Briefing: Crib Sheet - Safeguarding children

Where does child protection fit into the National Service Framework?

Standard Five says it all. "All agencies work to prevent children suffering harm and to promote their welfare, provide them with the services they require to address their identified needs, and safeguard children who are being, or who are likely to be, harmed."

So it isn't just a social services issue then? Absolutely not. Remember that the framework brings together health and social care, but also looks at the role played by many others including education and even parents, each of which affects a child's health and wellbeing. Safeguarding in particular requires true integrated working at strategic and operational levels involving everyone who may come into contact with a child or young person. For instance, this standard refers back to the Children Act 2004 promotion of local strategic partnerships that prioritise children's welfare; and each of the health bodies is represented on the statutory local safeguarding children boards. The standard also refers to safe recruitment practices, policies and procedures for addressing allegations against staff, and the need for complaints procedures and whistle-blowing policies.