New procedures for keeping children safe in Herefordshire

More than 120 professionals from agencies and organisations who work with children across the county came together last week to launch new procedures for keeping the county's children safe.

Following a number of tragic cases nationally, including the sad story of neglect which resulted in the death of eight year old Victoria Climbie in 2001, child protection and safeguarding has become an issue for all organisations working with children.

Every Child Matters launched by the government in 2004 changed the way organisations work, putting the child at the centre with the onus on organisations to work together to share information and provide a seamless support service.

In Herefordshire there are many agencies and organisations who work with children and have a role to protect them. The list includes schools, health visitors, school nurses, social workers, nurseries, playgroups, after school clubs, police and general practitioners.

Levels of concern for a child's safety can vary greatly from the subtle things that go on in the family community which require family support to the more extreme issues requiring direct intervention from the authorities.

The new inter-agency child protection procedures for safeguarding children have been put together by the Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board. The Board is made up of representatives from local and regional agencies who work with children.

The procedures are available on-line and have been designed for quick and easy access. Content is comprehensive and gives clear guidance on all possible scenarios including procedures for managing individual cases, defining and recognising abuse and neglect, information sharing, confidentiality and dealing with children in specific circumstances. It also gives guidance on issues surrounding bullying which is a growing concern nationally.

Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
"This is a very important document which has taken over a year to put together. We have to be very clear about the way we work together and not allow any loop holes which could result in child protection not being addressed appropriately.

"Key officers have been briefed by the Safeguarding Children Board to make sure they know where to find the procedures and how to use them."

The procedures are available through the Council's website for members of the public on www.herefordshire.gov.uk/hscb_SafeguardingChildrenProcedures.