Safeguarding

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Abstract

CSM collects information about safeguarding services and NHS responsibilities for safeguarding children as set out in Working Together (2006). This covers the requirements for PCTs to provide designated doctors and nurses for safeguarding and looked after children and designated doctors for child death reviews. PCT commissioners are also required to include standards for safeguarding in contracts and to ensure arrangements are in place for the assessment and examination of children.

The mapping exercise also collects information about safeguarding children provision from NHS trusts and PCTs that provide children's health and maternity services. Questions are asked about named professionals, the availability of assessments and examinations of children and young people suspected of being physically and sexually abused and features of these assessment services.

Safeguarding services is a 'service type' within the mapping classification of services but little information is collected about the safeguarding activities provided by these services beyond identifying whether they are child protection teams, delivering therapeutic work or involved in training staff in safeguarding.

Options

Data issues

Safeguarding questions were introduced to the mapping exercise in 2007 and focus on NHS responsibilities. LCSBs and local authority safeguarding activity is monitored through different data collections and care is taken to avoid duplication.

Relevant policy documents

  • WT: HM Government (2006) Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. London: TSO.
  • PHLAC: Department of Health (2002) Promoting the health of looked after children. London: TSO. P22.
  • LSCB: Department for Education and Skills (2007) Local Safeguarding Children Boards: A Review of Progress. London: TSO
  • SLRH: Her Majesty’s Government (2008b) Saving lives. Reducing Harm. Protecting the public. An action plan for tackling violence. TSO: London.
  • SARC: Association of Chief Police Officers (2002) Sexual assault referral centre (SARCs). Getting started. Published online at: www.caada.org.uk/library_resources/sarcs-getting-started.