Multi Agency Child Protection Procedures 2011

1. Multi Agency Child Protection Procedures2011

2. These procedures have been informed and guided by three main sources: • The views of staff as to what was wanted/needed in child protection procedures • The content of the "National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2010” • Findings from self-evaluation activity including SCRs conducted in Dundee & elsewhere • These are the first true multi agency procedures Principle procedures for all agencies in Dundee

3. Background to National Guidance “Protecting Children A Shared Responsibility 1998” – required updating in response to legislative and practice developments

4. National Guidance Part 1 The context for child protection Part 2 Roles and responsibilities for child protection Part 3 Identifying and responding to concerns about children Part 4 Child protection in specific circumstances

5. National Guidance “All staff who work and/or come into contact with children and their families have a role to play in child protection. That role will range from identifying and sharing concerns about a child or young person to making and active contribution to joint decision making and/or planning and investigation to support the child or young person” Para. 287

6. Dundee’s Multi Agency CP Procedures Key underpinning principles: • To be “Multi Agency” and to be “procedures” not “guidance” • To be "primary" volume of procedures for all practitioners in Dundee • To be practical and useful for staff day to day • To be concise and easy to follow • To deliberately avoid duplicating information and more detailed guidance that sits elsewhere

7. Contents 1.Risk 2. Confidentiality, Consent and Information Sharing 3.Responding to Concerns 4.Using Orders under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 5.Child Protection Case Conferences and the Child Protection Register 6.Child Protection Plans and Core Groups 7.Children affected by Disability 8.Children and Young People at Risk Moving To and From Dundee and Children and Young People who are Missing 9.Child Trafficking

8. Key Changes included in National Guidance: • Categories of Registration removed • Updated definitions of abuse and neglect • Timescales for child protection processes specified • Chairing of CPCC not to sole preserve of SWD • Web based document, with links to other relevant documents

9. GIRFEC framework: • Wellbeing Indicators • My World Triangle • Resilience Matrix

10. Timescales Child Protection Case Conferences • The CPCC should be held within 21 days of notification of concern • Where possible participants should be given 5 days notice of decision to convene CPCC • Review in 3 months, thereafter 6 monthly • Pre birth – where possible CPCC to take place no later than 28 weeks pregnancy • Minute – to be issued within 15 calendar days

11. Timescales Developing a Child Protection Plan • Participants at CPCC receive plan within 5 days • Core group meets within 15 days • Significant changes to CP Plan notified to CPCC chair within 3 days • Remember – A child should only have one plan.

12. Multiple child abuse situations Domestic abuse Parental alcohol and substance misuse Non-engaging families Children and young people experiencing mental health problems Female Genital Mutilation Honour based violence and forced marriage Online and mobile phone child safety Children and young people who place themselves at risk Children and young people who are missing Underage sexual activity Bullying Child Protection in specific circumstances

13. “Procedures and guidance cannot in themselves protect children; a competent, skilled and confident workforce, together with a vigilant public, can. … Guidance enables managers and practitioners to apply their skills collectively and effectively and to develop a shared understanding of their common objective – to support and protect children, particularly those who are most vulnerable” Para. 1

14. From the CYPPC website www.dundeeprotects.co.uk Accessing Documents