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Working Together to Safeguard Children sets out a clear expectation that local agencies will work together and collaborate to identify children with additional needs and provide support as soon as a problem emerges.
Providing Early Help is far more effective in promoting the welfare of children than reacting later when any problems, for example Neglect, have become more chronic and entrenched. The importance of using a child-centred approach in following the child’s journey is also emphasised. All service provision must be based on a sound assessment of need and the views of the individual child in the context of their family and community.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
Services should intervene early to tackle any problems as soon as they emerge;
The child or young person must be at the centre and their needs paramount;
Children and young people must be listened to and have their voices heard; for the smallest of children this will mean through observation of behaviours;
Any services provided to safeguard children and young people must be clearly focused on outcomes.
Be alert to children and their needs
Remember that the child’s needs are paramount. Where practitioners, or volunteers provide services to adults they must consider the adult service user in their role as a parent or carer and assess the risks to any children in their care or with whom they have contact;
Understand their individual role in keeping children safe, and the role of others;
Be able to identify symptoms and triggers of abuse and neglect and share information with colleagues in a timely way; and
Have a focus on strengths as well as vulnerabilities and concerns
