Amendments |
March 2022
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated to note the first child protection conference will be scheduled within three months of the initial conference or within 20 working days after the birth of the baby, whichever is the sooner. (See Section 8, Prebirth Conferences). |
Child Protection Review Conferences | A note has been added into Section 1, Frequency that the first child protection conference will be scheduled within three months of the initial conference or within 20 working days after the birth of the baby, whichever is the sooner. |
February 2022
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Responding to Abuse and Neglect | This chapter has been amended to add a footnote in respect of the meaning of ‘sexting’, in that it is not always a term used by young people (see Section 4, Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect). |
Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been reviewed and updated throughout. Note also a note has been added to remind all practitioners of the importance of establishing the nationality and immigration status of children and families in Section 7, Information for the Conference. This will ensure they can be signposted for immigration advice and support where required. Furthermore, if as EU / EEA nationals they have been granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme - it will ensure that they can be supported to apply for settled status when they accrue 5 years’ continuous residence in the UK. |
Child Protection Review Conferences | A note has been added into Section 2, Reports identifying timescales for the social worker to submit their Conference Review Reports, together with a note to remind all practitioners of the importance of establishing the nationality and immigration status of children and families to ensure appropriate advice and support for the family if required and as part of the EU Settlement Scheme (see Initial Child Protection Conferences Procedure). |
Bullying | This chapter has been amended to include information on sexual harassment and violence following the Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (Ofsted) and Keeping Children Safe in Education. It also includes a note on what many young people understand as ‘sexting’ (see Section 1, Definition). Please re-reference. |
Child Abuse and the Internet | This chapter has been updated to add an explanatory note on ‘sexting’ – noting that many young people do not recognise this term (see Section 1, The Internet). |
Domestic Abuse | Section 1, Definition has been updated to include the Working Together to Safeguard Children definition and to reflect that, with effect from 29 April 2021, section 71 Domestic Abuse Act 2021 removed the so-called ‘rough sex gone wrong’ defence. Where a person inflicts serious harm (wounding, actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm) on another person, it is not a defence that the victim consented to the infliction of the serious harm for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification. With effect from 29 June 2021, section 69 Domestic Abuse Act 2021 expanded so-called ‘revenge porn’ to include threats to disclose private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress. Links have also been added to: Domestic Abuse: Specialist Sources of Support (GOV.UK) and Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services (see Relevant Guidance in the Scope Box). |
Fabricated or Induced Illness/Perplexing Presentations | This rare but potentially lethal form of abuse is freshly defined as: a clinical situation where a child is, or is very likely to be, harmed due to parents’/carers’ behaviour and action, carried out in order to convince doctors that the child’s state of physical and/or mental health or neurodevelopment is impaired, (or more impaired than is actually the case). The chapter includes a Sections on Risks; Indicators; Protective Action to be Taken and Further Information. Please re-reference. |
Child Criminal Exploitation | This chapter has been amended to add an updated definition of the Government’s Criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults (see Section 1, Definition) together with a link in Further Information to Tackling Child Exploitation: Resources Pack (Local Government Association). |
Children of Drug/Alcohol Misusing Parents | This procedure has been updated to reflect on the issue of ‘contextual safeguarding’ (see Section 1, Implications) and working in a ‘think-family approach’ (see Section 2, Action to Safeguard). A link has been added to GOV.UK, Parents with Alcohol and Drug Problems: Support Resources (see Relevant Guidance). |
Working with Sexually Active Young People under the Age of 18 | This chapter has been updated to include information on sexual harassment and violence following the Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (Ofsted) and Keeping Children Safe in Education. Additional information has been added in respect of undertaking a Single Assessment (see Section 3, Process). |
Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | A link has been added to the Addendum to the Guidance for Safer Working Practice for those Working with Children and Young People in Education Settings to cover Online Learning. Additionally, and as a result of the UK’s exit from the European Union, information has been added on how employers can now check that an individual has the right to work in the UK during the recruitment process and includes relevant and updated UK GOV links. Note also in Section 2, Recruitment that If a person subscribes to the DBS update service, employers/prospective employers must also check the original DBS certificate. This is because the update service will not show the information found during the original check. (Disclosure and Barring Service: Guidance for Children's Social Care Providers and Managers). Please re-reference. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Harmful Sexual Behaviour | This is defined as: 'Sexual behaviours expressed by children and young people under the age of 18 years old that are developmentally inappropriate, may be harmful towards self or others, or be abusive towards another child, young person or adult', (Hackett 2014, Children and Young People with Harmful Sexual Behaviours). The chapter has sections on Risks; Issues; Indicators and Protection and Action, together with a Further Information section. Please reference. |
Next 6 monthly update: August 2022 |
Archive
August 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Information Sharing | This chapter has been updated to refresh links including: a link the ICO Basis for lawful processing; (see Section 2, The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018) and to the Liverpool Early Help Assessment and Information Sharing Consent Guidance (see Section 4, Confidentiality and Consent). |
Agency Roles and Responsibilities | Section 3, Common Features has been updated as a result of a revision to the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children. Policies for responding to allegations against a person who works with children must now cover situations where an individual has behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children. This is to capture concerns around transferable risk; for example where a person who works with children is involved in a domestic abuse incident at home and this may have implications for their suitability to work with child. |
Single Assessments (including Section 47 Enquiries) | This chapter has been updated to provide a link to The PCFSW & Social Work England Best Practice Guide for Video Call/Contact and Virtual/Online Home Visit. See Section 6, Planning and Conducting all Single / Specialist Assessments and Relevant Guidance and Legislation. |
Children Who Self-Harm | This chapter has been updated to provide a link to the updated Liverpool Multi-Agency Self-Harm Guidance (see Relevant Guidance). Please reference the Self harm Guidance and note that the LSCP will provide further training). |
Mental Illness of a Parent or Carer | This chapter has been updated to add a new Section 4, Further Information. New links have been added to: ‘Mind’; ‘Parental mental illness - impact on children (2017)’ and ‘NSPCC, Parental mental health problems, (2019 - updated)’. |
Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been updated to reflect legal changes following the EU exit, including guidance on checking the past conduct of individuals who have lived or worked overseas (see Section 2 Recruitment). NOTE: In January 2021, the DfE issued a revised version of KCSIE 2020 with changes strictly limited to those related to the UK leaving the EU. |
Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children | This chapter has been updated to reflect Working Together to safeguard children. |
Visiting of Psychiatric Patients by Children | This chapter has been refreshed and terminology updated, and additional information has been added in to Section 2, Visiting Patients in Psychiatric Wards and Section 6, Visiting Patients in the High Security Psychiatric Services: Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton, in line with the High Security Psychiatric Services (Arrangements for Safety and Security) Directions 2019 and associated Guidance. A link to updated Guidance, Code of practice: Mental health Act 1983 (DHSC) has been added (see Scope Box - please reference Chapter 11 of this Guidance in particular). |
Visits to Prisons by Children | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with updated National Offender Management Service (NOMS) guidance on 'Providing Visits and Services to Visitors’. Please re-reference. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Female Genital Mutilation | This chapter has been added to compliment the Pan Merseyside chapter. It deals with definitions; the signs of a child and being at risk; the legislation around protection and FGM mandatory reporting duties, etc. Please reference. |
Syria Returnees Considerations & Guidance | This new Liverpool chapter acknowledges individuals who are repatriated to, or have already returned to, the UK from theatres of war, will have suffered adverse experiences, both in country and potentially as a consequence of any travel that they have undertaken or been forced to undertake. This short guidance highlights key agencies and issues and provides a referral workflow to indicate key processes and procedures. Please reference. |
May 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Implementation of the Child Protection Plan - Lead Social Worker and Core Group Responsibilities | This chapter has been updated to reflect The Core Group must meet initially within 10 working days of the initial Child Protection Conference, and thereafter at a frequency agreed by the Core Group, no less than once every six weeks, sufficient to promote effective work between the agencies, to monitor progress and agree changes to the Child Protection Plan. |
March 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Bullying | This chapter has been fully refreshed throughout to acknowledge new areas and reasons that children are bullied and includes a new Section 6, Further Information. Please fully re-reference. |
Children in Custody | This chapter has been updated to reflect Working Together to Safeguard Children (as amended in December 2020) arrangements and expectations. Please reference. |
Pan Merseyside Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Protocol | This chapter has been reviewed and refreshed. Please reference. |
Merseyside Forced Marriage & Honour Based Violence | This chapter has been reviewed and updated. New appendices have been added to identify local processes (flowcharts), for agency roles etc. and Training Resources for Forced Marriage, together with a Glossary. Please re-reference. |
February 2021
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children Living Away from Home | This chapter has been updated entirely and replaces a chapter dealing with similar issues. It focusses on The National Minimum Standards and Quality Standards contain specific requirements on safeguarding and child protection for each particular regulated setting where children live away from home; the values and practices those caring for children living away from home should have, together with specific matters in respect of the types of settings children might be in, e.g. fostering placements, residential care, etc. Please reference. |
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) | This chapter has been updated and includes updated Data Protection Act information and Appendices as well as the Steering Group Terms of Reference and MARAC Ground Rules. Please re - reference. |
GMC Guidance for Doctors 'Protecting children and young people - the responsibilities of all doctors' (GMC 2018) | A link has been refreshed to the GMC updated Guidance. Please re-reference as required. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Child Criminal Exploitation | This chapter seeks to define Child Criminal Exploitation and ‘County Lines’, and identify the risks and signs for children if they become engaged in this – highlighting the difficulties that will then exist in engaging and diverting them. Nevertheless, importantly, the chapter seeks to reflect how agencies can effectively respond and work with children where these risks occur. The chapter also contains a Further Information Section. Please reference. |
Updated Links and References | |
References to ‘Mongolian Blue Spot’ | Have been replaced with, ‘blue-grey spot – The medical term is: congenital dermal melanocytosis’. |
Ofsted Online | 3 links have now been replaced with a single link. |
December 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
PAN Merseyside Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Protocol | This document has been updated and should be re-read. |
November 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Multi-Agency Protocol | This chapter has been significantly updated and should be re-read. |
Merseyside Forced Marriage & Honour Based Violence | This document has been significantly updated and should be re-read. |
September 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Responding to Abuse and Neglect | This chapter has been amended throughout to update terminology and links as well as to include updated material in Working Together and Keeping Children Safe in Education (see Section 4, Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect). |
Information Sharing | This chapter has been significantly updated to refresh links and material, and includes a link to the Liverpool Early Help Assessment and Information Sharing Consent Guidance (Feb 2020) (see Section 4, Confidentiality and Consent). Please re-reference. |
Agency Roles and Responsibilities | This chapter has been fully refreshed in line with the new Multi-Agency Safeguarding Partnership Arrangements and other guidance, etc. A number of links and references have also been refreshed and added, including 'Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings - Guidance for Ofsted inspectors to use when inspecting safeguarding under the education inspection framework' (see Relevant Guidance). Please reference. |
Strategy Discussion / Child Protection Referrals – Safeguarding (s.47) Referrals | This chapter has been significantly updated to provide additional detail with regard to circumstances that should be regarded as 'significant harm or likelihood of significant harm' (see Section 1, Introduction) and to reflect the 'scaling' of risks by the participants of the Strategy meeting/Discussion (see Section 2, Guidance for Strategy Discussions). |
Single Assessments (including Section 47 Enquiries) | This chapter has been updated in line with the new digital referral system for reporting potential victims of Modern Slavery. Please reference. |
Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated to change the Appendices which reflect current thinking and practice. See: EHAT Assessment Checklist; Impact Measurement Guide to Scaling and Template for Submitting Information to a TAF Meeting in appendices. Please reference. |
Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | This chapter has been updated to take account of the new NRM digital referral form and the change to a Single Competent Authority (SCA) (see Section 1.1, Introduction and Section 1.3, Referring a Potential Victim of Modern Slavery to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)). Please reference. |
Safeguarding Children Affected by Gang Activity and/or Serious Youth Violence | This chapter has been amended to add a new Section 9, Other Relevant Information into which has been added:
|
Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Childhood Protocol | This is a further version of the Merseyside Joint Agency Protocol. The Foreword identifies: The investigation of all sudden and unexpected deaths must be of the highest forensic standard. This is necessary for the care of the bereaved, the needs of our justice system and the good of our society. The investigation of sudden and unexpected infant and child deaths deserves no less. Please re-reference as required. |
GMC Guidance for Doctors 'Protecting children and young people - the responsibilities of all doctors' (GMC 2018) | A link has been refreshed to the GMC updated Guidance. Please re-reference as required. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Liverpool Safeguarding and Partnership and Committees | This chapter identifies the Board and Forum membership of the Liverpool Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) together with the membership groups and the relevant agencies that need to attend those. It also benefits from a flow chart that identifies the roles and responsibilities of the multi-agency safeguarding process. The chapter replaces the previous Liverpool LSCP process and membership. Please re-reference. |
June 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Early Help Assessment | A link to the Early Help Practitioner Guidance has been added to this chapter. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
EHAT Practitioner Guidance | This document provides a step by step guide for practitioners. The guide takes the practitioner through the different stages of early help support. |
February 2020
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Information Sharing | This chapter has been significantly updated in and should be re-read. |
Careline Children's Services: 'Missing / Absent Away from Care' and 'Found' - Notification Processes (Local Flowcharts) | These flowcharts have been updated. |
Domestic Violence and Abuse | A link to the refreshed HM Government 'Strategy for Ending Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2016 – 2020' has been added into Section 1, Definition. |
Safeguarding Children and Young People against Radicalisation and Violent Extremism | Section 7, Contact Numbers has been updated. |
Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been updated. In the Scope Box, a link has been added to Statutory Guidance: Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006. Further information has been added regarding the Disclosure and Barring Service Checks, including a new Section 4.1, Childcare Disqualification. In respect of Section 3, Advertising and Appointments: it is noted that governing bodies of maintained schools are required to ensure that at least one of the persons who conducts an interview has completed safer recruitment training. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children Missing Education | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
August 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Referral, Investigation and Assessment | This procedure has been slightly updated. A revised Escalation Procedure has been added. |
Careline Children's Referral Process (Local Flowchart) | This chapter has been updated. |
Careline Children's Services - Referral Process for Pre-Birth Assessment (Local Flowchart) | This chapter has been updated. |
Children of Drug/Alcohol Misusing Parents | This procedure has been updated to reflect local practice. |
Mental Illness of a Parent or Carer | This chapter has been updated, Section 3.2, If Parent/Carer are NOT currently receiving support from mental health services and Section 3.3, If you or Parent/Carer are receiving support from secondary mental health services have been updated to reflect local practice. |
Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children | This chapter has been updated in line with DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'. and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Appendices also include tools to aid decision-making: Appendix G: Haringey LADO Thresholds Tier Model, Appendix H: Liverpool Options Appraisal Tool and Appendix I: Liverpool Risk Management Plan. The chapter also contains definitions for determining the outcome of a matter (see Section 14, Action on Conclusion of a Case). |
LSCP Escalation Procedure | This chapter has been updated and includes a revised Resolution and Escalation Procedure. |
February 2019
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Family Group Conferences | This chapter has been updated to emphasise that children should be put at the heart of the Family Group Conference process. |
Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated throughout to reflect the current processes and organisational systems in Liverpool Children's Services. |
Child Protection Review Conferences | The chapter has been updated to reflect the current processes and organisational systems in Liverpool Children's Services. Additionally, where a child is Looked After and also subject to a Child Protection Plan then there should be a single planning and reviewing process. (See Section 5, Looked After Reviews on Children who are the Subject of the Child Protection Plans). |
Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been fully amended and updated to reflect updated statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2018). A note on checks for overseas applicants has been added in Section 2, Recruitment. |
Visits to Prisons by Children | This guidance has been reviewed and updated throughout to reflect the latest Prison Service publications covering the provision of visits, including visits to prisoners who are identified as posing a risk to children and additional guidance in Chapter 2, Working Together to Safeguard Children on the statutory duties which apply to the Prison Service to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. |
September 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Childhood Protocol | This Merseyside Joint Agency Protocol has been amended and updated. Please reference as required. |
Removed Chapters | |
|
August 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Early Help Assessment | This chapter has been significantly amended to link to Liverpool's Early Help Assessment Tool (EHAT). See Section 3, Links to Related Documents. The link provides access to Practitioner Information and FAQ for practitioners, as well as The Early Help Presentations. Please re-reference. |
Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated to confirm that the child's social worker who has met the child should attend the ICPC unless unavailable and delay would be detrimental. The Team Manager should discuss this with the chair of the Conference (see Section 5, Who Should Attend?). |
Careline Children's Referral Process (Local Flowchart) | This updated flowchart has been significantly changed to reflect the current processes, notably the issue of gaining consent. Please re-reference. |
Careline Children's Services - Referral Process for Pre-Birth Assessment (Local Flowchart) | This updated flowchart has been significantly amended to ensure that the 'pregnancy at 12 weeks' matter is considered much further along the process and that concerns, irrespective of the dates around the pregnancy, are fully evaluated at the point of referral. The consideration of Early Help is also identified. Please re-reference. |
Careline Children's Services: 'Missing / Absent Away from Care' and 'Found' - Notification Processes (Local Flowcharts) | The Missing /Absent Process flowchart has been updated, whilst the Found Process Flowchart is introduced in to this chapter that combines both processes. |
Abuse Linked to Spiritual and Religious Beliefs | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge that so-called honour based violence and forced marriage can be associated with spiritual and religious beliefs (see Section 5, Forms of Abuse). A link has also been added to 'CPS, Honour-Based Violence and Forced Marriage'. |
Safeguarding Children Affected by Gang Activity and/or Serious Youth Violence | This chapter has been updated and amended to add the 'Criminal Exploitation of children and vulnerable adults: County Lines guidance (Home Office, 2017)', see Relevant Guidance. This guidance outlines what county lines (and associated criminal exploitation) is, signs to look for in potential victims, and what to do about it. Information has also been added throughout to describe how organised criminal groups exploit young people and use them to distribute money and illegal drugs along 'county lines'. |
Safeguarding Children from Dangerous Dogs | This chapter has been updated to add some emphasis to the importance of professionals making routine enquiries regarding dogs in the household whenever they are working with children and families. See Section 1, Aims of this Guidance; Section 3, The Dog and the Child and Section 5, Practitioner Guidance. Please re-reference. |
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) | This chapter has been updated by adding an updated link to the Ministry of Justice MAPPA Guidance. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
LSCP Responding to Need | This chapter has replaced a previous, similar chapter to provide a very accessible resource to key information and concepts that are cornerstones to safeguarding children. Note the 'Safeguarding Windscreen' and 'Level Indicators' have been updated. Please reference. |
Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | This procedure is concerned with children arriving into the UK:
This is a broad cohort of children, and it may include (but is not limited to) children who have been subject to trafficking and/or modern slavery, and/or may have been exposed to the additional risks of commercial, sexual or domestic exploitation. It may also include children who have been trafficked internally within the UK. Part 1 of this chapter covers issues which will apply across this cohort. Part 2 of this chapter covers the additional issues which will apply where children are identified as being potential victims of trafficking and/or modern slavery. |
PAN Merseyside Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Protocol | This chapter recognises both criminal and sexual exploitation of children and young people as an overarching term – which is used throughout the chapter. It seeks to establish a set of multi-agency principles for tackling Child Exploitation across Merseyside and recognises links with other safeguarding issues such as trafficking and radicalisation. It is supported by a number of Appendices which includes a Multi-Agency Assessment Tool, Referral Form and Information Sharing Agreement. |
Liverpool Missing Children Policy | This chapter replaces a similar chapter dealing with missing children and has the most up to date definition of missing and absent from the Police College as relevant in Liverpool. The Children's Services responsibilities and actions are defined by the length and frequency of the child missing and their status in terms of being children in need, subject to a child protection plan or looked after. The chapter also has useful appendices including: a process flowchart; police contacts; a return interview form with guidance and a Missing Strategy Meeting Proforma. Please reference. |
May 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
LSCP Escalation Procedure | This chapter has been updated. |
March 2018
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Agency Roles and Responsibilities | Updated links have been added to section 6 Early Years (Day Care Providers and Child Minders) with regard to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) and a link to Ofsted Guidance: 'Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years, Education and Skills Settings (2016)' has been added. This states that during term time, or when the setting is in operation, the designated safeguarding lead or an appropriately trained deputy should be available during opening hours for staff to discuss safeguarding concerns. |
Children Moving Across Boundaries | This chapter has been amended by linking to updated:
|
Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter has been updated in March 2018 by adding a link to Domestic Abuse: A Resource for Health Professionals (DHSC, 2017) (see Relevant Guidance). |
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Multi-Agency Protocol | This chapter has been amended to update the GOV.UK guidance 'Safeguarding women and girls at risk of FGM'. This links to 'Female genital mutilation risk and safeguarding: guidance for professionals (2016)' but also includes the 'FGM risk assessment templates'; 'FGM safeguarding and risk assessment: quick guide for health professionals', and 'FGM safeguarding pathway' (flowchart). These documents provide guidance to support an NHS organisation when they are developing or reviewing safeguarding policies and procedures around female genital mutilation (FGM). They can be used by health professionals from all sectors, particularly designated and named safeguarding leads, and local safeguarding Children Partnership members. It is based on existing best practice within the NHS. They have been developed in partnership with health and social care professionals, and professional bodies. |
Safeguarding Children from Abroad | This chapter has been amended in to add links to current guidance 'Care of unaccompanied migrant children and victims of modern slavery (November 2017) (statutory guidance)' and 'DfE/Home Office, Safeguarding Strategy Unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children, (November 2017)'. (See Related Guidance). In addition, a link has been added to Coram Children's Legal Centre 'Supporting asylum-seeking children joining their family under the Dublin Regulation Factsheet' (See Section 2, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC)). |
Safeguarding Children and Young People who may have been Trafficked | This chapter has been amended to update the links and Guidance: DfE, Care of unaccompanied migrant children and child victims of modern slavery (November 2017); NCA Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU); Royal College of Nurses, Modern Slavery, guide for nurses and midwives (2017). (See Related Guidance). Section 8, International and UK Legislation has also been updated to reflect more current legislation and guidance, viz. Modern Slavery Act (2015); NCA Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU); Immigration Act (2016). |
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | A new Section 'Further Information' has been created to separate additional information/resources from statutory and local guidance. New links have been added in this section to:
|
Safeguarding Children Affected by Gang Activity and/or Serious Youth Violence | This chapter has been updated to include a link to the National Crime Agency report County Lines Gang Violence, Exploitation and Drug Supply (2016) in 'Relevant Guidance'. Further text has been added to Section 2, Gang Activity to define the use of 'county lines' by organised criminal groups. |
Safeguarding Children from Dangerous Dogs | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to 'Institute of Health Visiting, Parent Tips – Keeping babies and children safe around dogs in the home'. Please reference. |
Child Death Overview Panel | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to 'The Royal College of Pathologists and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy and Childhood - Multi-agency Guidelines for Care and Investigation' (see Relevant Links). This is a revision of the 2004 report and encompasses the statutory duties of individual professionals and agencies to investigate all sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy and childhood with due thoroughness, care and compassion, according to 'Working Together to Safeguard Children: A Guide to Inter-agency Working to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children' (Department for Education, 2015) and best evidence. These guidelines have been produced with input from all professional groups involved in the investigation of sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood, and are based on the best current international research. |
Serious Case Reviews | This chapter has been updated to reflect 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' which says that reviews of serious cases should be led by individuals who are independent of the case under review and of the organisations whose actions are being reviewed. See Section 5, Appointing Reviewers. |
November 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
LSCP Escalation Procedure | This chapter has been updated following revision of the LSCP Escalation Procedure. |
September 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Child Abuse and the Internet | This chapter has been updated and now includes information on the recently introduced 'outcome 21'. Where young people are voluntarily sending/sharing sexual images or content with one another the police may use this new recording code to record that a crime has been committed but that it is not considered to be in the public interest to take criminal action against the people involved. This chapter also links to LawStuff which is run by Coram Children's Legal Centre and gives free legal information to young people on a range of different issues. |
Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to Royal College of Nursing, Domestic abuse: Professional Resources, (see Related Guidance). This provides links to websites and organisations providing relevant information and support to victims of domestic abuse. |
Safeguarding Children and Young People who may have been Trafficked | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to GOV.UK, Modern Slavery: duty to notify, (see Relevant Guidance). These are Factsheets and posters that explain what you need to do if you think someone has been a victim of modern slavery. |
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | Section 1, Definition and Key Principles has been updated to take account of the change of definition in Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE February 2017). A link to Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: Progress Report has also been added. (See Other Relevant Guidance/Chapter). |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Responding to Abuse and Neglect | This chapter seeks to set out the framework for agencies working with children in Liverpool to recognise, understand and respond to the variety of key concerns that may arise, including Non-Recent or 'historic' abuse. The chapter should be read in conjunction with two existing chapters: 'Responding to Need Guidance and Levels of Need Framework' and 'Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families'. |
Good Practice Supporting the Voice of the Child | Effective safeguarding systems must be child centred. Everyone working with children and families must seek the voice of the child and reflect and respond to it in all aspects of work. This is rooted in legislation and good practice. All agencies and professionals should seek to put the needs and views of the child at the centre of their practice and thinking. |
March 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Escalation Procedure & Resolution Process | This chapter has been updated. |
February 2017
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Family Group Conferences | This chapter has been updated to acknowledge that Liverpool provide the Family Group Conference service and to reflect that children who are on the verge of becoming Looked After, either through Section 20 or as a result of the court, meet the criteria for the service. |
Referral, Investigation and Assessment | This chapter has been comprehensively amended by updating the referral and assessment procedures. The detail identifies the MARF Form, Early Help assessment and Careline. See:
|
Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated to add a link to the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Code of Conduct in respect of solicitors attending Children Act meetings, (see Section 5, Who Should Attend?). Please reference as required to clarify solicitors role in this context. |
Abuse Linked to Spiritual and Religious Beliefs | This chapter has been updated to include an additional link to 'DfE, National action plan to tackle child abuse linked to faith or belief (2012)' (see Related Reading) and to add detail with regard to the impact on children as a result of the nature of this abuse. |
Bullying | This chapter has been updated to add a link to Liverpool Children and families Anti Bullying and anti-homophobic bullying Strategies. The links contained within this site provide a range of helpful information including definitions and resources. Please re-reference. |
Child Abuse and the Internet | This chapter has been amended by updating the links NSPCC (2016)'; 'Sexting in schools and colleges: Responding to incidents and safeguarding young people (2016)' and 'Police action in response to youth produced sexual imagery Sexting) (2016)' and reflecting current issues and risks for children e.g. 'the dark web'. Please re-reference. |
Children Who Self-Harm | This chapter has been updated to provide a link to the Liverpool Self Harm Guidance (see Relevant Guidance) and Liverpool Self Harm flowchart (see Section 2, Action to Safeguard). Please reference the Self harm Guidance and note that the LSCP will provide further training). |
Children Moving Across Boundaries | This chapter has been amended by updating:
|
Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter has been updated to include the 'Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2016 to 2020 (Home Office, 2016), and the 'Information Guide: Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (APVA)'. Section 1, Definition acknowledges that 'adult to parent violence and abuse' can also include children under 16 years as well, (although this falls outside the formal definition of 'domestic violence and abuse'). Please re-reference this key area of concern. |
Safeguarding Children from Abroad | This chapter has been amended to identify that the Permanence Team undertake Initial Assessments of UASC, (see Section 2, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC)) to reflect the change of the UK Border Agency to UK Visas and Immigration. |
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been significantly updated to
include a Appendix 1: MACE Pathway for Concerns Process Map and a new Section 9, Links with Criminal Exploitation. The Roles and Responsibilities of LSCP's and Individual Organisations section identifies there is a Consultant Social Work post to act as a single point of reference and a monthly strategic MACE meeting convened to provide an overview. The referral process has been amended to update the local procedure (see Section 6.2, Referral). |
Children of Drug/Alcohol Misusing Parents | This chapter has been updated, in particular to acknowledge that professionals involved with the family should ask parents about the storage of drugs (see Section 2, Action to Safeguard). |
Mental Illness of a Parent or Carer | This chapter has been significantly updated by emphasising that communication between agencies is key to understanding the impact of the illness upon parenting. New sections on how parents might get help and support to manage their illness when they experience it has also been added (see Section 3, Action to Safeguard). |
Safeguarding Children Affected by Gang Activity and/or Serious Youth Violence | This chapter has been amended to update the process in respect of the Team Around the Child Meeting with regard to the YOS. Please re-reference as required. |
Safeguarding Children and Young People against Radicalisation and Violent Extremism | Section 5, Issues has been updated to include a link to the GOV.UK website to report online material promoting terrorism or extremism. Note also new Prevent Co-ordinator details (see Section 7, Contact Numbers). The ICACU is the operational central authority in England and Wales dealing with the Brussels 11 Regulation and provides a standard response to local authorities explaining the other sources of assistance, information and contact details of other bodies. |
Cross Border Child Protection Cases under the Hague Convention | This chapter has been updated to add a link to the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU). The linked document itself contains the update link to the DfE ICACU Request for Co-operation Form and Guidance. Please reference as required. |
Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been updated to add a link to North West ADCS, Protocol for Standards in Supervision of Children and Families Social Workers (see Related Guidance). Please reference. |
Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children | This chapter has been updated in line with DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016'. and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Two new Appendices have also been added as additional tools to aid decision-making: Appendix G: Haringey LADO Thresholds Tier Model and Appendix H: Liverpool Agenda and Risk Tool. The chapter also contains definitions for determining the outcome of a matter (see Section 14, Action on Conclusion of a Case). |
Persons Identified as Posing a Risk to Children | This chapter has been reviewed and some amendments have been made, in particular regarding the Admission to Psychiatric or Children's Hospital (see Section 5, Admission to Psychiatric or Children's Hospital); it is no longer required for the Investigations Support Unit to be involved if there are concerns regarding sexual exploitation in this context. |
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) | This chapter has been updated with regard to officers of the agencies that form the Single Point of Contact (S.P.O.C) (see Section 2, MAPPA Single Point of Contact (S.P.O.C) - Children's Services). Appendix 2: Escalation, Complaints Procedure & Resolution Process Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements – Merseyside has also been added. |
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) | This chapter has been fully updated and developed and includes Tools as well as the Steering Group Terms of Reference and MARAC Ground Rules. |
Serious Case Reviews | This chapter has been updated by adding a new Appendix 1: Responding to Cases that May Warrant the Undertaking of a Serious Case Review and Appendix 3: LSCP Serious Case Review: Request for CIEC Consideration Form. Appendix 2: LSCP Critical Incident Evidence Committee Process - Flowchart (reflecting a change of role within the title) and Liverpool LSCP Learning & Improvement Framework (LIF) (see Related Guidance) have been updated and should be re-referenced. |
Learning and Improvement Framework (LIF) | This chapter has been updated to provide updated and new links: LSCP Learning Improvement Framework (LIF) (see Introduction) and new Appendices:
A link has also been added to the NSPCC, Serious Case Review Quality Markers, (2016) for reference (see Relevant Guidance). Please re-reference. |
Children Who Run Away or Go Missing from Home or Care Strategy | This chapter has been amended to amend Appendix 5: Flowchart for Missing Children to provide additional information in respect of actions for social workers in respect of Looked After Children and Child Protection concerns. Some additional detail has also been provided with respect to the 'Return Interviews' (see Section 3, Children Missing from Care and Section 5, Return of the Child). |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Young Carers | This chapter has been fully updated to reference Liverpool's approach to identifying, assessing and supporting young carers in line with the agreed Adult and Children's Family Assessment and Early Help (EHAT) Pathway and Liverpool Young Carers Assessment Pathway. Relevant provisions of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014 in relation to young carers came into force on 1 April 2015. Barnardo's Action with Young Carers Service Liverpool undertake the assessments of children who have been identified. |
Private Fostering | This chapter links to the Children's Services manual, which has recently been updated. |
Throughout the Manual | |
Keywords | Please note new keywords for:
|
August 2016
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Responding to Need Guidance and Levels of Need Framework | This chapter has been updated and links to the most current Guidance on the Levels of Need Framework. Please re – read. |
Single Assessments (including Section 47 Enquiries) | This chapter has been reviewed and updated to note that the Modern Slavery Act, and its social impact, should be considered when undertaking assessments of children and families, (see Section 7.5, Analysis). A link to the Act and the Home Office circular is provided. |
Female Genital Mutilation | This chapter has been comprehensively updated and has close similarities with other NW Authorities. It includes updated further reading and acknowledges the individual roles and responsibilities that each agency has to play when dealing with this issue. |
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been amended to provide an updated 'Merseyside Multi-Agency Protocol' to reduce harm caused by Child Sexual Exploitation. The 'CSE1 form' and 'CSE Measurement Tool' and 'MACSE Plan' within this are presented now also as separate links for ease of access and use. A new 'Merseyside Multi-Agency Strategy' is also provided. This covers 5 key areas: Self Assessment / Prepare; Prevention; Safeguarding/Protect; Bringing Offenders to Justice / Pursue and Governance/prepare with details under each of how each is going to be achieved. |
Learning and Improvement Framework (LIF) | This chapter has been fully and comprehensively updated. It reflects the importance of a learning and improvement culture within the agencies involved in Children's Social Care and safeguarding. It identifies cases that should be subject to Serious Case Reviews and acknowledges that where concerns don't meet this threshold, agencies should undertake their own learning. Emphasis is made with respect to transparency of the learning processes and feedback in a variety of ways; 'learning' will come from a number of sources and in a number of ways (identified in Appendix 1: Learning and Improvement Index). Please fully re-read. |
Local Contacts | This chapter has been updated. Please reference as required. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Children Who Run Away or Go Missing from Home or Care Strategy | This chapter covers comprehensively the issue of children who go missing and in particular the forces that drive children to run away, together with the relevant agencies roles and responsibilities. Highlighted is the fact that children who go missing can be subject to trafficking and child sexual exploitation, and that the more often a child goes missing, the greater the concerns rather than a reduction of risk they may be exposed to. Where children go missing from home, and there is a delay in parents carers reporting their absence, then this itself should be a cause for concern. The chapter has helpful flow charts to describe the key processes together with relevant forms/tools. The LSCP actively monitor details of children who go missing in a variety of settings. Links to other relevant chapters are made as appropriate. |
February 2016
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Local Safeguarding Children Partnership - Role and Function | This chapter has been comprehensively updated to reflect the key legislative role and functions of Liverpool Safeguarding Children Partnership, both nationally and within the local multi-agency setting. Working Together to Safeguard Children plays an important role in promoting multi-agency working and the expectations required in safeguarding children and in establishing serious case reviews when required. The LSCP is at the core of these activities. |
Single Assessments (including Section 47 Enquiries) | This chapter has been reviewed and updated and some points of further clarification have been added (see Section 8, Conducting Section 47 Enquiries / Single Assessments and Section 9, Outcomes of a Section 47 Enquiry). |
Domestic Violence and Abuse | This chapter has been updated to add information with regard to the impact of the Serious Crime Act 2015; it creates a new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships where there is evidence of a pattern of behaviour of this over time. (See Section 3, Action to Safeguard). |
Safeguarding Children and Young People against Radicalisation and Violent Extremism | This chapter has been fully reviewed and updated and particularly provides updated contact and referral details. Please fully re-read. |
Cross Border Child Protection Cases under the Hague Convention | This chapter has been updated to highlight key issues with regard to the DfE advisory guidance (2014), throughout the chapter. A new Section 13, Working with Colleagues Abroad has also been added. A link is also provided to the Lord Justice Thorpe guidance. |
Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been updated to reflect the DfE, Guidance for Safer Working Practice for those working with Children and Young People in Education Settings (October 2015). (Please see Section 1, Introduction). |
Serious Case Reviews | This chapter has been updated to add a link to the LSCP Learning & Improvement Framework (LIF). This document details the way in which the 'learning and Improvement framework', required of LSCPs through 'Working Together,' is implemented across all agencies in Liverpool and identifies the sort of activities which supports this. It also recognises the range of reviews that may be undertaken and the criteria and process around progressing these. The Appendices include a 'Learning and Improvement Index' and 'Serious Case Review: Request for CIG Consideration Form' as well as process flow charts, etc. |
Private Fostering | This chapter now links to the Children's Services chapter to ensure consistency and clarity around procedures and processes in this area of work. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
DfE, Child death reviews: forms for reporting child deaths | A link has been added to the 'DfE Child death reporting forms' in Part 9 of this Manual. |
August 2015
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Information Sharing and Confidentiality | This chapter has been significantly amended throughout in line with revised Information Sharing Guidance referenced above. This chapter should be re-read in full. |
Child Protection Conference Appeal | This chapter has been significantly amended throughout and should be re-read in full. |
Child Abuse and the Internet | Section 2, Child Abuse and the Adult has been amended to take into consideration the Serious Crime Act (2015) and revisions to the Sex Offences Act 2003. |
Children and Families who go Missing | A link has been added to Children Who Run Away or Go Missing from Home or Care Strategy (April 2015). |
Children Who Self-Harm | This chapter has been significantly amended throughout and should be re-read in full. |
Children Moving Across Boundaries | Three new links to the North West Procedures have been added in Related Guidance. |
Protection of Children from Harm on Licensed Premises | A slight amendment has been made in order to clarify that licensing authorities must also consider the need to protect children from sexual exploitation when undertaking licensing functions. |
Licensing, Employment, Performance and Entertainment | A slight amendment has been made in order to clarify that licensing authorities must also consider the need to protect children from sexual exploitation when undertaking licensing functions. |
Visiting of Psychiatric Patients by Children | Amendments have been made throughout and the chapter should be re-read in full. |
Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Childhood Protocol | This chapter has been significantly amended and should be re-read in full. |
Child Death Overview Panel | This chapter has been amended throughout and should be re-read. |
Serious Case Reviews | This chapter has been significantly amended throughout and should be re-read in full. |
Missing Children Protocol | This chapter has been significantly amended and new links have been added to Children Who Run Away or Go Missing from Home or Care Strategy (April 2015) and DfE, Children Missing Education Guidance (2015). In addition 2 flowcharts describing the Reporting of Absent / Missing Children have been added. |
May 2015
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Supporting Individuals Vulnerable to Violent Extremism | Contact details have been updated. |
February 2015
Updated Chapters | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated to detail the expectations of Conference attendees and provide access to the Child Protection Conference Report forms which are to be provided by relevant agencies. Guidance on the completion of these report forms is also provided. |
Implementation of the Child Protection Plan - Lead Social Worker and Core Group Responsibilities | This chapter has been updated to reflect the current Liverpool organisation and Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
Children of Drug/Alcohol Misusing Parents | This chapter has been updated in by providing additional guidance and information in the Action to Safeguard and Assessment sections of the chapter. |
Mental Illness of a Parent or Carer | This chapter has been updated by adding a link to the 'NSPCC, All babies count: spotlight on Perinatal Mental Health (2012) ' and providing some additional information on 'Implications' and 'Action to safeguard'. |
Working with Sexually Active Young People under the Age of 18 | This chapter has been updated to reference the Early Help Assessment Tool to ensure young people's situation can be fully understood and their needs met if required. Links have also been added to 'Sex and Relationship Education Guidance for Head teachers, Teachers & School Governors (2000)' which should be read in conjunction with 'Brook/PSHE, Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) For the 21st Century, Supplementary Advice, (2014)'. |
Safeguarding Children Affected by Gang Activity and/or Serious Youth Violence | This chapter has been amended to update the Assessment processes, particularly the Early Help Assessment Tool. |
Young Carers | This chapter has been fully updated to reference the Early Help Assessment process and define and identify the issues for young carers. A link has also been made to that part of the Children and Families Act 2014 which seeks to deal with young carers and their assessment. |
Abandoned Babies | This chapter has been updated to clarify further the immediate action with regard to an abandoned baby and roles of key professionals. |
Begging |
This chapter has been fully updated and includes a link to 'Ecpat UK Briefing Paper Child Trafficking – Begging And Organised Crime'. |
Safeguarding Children from Dangerous Dogs | This chapter has been updated and contains additional points with respect to 'Owners' and 'Referrals to careline'. It also reflects the update to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 through the 'Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014'. |
Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been updated to add new sections on Contractors and Commissioned Services and volunteers. Please fully re-read. |
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) | This chapter has been updated with regard to the MAPPA levels and those officers of the agencies that form the Single Point of Contact (SPOC). The 'Memorandum of Understanding between the Merseyside Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships and the Merseyside Strategic MAPPA Board' has been added. |
Escalation Procedure & Resolution Process | This chapter has been significantly updated. The purpose of the chapter is to promote effective working together. Where disagreements exist between agencies, this process should be used to ensure a prompt and satisfactory outcome. On occasions where a professional / agency believes that a child is at risk of Significant Harm, then, then the escalation must be made on the same working day. The chapter contains a flow chart to identify the resolution process together with agency reporting and outcome proformas. Please read in entirety. |
New Chapters and Features | |
Chapter Name | Details |
Early Help Assessment | This chapter replaced the previous 'Common Assessment Framework' chapter and updates the processes and procedure and provides access to the Early Help Assessment Tool (EHAT). |
End