Amendments
October 2024
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Recognition of Significant Harm and Types of Abuse and Neglect | Definitions have been updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Referrals | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes from the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Child Protection Enquiries (Section 47) Children Act 1989 | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated with new guidance from Working Together to Safeguard Children around purpose and function of Child Protection Conferences and the role of the Lead Practitioner. |
| Child Protection Review Conferences | This chapter has been updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Online Safety | This chapter has been updated in line with the Online Safety Act 2023. |
| Gender Identity Issues | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been updated. A new Section 6, Non- Fatal Strangulation has been added. Definitions have been also updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children which now uses the statutory definition of domestic abuse in Domestic Abuse Act 2021. |
| Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | A link to BASW Age Assessment Practice Guidance has been added in Section 1.2.1, Age Assessment. A link to Operation Innerste Process: Caseworker Guidance has been added in Further Information. |
| Criminal Exploitation County Lines and Modern Day Slavery | Minor amendments have been made to definitions in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | Information has been added on NHS data sharing. |
| Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | A link has been added to Education Supply Chains - A Better Hiring Toolkit. |
| Good Practice Supporting the Voice of the Child | This chapter has been updated. |
| Information Sharing | This chapter has been revised in line with updated government guidance. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews | This link has been added. |
| Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements | This link has been added. |
| Serious Violence Duty | This link has been added. |
| Next update: March 2025 | |
March 2024
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Online Safety | This chapter has been refreshed and additional links added in Further Information. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | This chapter has been amended to include information on Identifying Suspected Perpetrators of Modern Slavery in Section 2.3, Indicators. |
| Children Vulnerable to or from Extremism | This chapter has been refreshed and links added to additional guidance in Further Information. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | A new section has been added on Other Harmful Practices. The Health and Care Act 2022 has made it illegal to carry out, offer or aid and abet virginity testing or hymenoplasty in any part of the UK. It is also illegal for UK nationals and residents to do these things outside the UK. Information has also been added on Breast Flattening which is an offence as set out in CPS So-Called Honour-Based Abuse Legal Guidance. |
| Forced Marriages | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| So-Called Honour-based Abuse | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | A new section, Principles, has been added into Section 2, Serious Violence Duty, to include information from the Ofsted Framework Joint Targeted Area Inspections of the Multi-agency Response to Serious Youth Violence. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Pre-Birth | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
| Safeguarding Children with a Social Worker, Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children at School | This chapter has been added to the manual. |
November 2023
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Threshold Document (Local Resources) | This link has been added. |
October 2023
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Recognition of Significant Harm and Types of Abuse and Neglect | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children (including Staff, Carers and Volunteers) | This chapter has been amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. A new Section 3, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern has also been added. |
| Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | This chapter has been updated. Information in relation to the National Age Assessment Board has been added into Section 1.2.1, Age Assessments. |
| Gangs | Iinformation in relation to Serious Violence Reduction Orders has been added into Section 5, Protection and Action to be Taken. |
| Forced Marriages | This chapter has been amended to reflect that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 raised the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales, with effect from 26 February 2023. |
| Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief | This chapter has been refreshed. |
| Disabled Children | This chapter has been updated to include information from the UK Social Work Practice in Safeguarding Disabled Children and Young People report. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People who may have been Sexually Abused by a Family Member | This chapter has been updated to add information on resources from the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse. |
| Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been amended in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, to note that Keeping Children Safe in Education provides that schools and colleges should only accept copies of a curriculum vitae alongside an application form. A curriculum vitae on its own will not provide adequate information. Information in relation to online searches of candidates has been also added. |
| Information Sharing | Information in relation to the Serious Violence Duty has been added into Section 5, National Guidance in Information Sharing. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | This chapter has been refreshed. Section 5.19, Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements has been updated to include information on the extension of the duty to co-operate under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. A link to 'Matters of Concern, Safeguarding Concerns, Allegations and Complaints for Children in Custody – Youth Custody Service (Youth Justice Resource Hub)' has been added into Section 5.8, The Secure Estate for Children. A new Section 2, Serious Violence Duty has also been added. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Bruising in Babies and Children | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
June 2023
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children (including Staff, Carers and Volunteers) | This chapter has been updated as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has extended the definition of Position of Trust within the Sexual Offences Act 2003 section 22A to include anyone who coaches, teaches, trains, supervises or instructs a child under 18, on a regular basis, in a sport or a religion. The chapter has been amended throughout in line with local practice and new Appendix 1: Action by Senior Manager and LA Designated Officer Flowchart added. |
| Domestic Abuse | Information in relation to modern slavery has been added into Section 1, Introduction. |
| Children of Parents with Learning Difficulties | This chapter has been refreshed and updated in line with case law. |
| Child Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has extended the definition of Position of Trust within the Sexual Offences Act 2003 section 22A to include anyone who coaches, teaches, trains, supervises or instructs a child under 18, on a regular basis, in a sport or a religion. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | An updated version of 1.2 Sheffield Multi-Agency FGM Pathway (for Victims and Those at Risk) has been added. |
| Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour | This chapter has been updated to include information from Self-harm: Assessment, Management and Preventing Recurrence NICE Guidance. A link to this guidance has been added in Further Information. Additional information has been added in to Section 4, Responding to the Child or Young Person. New Section 2, Assessment of Risk has been added. |
| Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with updated Statutory Guidance Multi-agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). In Section 2, Criteria for Referral into MAPPA, information has been added in relation to Category 4 – Terrorist or terrorist risk offender. Section 1, Introduction has been updated to include information on the extension of the duty to co-operate under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | This chapter has been updated as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has extended the definition of Position of Trust within the Sexual Offences Act 2003 section 22A to include anyone who coaches, teaches, trains, supervises or instructs a child under 18, on a regular basis, in a sport or a religion. Links have also been added to the HMPP Child Safeguarding Policy. |
October 2022
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children (including Staff, Carers and Volunteers) | This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education regarding allegations that can relate to an adult’s behaviour outside work known as transferable risk, and in relation to the importance of sharing any concerns about the behaviour of a person who works with children. Information has been added on the differences between an allegation and a concern. See Section 2.2, Criteria. |
| Online Safety | A link has been added to Talking to your Child About Online Sexual Harassment (Children's Commissioner). |
| Pregnant Women, Partners and Babies where there is Substance Misuse (MAPLAG) | This chapter has been updated. A link has been added to NICE Quality Standard QS 204 Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been updated. |
| Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | A link has been added to CPS Guidance on Victims of Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Smuggling. |
| Children Missing Education | Section 3, Indicators, Schools, contact information has been added for the Children Missing from Education Team. |
| Sheffield's Multi-Agency Response to the Assessment and Intervention of Children and Young People with Harmful Sexual Behaviour | A link has been added to Harmful Sexual Behaviour Support Service for the Children’s Workforce (Marie Collins Foundation). |
| Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) | This chapter has been revised in line with local practice. |
| Good Practice Supporting the Voice of the Child | References to Public Health England have been updated. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | References to Public Health England have been updated. |
| Local Contacts | Added: Children Missing from Education Team. |
March 2022
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Section 47 Protocol for Responding to Concerns about Injuries or Abuse in Infants under Two Years Old | Section 7, Action to take if you are Concerned about an Infant has been updated in line with local practice. |
| Bullying | This chapter has been updated to add/update links in the Section 7, Further Information, and to include information on sexual harassment and violence following the Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (Ofsted, June 2021) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2021). The definition of sexting has been expanded to include taking and distributing nude or semi-nude images. |
| Online Safety | Minor amendments have been made to this chapter, to include information on sexting. Section 8, Procedures for Reporting Concerns has also been revised. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been amended in line with local guidance and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and links added/updated to further information. |
| Safeguarding Children Living in Families with Drug and / or Alcohol Misuse Protocol | A link has been added to Guidance - Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Health Needs Assessment and Guidance: Parents with Alcohol and Drug Problems – Adult Treatment and Children and Family Services. |
| Children of Parents with Learning Difficulties | Section 3, Indicators has been updated to include information in relation to pre-birth assessments and planning. Links have been updated in Section 7, Further Information. |
| Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. Information has been added on piloting devolving decision making for child victims of modern slavery and on Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTG). Links to Further Information have been added and updated, and a link added to the Independent Child Trafficking Guardians Referral Form. In areas where the ICTG service has been implemented, if the first responder considers a child to be a potential victim of modern slavery, they should refer them to the ICTG service by completing the online referral form. |
| Children Vulnerable to or from Extremism | A link has been added to Guidance - Prevent Duty Self-assessment Tool: Further Education. |
| Child Exploitation | A link has been added to Tackling Child Exploitation: Resources Pack (Local Government Association). |
| Child Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been amended to include information on sexual harassment and violence and to note the Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (Ofsted, June 2021). This Report, together with Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (GOV.UK 2021), can be found in Further Information. A link has been added in the Further Information section to Tackling Child Exploitation: Resources Pack (Local Government Association). |
| Gangs | Information has been added on Knife Crime Prevention Orders. |
| Honour-based Abuse | This chapter has been updated to reference the governments updated Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Strategy. |
| Sheffield's Multi-Agency Response to the Assessment and Intervention of Children and Young People with Harmful Sexual Behaviour | This chapter has been updated. |
| Local Contacts | Sheffield Probation Office has been added. |
October 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | A note has been added to remind all practitioners of the importance of establishing the nationality and immigration status of children and families. 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. |
| Children and Families Moving Across Local Authority Boundaries | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Whistleblowing or Raising Concerns at Work | Links have been updated in Section 5, Further Information. |
| Online Safety | This chapter has been amended throughout. |
| Gender Identity Issues | A link to Gender Identity Guide (Action for Children) has been added into Section 6, Further Information. A new Section 4, Consent to the Use of Medication to Suppress Puberty has also been added. |
| Domestic Abuse | Section 4, Definitions has been updated 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. The Act also introduced the concept that children are victims in their own right: Part 1 of the Act, which lays out the new Statutory Definition of Domestic Abuse, provides that a child who sees or hears, or experiences the effects of, domestic abuse and is related to the person being abused or the perpetrator is also to be regarded as a victim of domestic abuse. The Act also recognises the ongoing impact of domestic abuse post-separation, which is often exercised via child contact arrangements and via the family courts, and will extend the controlling or coercive behaviour offence to cover post-separation abuse. |
| Working Effectively with Resistance, Obstacles and Hostility to Engagement | This document has been amended throughout. |
| Parents, Carers or Family Members with Mental Ill Health | This chapter has been amended throughout. |
| Child Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been amended to reflect that, 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. |
| Fabricated or Induced Illness / Perplexing Presentations | This chapter has been refreshed throughout in line with local practice and revised guidance from the RCPCH Perplexing Presentations (PP)/Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) in Children Guidance. Please refer to the guidance for the management of perplexing presentations. When the threshold is met for referral to children's social care due to concern about fabricated or induced illness, then the required actions are unchanged. |
| Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
| Visits to Psychiatric Wards and Facilities by Children | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Visits to Prisons by Children | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been updated to reflect legal changes following EU exit, including guidance on checking the past conduct of individuals who have lived or worked overseas. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | Section 3, People in Positions of Trust 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 children. |
| Local Contacts | Amended: National Probation Service. |
March 2021
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Recognition of Significant Harm and Types of Abuse and Neglect | This chapter has been updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children revisions (December 2020). |
| Making a Referral following the Identification of Child Safety and Welfare Concerns | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice/terminology. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes from the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children (including Staff, Carers and Volunteers) | This chapter has been updated to reflect changes from the revised Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Bullying | This chapter has been updated to add/update links in the Section 7, Further Information section. |
| Information Sharing | This chapter has been updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children revisions (December 2020). |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children Living Away from Home | This chapter has been added to the Procedures Manual. |
October 2020
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated in line with the new digital referral system for reporting potential victims of Modern Slavery. |
| Safeguarding Children Living in Families with Drug and / or Alcohol Misuse Protocol | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. |
| 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). A link has been added in the Further Information section, to the statutory guidance Modern Slavery: how to identify and support victims 2020. This guidance replaces:
|
| Contextual Safeguarding | This new chapter replaces previous chapters on:
|
| Criminal Exploitation County Lines and Modern Day Slavery | This new chapter replaces a previous chapter on Child Criminal Exploitation. |
| Child Sexual Exploitation | This new chapter replaces a previous chapter on Sexual Exploitation |
| South Yorkshire Missing from Home and Care Protocol 2020 | This protocol has been updated. |
| Gangs | This new chapter replaces a previous chapter on Gang Activity. |
| Local Contacts | Added: Trafficking – Competent Authority. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Child Exploitation | This procedure has been added to the manual. |
March 2020
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Bullying | This chapter has been updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance (updated September 2019) and reference to Upskirting which is a specific example of abusive behaviour which has been linked to on-line bullying and grooming. Upskirting is a criminal offence and, as such, should be reported to the Police. |
| Licensed Premises | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with local practice/terminology. |
| Pregnant Women, Partners and Babies where there is Substance Misuse (MAPLAG) | This chapter has been updated. Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. A link has been added to the Integrated Care Pathway. |
| Safeguarding Children Living in Families with Drug and / or Alcohol Misuse Protocol | A link has been added to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. |
| Parents, Carers or Family Members with Mental Ill Health | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice, and should be re-read. |
| Contextual Safeguarding | Minor amendments have been made in line with local practice. This chapter is currently under review and additional information will be added at the next update of the procedures. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | This chapter has been given a general refresh. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Gender Identity Issues | This chapter has been added to the procedures manual. |
October 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Recognition of Significant Harm and Types of Abuse and Neglect | This chapter has been updated to ensure consistency with terminology used in current DfE publications, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education. |
| Making a Referral following the Identification of Child Safety and Welfare Concerns | This chapter has been updated. Minor amendments have been made in relation to local terminology. |
| Section 47 Protocol for Responding to Concerns about Injuries or Abuse in Infants under Two Years Old | This chapter and Fact sheet have been updated to include children under the age of two years old. |
| Strategy Discussions | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. |
| Section 47 Enquiries and Assessments | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local terminology. |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | Minor amendments have been made to reflect local practice and terminology. |
| Developing and Implementing the Child Protection Plan | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. |
| Cross Boundary Movement of Children with Child Protection Plans Including Moving Abroad | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. |
| Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children (including Staff, Carers and Volunteers) | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. An updated Appendix 1: Action by Senior Manager and LA Designated Officer Flowchart has been added. |
| Appeals about Child Protection Conferences | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. |
| Bullying | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice. |
| Licensed Premises | An updated Appendix 1: Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership Board 'Guidance for Best Practice: Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable People at Events' has been added. |
| Online Safety | This chapter has been extensively updated throughout, and updated versions added of Appendix 6: Acceptable Use Policy and Appendix 7: Online Safety Quick Self-Audit for Managers. |
| Transition from Young People Focussed to Adult Oriented Services | Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice. |
| Pregnant Women and Babies where there is Substance Misuse (MAPLAG) | This chapter has been updated. Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. |
| Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children | This chapter has been updated. Section 2, Legislation Relating to Dangerous Dogs has been given a general refresh. |
| Domestic Abuse | A link has been added to Ending Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2016 – 2020, (refresh 2019). |
| Children of Parents with Learning Difficulties | This chapter has been updated. In Section 2, Issues, information has been added in relation to Parent Assessment Manual assessments. |
| Organised and Complex Abuse | This chapter has been revised and updated throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Children Missing Education | New sections have been added, Section 6, Elective Home Education and Section 7, Unregistered Schools. Minor amendments have been made throughout the chapter, and it should be re-read. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | Updated versions have been added of all Local Information. |
| Honour-based Abuse | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession | This chapter has been amended. Section 1, Key Considerations has been updated in line with local practice. |
| Children and HIV | Amendments have been made in relation to local practice. |
| Fabricated or Induced Illness | This chapter has been updated. Minor amendments have been made in relation to local practice/terminology. |
| Children and Young People who Misuse Substances | This chapter has been updated. The chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Sheffield Procedures for Responding to Children who go Missing from Home or Care (July 2019) | An updated version of this local guidance has been added. |
| Working with Sexually Active Young People | This chapter has been updated. Appendix 2: CSE Spotting the Signs guidance has been added. |
| Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated. Section 8, Boys and Young Men has been updated to reflect local practice. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People who may have been Sexually Abused by a Family Member | This chapter has been updated. Section 13, Support Organisations has been updated. |
| Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse by Children and Young People of other Children and Vulnerable Adults | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
| Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
| Quality Assurance, Learning and Improvement Framework | Minor amendments have been made to reflect local practice and terminology. |
| Child Death Reviews | An updated version of this local guidance has been added. |
| Good Practice Supporting the Voice of the Child | This chapter has been updated. The chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
| Local Contacts | Amended: National Probation Service. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Contextual Safeguarding | This new chapter includes background information and practice issues. |
| Child Criminal Exploitation | This new chapter includes background information and practice issues. |
| Sheffield's Multi-Agency Response to the Assessment and Intervention of Children and Young People with Harmful Sexual Behaviour | The aim of this procedure is to establish a consistent referral pathway for children and young people in Sheffield who display Harmful Sexual Behaviour and to ensure they receive a consistent and appropriate response that involves interventions both in relation to safeguarding concerns and public protection. |
July 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended to reflect updated local structure/terminology. |
April 2019
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Recognition of Significant Harm and Types of Abuse and Neglect | Information has been added into Section 1. Introduction in relation to Keeping children safe in education: Statutory guidance for schools and colleges. A new Section 14, Contextual Safeguarding has been added. |
| Making a Referral following the Identification of Child Safety and Welfare Concerns | Information has been added into Section 4, Confidentiality relating to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR. |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | Minor amendments have been made to reflect local practice and terminology. |
| Child Protection Review Conferences | Minor amendments have been made to reflect local practice and terminology. |
| Making Enquiries of Children's Social Care | Minor amendments have been made to reflect local practice and terminology. |
| Allegations Against Persons who Work with Children (including Staff, Carers and Volunteers) | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
| Bullying | This chapter has been refreshed throughout and should be re-read. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice and should be re-read. |
| Children Missing Education | Section 3, Indicators and Section 4, Protection and Action to be Taken have been updated throughout in line with local practice. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | An updated version of local information Sheffield Multi-Agency FGM Pathway (for Victims and Those at Risk) has been added. |
| Licensed Premises | This chapter has been revised throughout in line with local practice. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People who may have been Sexually Abused by a Family Member | Minor amendments have been made to reflect local practice and terminology. |
| Gang Activity | Information has been added into Section 1, Introduction in relation to the Child Criminal Exploitation Team. |
| Online Safety | A link has been added to Social Media as a Catalyst and Trigger for Youth Violence (Catch 22). |
| Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | In the Relevant Guidance section, a link has been added to Statutory Guidance: Disqualification under the Children Act 2006. A new Section 2.25, Childcare Disqualification has been added. |
| Quality Assurance, Learning and Improvement Framework | Minor amendments have been made to reflect local practice and terminology. |
| Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Sources of Information | An updated version of this local information has been added. |
| Information Sharing | A link has been added to the GOV.UK - Child sex offender disclosure scheme guidance in Section 5, National Guidance on Sharing Information - Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme. |
| Local Contacts | The title of Section 1 has changed from 'Safeguarding Children Service' to 'Quality Assurance and Involvement Service'. A new Section 2, Safeguarding Hub Team and Section 3, Children's Social Care Out of Hours Service have been added. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Engaging with Fathers, Male Partners or Carers | This chapter seeks to bring together some of the research findings in respect of the engagement of fathers and other significant males in interventions. It identifies some of the challenges and barriers which can occur in frontline practice and seeks to offer some practical suggestions to support practitioners in their work with fathers. |
October 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Recognition of Significant Harm and Types of Abuse and Neglect | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Assessments | This chapter has been updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | Section 16, Electronic and Digital Recording by Parents has been reviewed and updated following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Child Protection Review Conferences | Section 9, Minutes has been updated following the introduction of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. |
| Whistleblowing or Raising Concerns at Work | Links have been updated in Section 5, Further Information. |
| Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation | This chapter has been revised throughout and incorporates content previously held in 3 separate chapters. |
| Forced Marriages | In Section 19, Related Information / Guidance, the link has been updated to the Protocol on the handling of 'so-called' Honour Based Violence/Abuse and Forced Marriage Offences between the National Police Chiefs' Council and the Crown Prosecution Service. |
| Honour-based Violence | In the Related Guidance / Information section, the link has been updated to the Protocol on the handling of 'so-called' Honour Based Violence/Abuse and Forced Marriage Offences between the National Police Chiefs' Council and the Crown Prosecution Service. |
| Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour | A new Section 7, Further Information has been added. |
| Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | Legislative references have been updated as necessary. |
| Quality Assurance, Learning and Improvement Framework | Legislative references have been updated as necessary. |
| Preface and Introduction | Legislative references have been updated as necessary. |
| Underlying Principles and Values | Legislative references have been updated as necessary. |
| Information Sharing | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with the revised versions of Working Together to Safeguard Children and Information Sharing: Advice for Safeguarding Practitioners. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | This chapter has been updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Bullying | This provides information on different types of bullying, including cyberbullying, action to be taken and sources of further information. |
| Removed Chapters | |
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|
May 2018
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children from Abroad | In Section 4.2, Establishing the Child's Age, the statutory guidance has been updated to link to the DfE 2017 Care of Unaccompanied and Migrant Children and Child Victims of Modern Slavery – Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is referenced in relation to age assessments. A link has been added to Advice For Local Authorities – Safeguarding Children Returning To The UK From Syria. |
| Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children | This chapter has been given a general refresh throughout. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | This chapter has been reordered; the substantive content remains the same. |
| Gang Activity | Information has been added into Section 3, Definition of Gang and Gang Members in relation to Organised Criminal Groups and 'County Lines'. |
| Children of Parents with Learning Difficulties | This chapter has been refreshed throughout. |
| Modern Slavery | Links to statutory guidance have been updated. |
| Private Fostering | This chapter has been amended to add clarity to the definition of private fostering with regards to the legislation and children under 16 who spend more than 2 weeks in residence during holiday time in a school. |
| Sexual Exploitation | Links to related national guidance have been updated. Section 2, Definition has been updated to take account of the change of definition in: Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners (DfE, February 2017). |
| Trafficking | A link has been added to Care of Unaccompanied and Migrant Children and Child Victims of Modern Slavery – Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities. |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People who may have been Sexually Abused by a Family Member | A new Section 17, Further Information has been added. |
| Children Vulnerable to or From Extremism | A link has been added to Advice For Local Authorities – Safeguarding Children Returning To The UK From Syria. |
| Multi- Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) | The link to the national MAPPA Guidance has been updated. A new Section 6, Potentially Dangerous Persons (PDP) has been added. |
| Updated Factsheets | |
| Title | Details |
| Factsheet: Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse by Children and Young People of other Children and Vulnerable Adults | The introduction has been updated. |
| Factsheet: Sexual Exploitation | The section on Child Protection Action has been updated. |
September 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect | This chapter has been updated. Additional information has been added in relation to: the definition of significant harm; 'peer on peer' abuse; and non-recent (historical) abuse. |
| Making a Referral following the Identification of Child Safety and Welfare Concerns | This chapter has been as updated throughout in line with local practice, and should be re-read. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been updated to include links to Domestic Abuse: A Resource for Health Professionals (DoH, 2017), and Royal College of Nursing – Domestic Abuse: Professional Resources. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | A link has been added to Sheffield Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Strategy September 2016. |
| Forced Marriages | The Related Guidance / Information section has been updated throughout. |
| Gang Activity | This chapter has been updated to include a link to the National Crime Agency report County Lines Gang Violence, Exploitation and Drug Supply (2016). |
| Honour-based Violence | The Related Guidance/Information section has been updated throughout. |
| Online Safety | 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. |
| Sheffield Procedures for Responding to Children who go Missing from Home or Care (March 2017) | An updated version has been added. |
| Self-Harm and Suicide | A link has been added to the Suicide Prevention Pathway for Children and Young People in Sheffield. |
| Trafficking | A link has been added to Modern Slavery: Duty to Notify (Home Office 2016). |
| Quality Assurance, Learning and Improvement Framework | Minor amendments have been made throughout this chapter in line with local practice, and it should be re-read. |
| Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Sources of Information | This chapter has been updated throughout. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | Updated links have been added to Section 4.12, Early Years and Childcare with regards 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 which states 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. |
| Local Contacts | The following section has been updated: Children, Young People and Families. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children | The aim of this chapter is to assist practitioners to assess risk and take action to protect children from serious injuries which can be inflicted by dogs that are prohibited, dangerous or badly looked after by their owners. |
| Children Missing Education | This chapter sets out the key principles to enable local authorities in England to implement their legal duty under section 436A of the Education Act 1996 to make arrangements to identify, as far as it is possible to do so, children missing education |
| Modern Slavery | This chapter sets out guidance on how to identify and respond to a child or young person where there are concerns that they are a victim or a potential victim of modern slavery. |
| Good Practice Supporting the Voice of the Child | This chapter sets out guidance on enabling children to feel respected, to have their views heard, to have stable relationships with practitioners built on trust and to have consistent support provided for their individual needs. |
| Sheffield Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Strategy (September 2016) | This local strategy has been added to the procedures manual. |
| Suicide Prevention Pathway for Children and Young People in Sheffield | This local strategy has been added to the procedures manual. |
January 2017
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | A new Section 16, Electronic and Digital Recording by Parents, has been added. In Section 4, Who Should Attend? a link has been added to Law Society guidance in relation to the attendance of legal representatives. |
| Child Protection Review Conferences | A link has been added to the Initial Child Protection Conferences Procedure, Electronic and Digital Recording by Parents. In Section 4, Who Should Attend? of that procedure includes a link to Law Society guidance in relation to the attendance of legal representatives. |
| Children and HIV | A link has been added to Practice Guidance: Supporting Young People with HIV Testing and Prevention. This practice guidance is for professionals who do not provide HIV testing, treatment or advice as part of their day-to-day work. It is primarily intended for those working outside health settings, such as social workers or voluntary sector practitioners. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | Links have been added to updated statutory guidance. Appendix 1: Sheffield Multi-Agency FGM Pathway (for Victims and Those at Risk) has been added. |
| Sexual Exploitation | A link has been added to the Sheffield Child Sexual Exploitation Strategy. |
| Trafficking | In Section 5, Action to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Trafficked Children, information has been added in relation to the National Referral Mechanism. |
| Children Visiting Psychiatric Wards and Facilities | This procedure has been given a general refresh and minor amendments made throughout. |
| Agency Roles and Responsibilities | This chapter has been refreshed and additional information has been added throughout. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect | This includes definitions used when determining Significant Harm. |
| Complaints Procedure – Managing Complaints about the SCSP in its Discharge of its Duties | This procedure relates to complaints about the functioning of the SCSP in the discharge of their duties, including the child death overview panel (CDOP). |
| Whistleblowing or Raising Concerns at Work | This provides information on raising concerns at work in the public interest or 'whistleblowing'. |
| Breast Ironing | Professionals working with children and young people must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of girls who are at risk of or have undergone breast ironing. Similarly to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), breast ironing is classified as physical abuse. |
| Concealed Pregnancies | The concealment of a pregnancy represents a challenge for professionals in safeguarding the welfare and the wellbeing of the foetus (unborn child) and the mother, and a coordinated multi-agency approach is required once the fact of a pregnancy has been established. |
| MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and babies: reducing risk through audits and confidential enquiries across the UK) | A link has been added to this, which is the new national system which replaces the former CEMACH (Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health). |
| Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy and Childhood: Multi-agency Guidelines for Care and Investigation (Royal College of Pathologists) | A link has been added to this guidance. |
June 2016
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Complaints and Appeals about Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been updated in line with the Serious Crime Act 2015, which creates a new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships. |
| E-Safety | A link has been added to Child Online Safety: a Practical Guide for Parents and Carers whose Children are using Social Media. |
| Forced Marriages | A link has been added to the Forced Marriage Unit website. |
| Trafficking | A link has been added to Modern Slavery Act 2015 – Home Office Circular. |
| Children Vulnerable to or From Extremism | A link has been added to the Educate Against Hate website. |
| Persons, Volunteers / Carers Identified as Posing a Risk to Children | Legislative references have been updated. |
| Child Death Reviews | An updated process has been added. |
| Local Contacts | This chapter has been updated throughout. |
January 2016
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Making Enquiries of the Child Protection Enquiry Team (CPET) | In Section 3, Making an Enquiry about a Child who is not the Subject of a Child Protection Plan, in relation to a second enquiry being made in relation to a child, the wording has been changed from 'the same child' to read 'a child who is not previously known to Children's Social Care Services'. |
| Complaints and Appeals about Child Protection Conferences | This chapter has been updated in line with revised local practice, and should be re-read. |
| Children from Abroad | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with revised local practice, and the chapter should be re-read in its entirety. |
| Disabled Children | Minor amendments have been made throughout this chapter in line with local practice. |
| E-Safety | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with local practice, and should be re-read. References have been included to Children Vulnerable to or from Extremism. Changes have been made to the Appendices to this chapter. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | This chapter has been substantially updated to reflect the legislative changes made by the Serious Crime Act 2015, and should be read in full. A new Section 3, Legal Position, has been added. |
| Forced Marriages | This chapter has been updated in line with revised local practice in relation to referrals. Amendments have been made in Section 7, Agencies Responsible for Receiving Referrals and Section 8, Action Following Referral To Children's Social Care. |
| Safeguarding Children Living in Families with Drug and / or Alcohol Misuse Protocol | Minor amendments have been made to this chapter in line with local practice. Reference has been included to New Psychoactive Substances. The following has been added in to Section 2.1, The potential impact on children and young people – 'Children taking on increasing responsibilities in relation to household tasks, child care and parent care'. |
| Pregnant Women and Babies where there is Substance Misuse (MAPLAG) | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with revised local practice, and the chapter should be re-read in its entirety. |
| Missing from Home or Care and Runaways: South Yorkshire Regional Multi-agency Protocol (August 2015) | An updated version of this protocol has been added to the manual. |
| Sexual Exploitation | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with revised local practice. |
| Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with revised local practice, and the chapter should be re-read in its entirety. |
| Transition from Young People Focussed to Adult Oriented Services | Reference has been added in to Section 1, Introduction, in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. |
| Uncooperative Families | Minor amendments have been made throughout in line with revised local practice, and the chapter should be re-read in its entirety. |
| Working with Sexually Active Young People | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with revised local practice, and the chapter should be re-read in its entirety. |
| Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) | This procedure has been updated throughout, and should be re-read. |
| Children Visiting Psychiatric Wards and Facilities | This procedure has been completely rewritten in line with revised national guidance. |
| Children Visiting Custodial Settings | This procedure has been completely rewritten in line with revised national guidance. |
| Safe Recruitment, Selection and Supervision of Staff | This chapter has been updated in line with revised statutory guidance: Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Those Working with Children and Young People in Education Settings (October 2015); Keeping Children Safe in Education 2015. |
| Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Checklist for Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector | Local contact details have been updated. |
Quality Assurance, Learning and Improvement Framework (previously Learning and Improvement Framework including Case Reviews) |
This chapter has been completely rewritten in line with local practice, and should be re-read. |
| Child Death Reviews | This procedure has been completely rewritten. It replaces the previous 2 separate procedures on Child Death Overview Panel and Review Process, and Rapid Response Team. |
| Local Contacts | Updated: SCSP Training and Development; Probation main switchboard. New: Sexual Exploitation. |
| New Chapters and Features | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Children Vulnerable to or From Extremism | This guidance is intended to provide a clear framework for all professionals working with children for whom there are concerns that they are at risk of becoming involved in violent extremist activity. |
| Removed Chapters | |
|
|
| Updated Factsheets | |
| Title | Details |
| Domestic Abuse and Children | Minor amendments have been made throughout. |
| New Factsheets | |
| Title | Details |
| Domestic Abuse and Young People | This new Factsheet is supplementary to the existing Factsheet - Domestic Abuse and Children. |
July 2015
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Making a Referral following the Identification of Child Safety and Welfare Concerns | Links and text in this chapter have been updated to reflect legislative and statutory guidance changes in relation to Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015, Information Sharing 2015; What to do if you are worried about a child 2015 and the Care Act 2014 as implemented 2015. |
| Assessments | The 'Sheffield Social Care Assessment '(SSCA) is a new single assessment tool for carrying out social work assessments. The SSCA replaces the previous initial assessment and core assessment within the children and young person's assessment framework. |
| Section 47 Protocol for Responding to Concerns about Injuries or Abuse in Infants under One Years Old | This chapter and Fact sheet have been updated to include children under the age of two years old. |
| Strategy Discussions | This chapter has been updated and should be read in full. |
| Section 47 Enquiries and Assessments | Minor amendments in the text have been made and links have been updated. |
| Initial Child Protection Conferences | Section 8 Enabling Children's participation has been amended and should be read in full. There have also been some minor amendments to the text in the chapter and a new flowchart has been added. |
| Developing and Implementing the Child Protection Plan | There have been minor amendments to this chapter in the text. |
| Child Protection Review Conferences | Amendments to the text have been made in sections 6 to 9 to ensure consistency with the sections in Initial Child Protection Conferences Procedure. |
| Making Enquiries of the Child Protection Enquiry Team (CPET) | Contact information in Section 4 has been updated. |
| Effective Challenge and Escalation | This chapter has been updated and the title has been changed from Professional disagreement. |
| Children and Young People who Misuse Substances | The contact details and links in this chapter have been updated. |
| E-Safety | Reference to the Serious Crime Act 2015 have been added in Section 5, Legislation. |
| Female Genital Mutilation | This chapter has been substantially updated and should be read in full. |
| Licensed Premises | This chapter and all appendices have been updated. |
| Sexual Exploitation | This chapter has been updated and should be read in full. |
| Learning and Improvement Framework including Case Reviews | This chapter has been updated in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015. |
| Child Death Overview Panel and Review Process | This chapter has been updated and should be re-read. |
| Rapid Response Team | This chapter has been updated as section 4.1.3 Taking samples has been removed |
| Information Sharing | Sections 1 and 20 have been updated. |
| Local Contacts | Details have been updated. |
| Updated Terminology | |
| Local Authority Designated Officer | The term LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) changed in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 to Designated Officer. This change has been reflected in this manual. |
January 2015
| Updated Chapters | |
| Chapter Name | Details |
| Section 47 Enquiries and Assessments | Section 6, Integration with the Assessment Framework Triangle where the good practice guidance 'Working with Foreign Authorities: Child Protection Cases and Care Orders' has been added as a link. |
| Children from Abroad | This chapter has been updated throughout in line with 'Care of Unaccompanied and Trafficked Children: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities on the Care of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking and Trafficked Children (2014)'. |
| Domestic Abuse | This chapter has been updated in Section 4, Definitions to include the Domestic Violence Protection Orders and the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme ('Clare's Law'). |
| Fabricated or Induced Illness | This chapter has been updated in Section 9, Covert Video Surveillance (CVS). |
| Female Genital Mutilation | Section 9, Referral and Assessment has been updated and should be read in full. |
| Learning and Improvement Framework including Case Reviews | This chapter has been significantly updated and should be re-read. |
| Child Death Overview Panel and Review Process | This chapter has been significantly updated and should be re-read. |
| Rapid Response Team | This chapter has been significantly updated and should be re-read. |
| The Legal Framework for Child Protection | This chapter has been updated in line with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. |
| Local Contacts | All 'Children, Young People and Families' contact details have been updated. |
