Explain The Importance Of Policies And Procedures In Health And Social Care

Within health and social care setting there are many different policies and procedures that have to be followed in certain situations. There are a number of policies and procedures that are put into place to help children, young people and their families whilst they are being looked after. A policy is a set of guidelines and rules that are agreed and put into place by the organisation and procedures are the steps and methods that are followed from the policy. They help to guide the professionals and organisation on what to do in certain situations to achieve a best possible outcome. Health and social care workers will be trained so that if they suspect or can confirm a child or young person is being abused then they can follow the correct policy and procedure on how to deal with the situation.
There are a number of different child protection agencies whose aim is to keep all children and young individuals free from any form of abuse, harm or danger. The department for children, schools and families, otherwise known as DCSF, have the responsibility for children in England and Wales and aim to make a suitable and safe place for children to grow up in.
Information regarding children and young people within any health and social care settings should only be shared on a need-to-know basis and otherwise documented in a locked, safe cabinet so that individuals who do not need to know the information are not able to read it to find out factors that could be placing the child or young adult at a further risk of harm. Information can be shared with the child or young adult themselves and their families however it again must only be one a need-to-know basis including any important information that they will need to know about. The confidentiality section of safeguarding children and young people is essential and originates and refers back to the Date protection Act of