Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive

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Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive

On 18 November 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) released a policy statement titled “Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive: Breaking Down the Barriers to Opportunity”.

This document outlines the government’s strategic vision for overhauling children’s social care. It sets out a framework for collaboration between national and local authorities, prioritising a child-centred, whole-system approach. Among the significant changes introduced are strengthened multi-agency child protection partnerships, heightened regulation of profit-driven care providers and enhanced cooperation between schools, families and other safeguarding entities. These reforms also aim to shape policies and practices that safeguard children and support families more effectively.

For full details, you can access the complete policy statement and the related press release on GOV.UK (see the Resources section at the foot of the page).

Here is a breakdown of the main initiatives that are likely to influence future safeguarding practices:

Early Intervention

Early intervention remains a foundational principle in safeguarding children. By addressing risks early and proactively, the government aims to help families before situations escalate, enabling children to grow and thrive in safe home environments whenever possible.

Clarifying Information Sharing

Ambiguities surrounding data sharing for safeguarding purposes have often hindered timely action. The new policy provides clearer legal guidance to streamline communication between professionals, ensuring swift and effective responses while respecting data privacy laws.

A Single Unique Identifier (SUI)

A proposed Single Unique Identifier (SUI) will create a unified way to track children across systems. This initiative aims to improve information sharing among professionals, enhancing early intervention efforts and supporting better outcomes for children.

Robust Data Management

The new proposals emphasise the need for robust data management practices to maintain accurate and secure safeguarding records. Regular audits will ensure compliance with best practices, balancing data protection with safeguarding priorities.

Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams

The introduction of multi-agency child protection teams marks a step forward. These teams will incorporate schools and other educational institutions as statutory partners, alongside families and local services. This approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of each child’s circumstances, fostering more effective interventions and support networks.

Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)

Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) is a process that involves extended family in creating a safety plan for at-risk children and is expected to become mandatory. By leveraging a child’s broader support network, this initiative aims to create sustainable safeguarding solutions.

Dedicated Support for Care Leavers (Ages 18–25)

Recognising the challenges faced by care leavers, the government will require all local authorities to form statutory teams to support young adults aged 18 to 25. This initiative ensures that tailored safeguarding assistance is available during this specific stage of life.

Expanded Responsibilities for Virtual School Heads

Virtual School Heads, who currently oversee the education of children in care, will see their roles extended under the new proposals. They will now support children living with kinship carers as well as those under child protection and child-in-need plans, ensuring vulnerable children have access to the educational resources and support they require.

Home Education for Children with Care Protection Plans

To address safeguarding concerns, parents educating children at home will require local authority consent if the child is subject to a child protection plan. This measure ensures such children remain visible and protected.

Conclusion

Safeguarding children is a shared responsibility and these children’s social care reforms in the “Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive” proposal bring us closer to a system where every child can feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive. With effective implementation, this proposal has the potential to create a transformative impact on the lives of children and families across the UK.

Resources

GOV.UK – Policy Paper: Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive
GOV.UK – Press Release: Biggest Overhaul in a Generation to Children’s Social Care

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