Multi-agency working
Everyone who works with children has a responsibility for keeping them safe. No single practitioner can have a full picture of a child’s needs and circumstances and, if children and families are to receive the right help at the right time, everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action.
In order that organisations, agencies and practitioners collaborate effectively, it is vital that everyone working with children and families, including those who work with parents/carers, understands the role they should play and the role of other practitioners. They should be aware of, and comply with, the published arrangements set out by the local safeguarding partners. In Sheffield this is called the Sheffield children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP).
The statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children, sets out key roles for individual organisations and agencies to deliver effective arrangements for safeguarding.
The local authority and its social workers have specific roles and responsibilities to oversee the statutory assessment of children in need (section 17, Children Act 1989) and to lead child protection enquiries (section 47, Children Act 1989).
SCSP city-wide policies & procedures:
National guidance:
SCSP Training:
Other relevant information can be found on this website here: Information and resources or in the index on the left side of this page.
If you are concerned about a child or young person, follow this link: Referring a safeguarding concern to Children’s Social Care