An Integrated Approach

Effective measures to safeguard children should not be seen in isolation from the wider range of support and services available to meet the needs of children and families.

Providing support and services to children and families under stress (see Sources of Stress for Children and Families) may strengthen the capacity of parents to respond to the needs of their children before problems develop into Significant Harm.

A Section 47 Enquiry may reveal significant unmet needs for children and families which should be considered and discussed with families even where concerns about Significant Harm are not substantiated.

Plans for safeguarding children should be based on a broad assessment of the needs of the child, parental capacity and their family circumstances.

There are additional duties for schools to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people (Keeping children safe in education: Statutory guidance for schools and colleges). In essence these require all school staff to have knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and an understanding of the local early help and child protection arrangements.

Schools also have additional responsibilities in cases of suspected FGM, Child-on-Child abuse and children at risk of sexual exploitation.

Anyone engaged in work with children and adults should be alert to and know how to respond appropriately to potential indicators of the abuse and neglect of children.