Explain How To Safeguard Children And Young People

There are a number of different agencies/professionals that may get involved when a child or young person has been abused or harmed. These agencies have different roles and the aim is to achieve an inter-agency approach when the services are required.

The earliest point of harm or abuse may be identified by Midwife’s or Health Visitors. These professionals are best placed to identify risk factors during pregnancy, birth and the early months of a child’s life. Due to their close contact with parent’s they may observe attitudes and behaviours that could give cause for concern. After birth Health Visitors are in a position to monitor development and identify any issues relating to failure to thrive. Concerns may be raised during the ante-natal period if an unborn child is considered at risk and a pre-birth child protection case conference may be considered.
They are responsible for co-ordinating and implementing multi-agency child protection plans to safeguard children and young people that may be at risk. Social Services will investigate and make enquiries to decide what intervention is required to safeguard child or young person or to promote their welfare. Social Services act as the principle point of contact where there are concerns, and they would deal with the courts if a child or young person is suspected to be in danger. They would co-ordinate assessment of the child or young persons needs and assess the parent’s capacity to keep the child safe, this may also mean looking at the wider family circumstances. Social Services may be contacted by parents, family members, concerned friends or neighbours as well as by