SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
Advice for Professionals
Professionals have a duty to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and uphold their rights.
Safeguarding means protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their health or development and ensuring they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care. It is about taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. Child protection is part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. It is the activity undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.
Children want to be noticed by friendly, approachable and caring professionals with whom they have built a trusted relationship. They want to be asked how they are doing and what is going on, so they have an opportunity for open dialogue.
Professionals have a shared responsibility to make sure that children and young people are safeguarded against all forms of abuse and everyone who comes into contact with children, young people and their families has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action.
The Children and Families Hub
The Children and Families Hub provides information, advice and support so that children, young people and their families get the right help at the right time. Professionals can submit a referral to the Children and Families Hub.
When to make a request for support
Deciding when to make a request for support to the Children and Families Hub is a matter for professional judgement and practitioners are always advised to seek advice if unsure from their line manager/supervisor, designated safeguarding lead or by consulting the Hub. The Continuum of Needs guidance document can assist your decision making and will help inform professional conversations between organisations and practitioners.
Multi-Agency Child Protection Procedures
Our Multi-Agency Child Protection Procedures set out the way all agencies in Jersey should work to safeguard children and young people. The Procedures are for anyone (paid or unpaid) who works or cares for children and young people.