1.Introduction
This handbook brings together all the procedures,protocols and guidance for professionals who are working with children and young people who are in need and/or in need of protection.
The Local Safeguarding Children’s Board’s mission statement begins with:
Keeping Children Safe is everybody’s business
Throughout this handbook,you will find a consistent theme;all agencies and professionals who work with children and families should work together,understanding their own responsibilities and the roles and responsibilities of others, in supporting children in need and their parents/carers and in helping to safeguard children who are at risk of,or are suffering significant harm.
If you are a member of the public reading this and you are concerned about a child or young person please go to section 3 below on how to contact a social worker.
2. When is a child (and family) eligible for services from Children’s Social Care?
3. How to refer to Children’s Social Care if you have a concern about a child/young person
4. Child Protection Procedures
The South West Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures (SWSCPP) They are located on a website which is updated on a regular basis.
The procedures cover the steps that should be followed if there are concerns about a child and include the referral,enquiries and assessment stages,including the roles and responsibilities of agencies involved with children and families.
The SWCPP are intended to be a guide for professionals who work with children and families and include advice about the factors that need to be considered when considering whether a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm
Managing Individual cases
5. Specific Procedures and Protocols
This link will take you to procedures,protocols and practice guidance about specific groups of children/young people and adults.The majority of these are part of the SWSCPP.However some are local to Bath and NE Somerset.