns about a child are referred to the police or social work and/or the Children’s Reporter, an immediate assessment of the risk of harm to that child and any other associated children is carried out.

In appropriate circumstances, there is an initial referral discussion between social work, health and police and any other relevant professional to establish what is already known about the child, young person and their family and to come to a joint decision about what further action is required.

Enquiries or joint investigations are planned jointly and these give due weight to the welfare of the child or young person and the gathering of evidence, for example during joint forensic examination.

As part of an assessment, staff consider whether to make a referral about a child or young person to the Children’s Reporter with the rationale for referral/non referral being recorded.

There is a consistent response to calls about children at risk of harm whenever the call is made, and whether the call is from a professional or a member of the public.

The person raising the concern is provided with feedback as appropriate.

Example of working practices which led to positive action:

A member of the public phones social work concerned as she saw her next door neighbour punch his four year old child. The referrer is assured that her concerns are being taken seriously. Social work immediately contact the police and health to discuss concerns and any information already known about the family. Together they agree the appropriate action to be taken.

Signposts to very good practice

Staff follow up initial assessment, when relevant, with a more comprehensive assessment of risk and need in which they consider the child’s or young person’s circumstances and their emotional, social and developmental needs in a holistic way.

Staff describe the matters of concern and in doing so they consider the child’s resilience and any other protective factors.

They assess the family’s capacity to protect each individual child and meet their needs.

Staff consider the implications of all this information for the child or young person’s wellbeing.

Staff identify and quantify risk, outlining the range of positive and negative outcomes of any action planned.

Based on all available information, including the views of the child or young person and his/her family, staff come to informed judgements about the needs of each child or young person.

Assessment reports:

• distinguish fact from opinion;
• identify personal and family strengths and support networks; and
• describe the needs of the child or young person.

All services who contribute to the assessment share an agreed approach and take account of changing circumstances.

Example of working practices which led to positive action.

While undertaking a comprehensive assessment a lead professional had an in-depth discussion with the child and all relevant family members. Family interaction in different settings was observed. The lead professional sought information and views from all relevant staff involved with the family. The lead professional then analysed all the information gathered and weighed up the significance of the information received. The outcome of the assessment was shared with other staff and this was used to plan to meet the child’s needs.

Signposts to very good practice

Help and advice are available when needed and staff are allowed to exercise appropriate initiative and professional judgement.

Managers in all services, through appropriate arrangements for staff appraisal, ensure that staff working with young children are competent and confident in carrying out their work. They ensure that they have appropriate knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications.

Managers ensure that their staff keep up to date with relevant legislation, research and good practice as appropriate.

Services, individually and jointly, audit training needs and plan a suitable training programme.

Induction processes and training for all staff address child protection issues. Staff are clear about their responsibilities to protect children.

Example of working practices which led to positive action:

An evaluation of inter-agency training on the "Getting Our Priorities Right" protocol demonstrated an increased awareness of the impact of parental substance misuse on children. This led to an earlier and more effective identification of children at risk and improved assessment of their needs.