This is what I put in my safeguarding assignment
All adults who work with children have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children.
Children’s Social Care
Children’s Social Care work in partnership with parents and other agencies to provide a key role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children who are in need. If a concern has been raised where the child may be at risk, the Children’s Social Care will decide which course of action to take.
If a child is at risk of harm or abuse social workers will:
Carry out an assessment
Meet and interview the child and members of the family
Communicate with other agencies and gather relevant information about the child
Take appropriate action if a child is thought to be in immediate danger
Take the lead during the child protection conference
Police
The Police and Children’s Social Care work closely together to protect children from harm. All police forces have a Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) who is responsible for:
Deciding whether a crime has been committed and if so begin an investigation
Gathering evidence from children’s social care, other agencies and anyone who might be involved
Taking emergency action if children are in danger
Attending court to provide evidence
Health Professionals (GP’s and A&E Doctors)
If a doctor examines a child and suspects that their injuries are not accidental, and may be a result of abuse they have a duty to notify the children’s social care.
A health professional can:
Examine a child thought to be at risk of abuse or have already suffered abuse
Provide reports to children’s social care
Provide evidence in court if a crime has been committed
NSPCC (The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
The NSPCC is a charitable organisation which works to protect children from harm. It is the only charitable organization which has statutory power alongside the police and children’s social care who can take action when children are at risk of abuse.
The NSPCC also:
Provide support to families and children
Provides a helpline
Raises awareness of abuse
Works to influence the law
Advises other professionals