Child Protection and Information Sharing

The key values of embedding best practice in relation to child protection is ensuring that information relating to concerns are shared with or between relevant bodies in order to potentially protect children and young people. Organisations working with vulnerable young people need to consider the sharing of information about individuals who may be at risk, and about carers / adults working and volunteering with them, in relation to concerns, and information arising from recruitment procedures including criminal records checks.

The purpose of this blog is to clarify the position in relation to what info about a young person can be shared with another agency or organisation. If you have a concern it is best to discuss it with a designated safeguarding person within the company. This may be your Designated Safeguarding Officer or the Safeguarding lead who will provide support and advice and best practice. If you make a direct referral to the authorities such as Police and Children’s Social Care, to avoid any delay where levels of concern are high or there are felt to be immediate risks, you must always ensure that relevant people within the company are informed so that they can provide support or follow up. 

Golden Rules for Information Sharing

• Data protection is not a obstacle to sharing information – but provides a structure to ensure information is shared suitably
• Be open and honest – with the individual from the start about what, how, why and with whom information will, or could be shared with
• Seek advice – if you are in any hesitation, without revealing the identity of the person where possible
• Share with consent where applicable – and, where likely, respect the demands of those who do not consent to share private information
• Consider safety and well-being – base information-sharing decision on reflections of the safety and well-being of the young person and others whom possibly may be affected by their actions
• Necessary, balanced, relevant, precise, timely and safe – ensure the information you share is relevant for the purpose for which you are sharing it, is shared only with those who need to have it – Shared Securely
• Keep a record – of your judgement and reasons for it.

To learn more about Child Protection within Children’s Homes and Fostering call The Social Care Training Hub on 0161 870 6200 or visit www.thesocialcaretraininghub.co.uk