Understand safeguarding of children and young people (for those working in the adult sector) Key learning points

Key learning points Safeguarding children and young people is the responsibility of all health and social care workers, regardless of the type of setting in which they work. Safeguarding, particularly protection of ‘at risk’ children and young people, has a long history in UK health and social care practice. It is usually led by local authority Social Services (children and families) departments. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or through neglect.

Key learning points A range of statutory legislation informs safeguarding policy and procedure in the UK. Legislation and policy relating to safeguarding of children and young people tends to be a response to failures in safeguarding practice that have led to child deaths or serious incidents of abuse. Safeguarding practice has gradually recognised the need to respect the rights, autonomy and voice of children and young people.

Key learning points Health and social care workers have to negotiate the tension between recognising and respecting the rights of children and families, and intervening in family life to protect children from the risk of harm or abuse. Health and social care workers should always take disclosures of abuse or expressions of concern by third parties seriously. Local safeguarding policies and procedures should outline how to raise a safeguarding alert. They should always be followed in order to protect the child or young person from further harm.