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Safeguarding Children - Clinical Guideline for Midw ives

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SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN - CLINICAL GUIDELINE

FOR MIDWIVES

1. Aim/Purpose of this Guideline

This Safeguarding Children Guideline for Midwives is designed to give guidance on child protection/safeguarding for children up to the age of 18 yrs old and compliment

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly local Safeguarding Children policies and procedures.

2. The Guidance

2.1. Introduction

The local inter-agency procedures are internet based, interactive and regularly updated therefore it is not advisable to print or download any section. They have

been adopted by the South West region and can be found via the Child Protection Health website that can be accessed as detailed www.safechildren-cios.co.uk.

Staff should familiarise themselves with HM Government document “Working Together to Safeguard Children” (2015); RCHT Child Protection and Child Protection

Supervision policies found on the intranet.

Additional Midwifery Safeguarding guidance i.e. report writing, can be found on the shared drive – data11.

It is considered good practice to discuss all issues of Safeguarding Children and cause for concern with your Team Leader/Safeguarding Supervisor. The Named

Midwife or her deputy is also available to discuss issues or concerns raised.

2.2. Role of the Midwife

At booking, an assessment of a woman’s individual needs including a social history,

including the partner, is obtained

Consider Vulnerabilities / Primary Factors (page 2)

Follow the Midwifery Safeguarding Pathway (page 3)

Assess if this is Cause for Concern, Child in Need or Child Protection

If a referral to Social Care is required share with the parents if appropriate. If you

assess that informing the parent(s) is likely to place the unborn child/children at greater risk do not inform them

http://www.safechildren-cios.co.uk/


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2.3. Identification of Vulnerabilities / Primary Factors within families which may require Additional Support or a MARU Referral

This is not an exhaustive list.

1 Poor parenting affecting child’s health or development

2 One or both parents under 21 years

3 Step-parent /co-habitee member of household

4 Violence within the family (animals and domestic abuse)

5 History of cruelty (child protection categories)

6 Parents abused / neglected

7 Drug/alcohol abuse of main carers

8 Frequent incidences / injuries

9 Behavioural / emotional vulnerability of child/ren

10 Unreal expectations of the child

11 Failure to thrive

12 Mental illness of main carers

13 Mother suffering with postnatal depression

14 Any factor which makes the professional uneasy

15 Family closing down to outsiders

16 Parents with a learning disability

17 History of criminality

18 Family isolated within the community

19 Homelessness / no fixed abode

20 Late antenatal booking

21 Lack of engagement with community

22 Poor living conditions

23 Poor attendance at appointments

24 Chaotic lifestyle

25 Frequent contact with services

26 FGM

27 Modern Slavery

28 Care leaver / Looked after child

29 Single with no family support

30 Asylum seeker / illegal immigrant/ refugee

31 Sibling within the home with a disability

32 English is not their primary language


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Midwifery Safeguarding Pathway

Social Assessment with Community Midwife at Booking

NO SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

For universal services as per NICE guidelines

VULNERABLE FAMILY / CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Require additional community services / Early Help /Intervention/Support (Child in Need Section 17

Children’s Act 1989) initiate CAF; refer to FIS, Early Help Hub www.cornwallfisdirectory.org.uk or FNP,

SPS,PMHT, Addaction

Requires parental consent Refer to LSCB Threshold Tool

CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS

A need to protect children who are suffering or are likely to suffer significant harm (Child

Protection Section 47 Children’s Act 1989) MARU referral; best practice is to obtain

parental consent but can be made without.

[email protected]

Complete RCHT Safeguarding Children Record and retain all referrals/correspondence/documentation.

All records to be sent electronically to Team Leaders. Initial Record and Initial Summary of Safeguarding Children (Appendix 3)

Individual Midwives Safeguarding Caseload Card (Appendix 8)

Complete Audit form for Bookings Any referrals to other agencies, including MARU/MARAC/PMHT/SPS/FIS

Subsequent Review (Appendix 4) at least every 6 weeks

Any reports for Case Conferences/Child in Need meetings

Post Conference details (Appendix 5)

Any other correspondences from multi-agencies

A Safeguarding Security Plan (Appendix 6) if needed

Additional Notes (Appendix 7) to be utilised for high risk cases or evidence lack of engagement with midwifery service On discharge to Health Visitor complete a Subsequent Review (Appendix 4) to close the case from midwifery care

Team Leaders will: Commence Chronology (Appendix 9) & Supervision Record (Appendix 10)

Named Midwife for Safeguarding will file all documentation in the newborn’s notes at the end of the midwifery episode of care

If a safeguarding/vulnerable family is identified please place yellow sticker on Maternity Management Plan page of hand held notes

TARIFF INTERMEDIATE onto

STORK INFORM GP & HV

http://www.cornwallfisdirectory.org.uk/

mailto:[email protected]


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If referral to Social Care is required, complete by approximately 12 weeks gestation, following the dating ultrasound, contact MARU 0300 1231 116 and maintain a

written record of your conversation including the name of the worker you have spoken and any agreed plan. Out of hours URGENT referrals to Social Care 01208

251300

Refer to Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Board Instruction 3 – Arrangements

for pre-birth assessments (Appendix 11)

Ensure that you inform Social Care if the parent(s) are aware of the referral or not

Ensure the appropriate referral form is completed and sent securely electronically within 48 hours of the initial telephone contact

Maintain records of all telephone referrals, discussions, referral forms and send electronically to the Team Leaders with RCHT records of safeguarding as per

Midwifery Safeguarding Pathway

Team leaders will commence Chronology (Appendix 9)

2.4. Safeguarding Supervision

Safeguarding Supervision is an accountable process which supports, assures and

develops the knowledge, skills and values of an individual, group or team. The purpose is to improve the quality of their work to achieve agreed outcomes.

The Community Team Leaders have undertaken supervision training and will support midwives who are working with complex challenging families. This

supervision is evidenced by maintaining a 1 : 1 Safeguarding Supervision Record (Appendix 10).

The Community Team Leaders are responsible to ensure that accurate records are maintained, and are expected to discuss individual safeguarding cases at least

every 6 weeks during a team meeting, offer ongoing support and advice and communicate with the Health Visitors

Midwives can contact the Named Midwife/Nurse for supervision, support and advice via RCHT switchboard

2.5. Information Sharing

Interagency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is paramount

(Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015) Refer to Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Board Instruction 4 – Information Sharing (Appendix 12)

It is the midwives responsibility to share information with her colleagues/agencies as

appropriate


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The midwife will liaise with the Health Visiting Team to arrange a joint antenatal visit after 28 weeks gestation when safeguarding has been identified.

It is the responsibility of the midwife to ensure she effectively informs the team leader using the midwifery safeguarding paperwork

If a woman moves within Cornwall the named midwife is responsible for informing the relevant midwife and for transferring the safeguarding paperwork to the receiving

midwife

If a woman transfers out of Cornwall the named midwife is responsible for contacting the receiving area midwife informing them of the concerns and any plan. Photocopies of the safeguarding paperwork may be sent by recorded delivery.

2.6. Professionals Meetings/Core Group/Case Conference

Attendance at any of the above meetings by the named midwife is vital. If unable to

attend the midwife is responsible to ensure that a representative attends with a detailed update / report in her absence.

Case Conference reports should be written on the appropriate Social Care format utilising the Signs of Safety Model

Reports should be shared with the parents at least 48 hours prior to the conference

Following a safeguarding conference the midwife must complete the Post Conference Details (Appendix 5) and send it electronically to the Named Midwife, or

deputy, for Safeguarding. If the woman is over 36 weeks gestation this should be faxed or emailed to the Delivery Suite Coordinator on duty that day

Guidance for midwives regarding case conference/court proceedings can be found on the midwifery shared drive 11

2.7. Security Issues

In cases where a risk is posed to the newborn of abduction or of violence towards the staff from either the mother, partner or family member a security meeting will be

held

This is the responsibility of the named Social Worker to arrange with the Named Midwife for Safeguarding.

A Safeguarding Children Security Plan (Appendix 6) needs to be recorded and filed in the Safeguarding file on Delivery Suite

2.8. Training

Midwives mandatory training is at level 3 and is booked via RECONSTRUCT website. See Midwives Training Passport for further details. Midwives who are

newly appointed will have to complete training within 3 months of commencing.


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2.9. Professional Differences

If professional differences are unable to be resolved discuss initially with the community team leader and/or named midwife for safeguarding and utilise the

safeguarding escalation policy on the intranet

2.10. Professionals with responsibility for Safeguarding Children

These are statutory roles

The Designated Doctor and Nurse take a strategic, professional lead on all aspects

of the heath service contribution to safeguarding children. These posts span Cornwall & Isles of Scilly and includes all providers

The Named Doctors, Nurses and Midwives, play a key role in promoting good

professional practice within their organization, and provide expertise and leadership for their colleagues.

The Named Midwife for Safeguarding Children roles :(see Intercollegiate document Safeguarding Children and Young People 2014 for full description of role)

Provides guidance, monitoring and support to midwives in relation to Safeguarding Children

Monitors implementation of agreed multi-agency plans, in conjunction with the post natal ward manager

Reports serious Safeguarding cases to the Head of Midwifery

Ensures robust written plans are generated and disseminated throughout the maternity services as appropriate

Obtains Safeguarding Children Supervision from the designated or Named

Safeguarding Professional when necessary

Named Midwife will review all Safeguarding Children referrals received to Princess

Alexandra Wing and maintain/update the Supervision paperwork Safeguarding Children File on Delivery Suite/Postnatal Inpatient Ward

Inpatient Team Leaders assist the named midwife in any of the above

The Inpatient Team Leaders can obtain Safeguarding Children support from the named midwife

In the absence of the named midwife this process will be undertaken by the Specialist Midwife for women with Complex Needs


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The Specialist Midwife for Women with Complex Needs is a strategic and leadership role in relation to women with mental health, learning disabilities, drugs and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse and young parents

It is the case loading midwife who will continue to be the lead professional for these

women

2.11. Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Board (CIOS SCB) The CIOS SCB is a statutory, inter-agency forum. It is a vehicle for agreeing how

different services and professional groups should co-operate to safeguard children in that area and for making sure that arrangements work effectively to bring about good

outcomes for children. It has a role in overseeing quality.

Further information concerning the work and functions of the CIOS SCB can be

found at the SCB website www.safechildren-cios.co.uk

3. Monitoring compliance and effectiveness

Element to be monitored

Clinical Guideline for Safeguarding Children for Midwives

Lead Teresa Phillips

Tool Monthly updates from team leaders of all safeguarding concerns. Regular review of all midwifery safeguarding documentation to

ensure appropriate action has been taken

Frequency Ongoing

Reporting arrangements

Team Leader meetings

Acting on

recommendations and Lead(s)

At the Team leaders meetings an action plan will be agreed and

responsibili ty allocated to the appropriate team leader. Actions will then be reviewed at the next meeting.

Change in

practice and lessons to be

shared

Any changes will be communicated via the monthly midwives

update days and risk management news letters

4. Equality and Diversity

4.1. This document complies with the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust service Equality and Diversity statement.

4.2. Equality Impact Assessment

The Initial Equality Impact Assessment Screening Form is at Appendix 9.

http://www.safegchildren-cios.co.uk/


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Appendix 1. Governance Information

Document Title SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN – CLINICAL

GUIDELINE FOR MIDWIVES

Date Issued/Approved: 17th July 2015

Date Valid From: 17th July 2015

Date Valid To: 17th July 2018

Directorate / Department responsible (author/owner):

Teresa Phillips Named Midwife for Safeguarding Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Contact details: 01872 252684

Brief summary of contents

This guideline is designed to give guidance on child protection/safeguarding children

issues and compliment Cornwall and Isles of Scilly local safeguarding policies and

procedures.

Suggested Keywords: Safeguarding ,children, neglect, child protection, concerns, social, worker, special, violence, domestic, FGM, abuse

Target Audience RCHT PCT CFT

Executive Director responsible for Policy:

Medical Director

Date revised: 17th July 2015

This document replaces (exact title of previous version):

Clinical guideline for safeguarding children

Approval route (names of

committees)/consultation:

Maternity Guideline Group Obs& Gynae Directorate

Divisional Board for noting SCOG

Divisional Manager confirming approval processes

Head of Midwifery

Name and Post Title of additional

signatories Not Required

Signature of Executive Director giving approval

{Original Copy Signed}

Publication Location (refer to Policy

on Policies – Approvals and Ratification):

Internet & Intranet Intranet Only

Document Library Folder/Sub Folder Clinical / Midwifery and Obstetrics


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Links to key external standards CQC, Ofsted,

Related Documents:

SW Child Protection procedures

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Child Protection/Safeguarding Training Strategy

Child Protection Supervision Policy

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Domestic Abuse and Sexual

Violence Strategy 2011-2015 Information Sharing - Local

Safeguarding Children Board

Instruction 4

Training Need Identified? Yes. Refer to section 2.8

Version Control Table

Date Version

No Summary of Changes

Changes Made by

(Name and Job Title)

14/02/2012 V1.0 New Guideline Teresa Phillips – Midwifery

Matron

11 Sep 12 V1.1 Updated contact details of organisations and individuals. Expanded ‘Supervision’ section.

Safeguarding

Midwife/Specialist Midwife

17th July 2015

V1.2

MARU referral included Added LSCB threshold Children on a Child Protection plan team leader will make a chronology to be filed in the baby’s notes following birth Supervision paperwork included Advice upon use of yellow sticker

Teresa Phillips, Community Midwifery Matron &

Outpatient Services/Named Midwife for Safeguarding

All or part of this document can be released under the Freedom of Information

Act 2000

This document is to be retained for 10 years from the date of expiry.

This document is only valid on the day of printing

Controlled Document

This document has been created following the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Policy on Document Production. It should not be altered in any way without the

express permission of the author or their Line Manager.

http://intra.cornwall.nhs.uk/DocumentsLibrary/CornwallAndIslesOfScillyPCT/Policies/ServiceImprovement/ChildProtectionandSafeguardingPolicyAndProcedures.pdf

http://intra.cornwall.nhs.uk/DocumentsLibrary/CornwallAndIslesOfScillyPCT/Policies/ServiceImprovement/ChildProtectionandSafeguardingPolicyAndProcedures.pdf

http://intra.cornwall.nhs.uk/DocumentsLibrary/CornwallAndIslesOfScillyPCT/Policies/ServiceImprovement/ChildProtectionAndSafeguardingTrainingProgramme.pdf

http://intra.cornwall.nhs.uk/DocumentsLibrary/CornwallAndIslesOfScillyPCT/Policies/ServiceImprovement/ChildProtectionAndSafeguardingTrainingProgramme.pdf

http://intra.cornwall.nhs.uk/DocumentsLibrary/CornwallAndIslesOfScillyPCT/Policies/ServiceImprovement/CountywideChildProtectionSupervisionPolicy.pdf

http://www.safechildren-cios.co.uk/default.aspx?page=5



http://www.safechildren-cios.co.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=48316250-d25d-4cfd-a98d-b8e81a6d4354&version=-1




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Appendix 2. Initial Equality Impact Assessment Form

Are there concerns that the policy could have differential impact on: Equality Strands: Yes No Rationale for Assessment / Existing Evidence

Name of Name of the strategy / policy /proposal / service function to be assessed (hereafter referred to as policy) (Provide brief description): SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN - CLINICAL

GUIDELINE FOR MIDWIVES

Directorate and service area: Obs & Gynae Directorate

Is this a new or existing Policy? Existing

Name of individual completing assessment: Teresa Phillips

Telephone: 01872 252684

1. Policy Aim*

Who is the strategy / policy / proposal /

service function aimed at?

This guideline is designed to give guidance on child

protection/safeguarding for children up to the age of 18 yrs and compliment Cornwall and Isles of Scilly local Safeguarding Children

policies and procedures.

2. Policy Objectives*

To ensure all midwives are able to risk assess, recognise and act

upon signs of abuse and potential abuse on children and unborn babies at risk of abuse

3. Policy – intended Outcomes*

Compliance with agreed overarching child protection procedures for Cornwall & IOS and SW Peninsula.

4. *How will you

measure the outcome?

Compliance Monitoring Tool

5. Who is intended to benefit from the

policy?

Unborn babies, children and their families

6a) Is consultation required with the

workforce, equality groups, local interest groups etc. around

this policy?

b) If yes, have these *groups been consulted?

C). Please list any groups who have

been consulted about this procedure.

Yes

Yes

Social Care

Health Visiting Named Nurse for Safeguarding RCHT

7. The Impact

Please complete the following table.


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Age X All pregnant women and their babies.

Sex (male, female, trans-

gender / gender reassignment)

X All pregnant women and their babies.

Race / Ethnic communities /groups


Disability - learning disability, physical

disability, sensory impairment and mental health

problems


Religion / other beliefs


Marriage and civil partnership


Pregnancy and maternity X All pregnant women and their babies.

Sexual Orientation, Bisexual, Gay, heterosexual, Lesbian


You will need to continue to a full Equality Impact Assessment if the following have been highlighted:

You have ticked “Yes” in any column above and

No consultation or evidence of there being consultation- this excludes any policies which have been identified as not requiring consultation. or

Major service redesign or development

8. Please indicate if a full equality analysis is recommended. Yes No X

9. If you are not recommending a Full Impact assessment please explain why.

N/A

Signature of policy developer / lead manager / director Teresa Phillips

Date of completion and submission 17th July 2015

Names and signatures of

members carrying out the Screening Assessment

1. Teresa Phillips

2. Elizabeth Anderson.

Keep one copy and send a copy to the Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion Lead,

c/o Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Human Resources Department, Knowledge Spa, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD

A summary of the results will be published on the Trust’s web site. Signed: Elizabeth Anderson Date: 17th July 2015


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Appendix 3 Initial Record of Safeguarding Children/Cause for Concern (1 of 2 pages)

Family details and Safeguarding Children 1. Name of professional: 2. GP: 3. CR No:

4. NHS No: 5. Chosen Venue for Birth: 6. EDD: 7. Date:

Woman first name & surname & DOB

Address(es) 1

2 3

4 5

Family Composition Forename Surname (if different to family name)

Details of children

M/F DOB/EDD Address 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Playgroup/Nursery /School attended

On CPP Date ON/OFF Category On Category Off

Details of Main Carers

Forename Surname M/F DOB Address 1 /2/ 3/ 4

PR* (Tick)

Occupation Relationship to child

* Parental responsibility

Significant others (e.g. Grandparents)

Other Professionals Involved

Name Designation Contact number


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:

Appendix 3: (continued) (page 2 of 2)

Woman Name (s): CR No.: E.D.D Midwife: Print Name: Date:

Current Situation Date: Gestation: Safeguarding (section 47) Yes/No Child in Need (section 17) Yes/No Cause for concern Yes/No Primary Risk Factors:

Action taken (to include a summary of contact with the family, any referrals made to other agencies)

If Safeguarding & MARU referral copy to Team Leader If Cause for Concern Early Help Referral or Pre CAF

Action plan (to be completed at session by Midwife and supervisor and to include any advice given)

Signature of Midwife Print name: Date:

Signature of TEAM LEADER: Print name: Date:

Copy to go to:-

1. Team Leader w ho is responsible once reviewed to forward to the Named Midw ife 2. Health Visitor /Safeguarding Lead


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Appendix 4: Safeguarding Children: Subsequent Review

Continuation sheet no: AN/PN Date of advice and support :

Woman Name (S): CR No.:

Named Midwife: EDD:

Action plan (to be completed at session by Midwife and Advisor and to include any advice given)

Removed from file Yes No Rationale for removal from advice file

Name of Midwife Completing Update:

Signature of Team Leader Print name: Date:

Current situation and evaluation

Copy to go to:- 3. Team Leader w ho is responsible once reviewed to forward to the Named Midw ife 4. Health Visitor /Safeguarding Lead


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Appendix 5. Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Health Trusts - Post Case Conference Details (1 of 2 pages)

NAME/S OF CHILD/REN INVOLVED DOB IF UNBORN BABY EDD MOTHER’S CR No. DATE/PLACE/TIME

ATTENDED BY

INITIAL (I) REVIEW (R ) No longer subject to a CP Plan (D)

CATEGORY (IF REGISTERED) DATE OF NEXT CONFERENCE FAMILY NAME/S NAME OF MOTHER/CARER DOB NAME OF FATHER/CARER DOB NAMES OF OTHER INVOLVED IN CARE e.g. Grandparent DOB

NAME OF SIBLINGS DOB

ADDRESS

SCHOOL/NURSERY IF APPLICABLE

NAMED MIDWIFE

ADDRESS/TEL NO

NAMED HEALTH VISITOR

ADDRESS/TEL NO

GP Please notify GP of outcome of conference

ADDRESS/TEL NO


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OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED

OTHER RELEVANT DETAILS

HEALTH INPUT TO ACTION PLAN DISCHARGE PLANNING MEETING YES/NO TO BE ARRANGED BY SECURITY MEETING YES/NO TO BE ARRANGED BY

CORE GROUP MEMBERS DATE OF CORE GROUP MEETING

SIGNED BY MW………………………………………………PRINT NAME……………………… DATE………………………………………………………….. Only FAX copy to Delivery Suite & Named Midwife for Safeguarding if birth is imminent Send COPIES IMMEDIATELY TO: Midwifery TEAM LEADER

Keep top copy with documentation


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Appendix 6 Safeguarding Children Security Plan (1 page only) Name: Date: CR number: EDD: Police log number: Baby subject to Child Protection Plan? YES/NO Any plan for separation of mother and baby after birth?

(Please document detailed arrangements)

Is 24 hour security required? YES/NO

(If yes please detail security arrangements)

Is 24 hour security required? YES/NO

Is a one to one care support worker required whilst an inpatient? YES/NO

Named Social Worker/Care Manager:

Contact number:

Any risk to staff regarding violence/aggression? YES/NO

Risk of baby abduction? YES/NO

cc Security Team Safeguarding File Named Midwife with responsibility for safeguarding children NB: If Security meeting held outside the PAW then fax copy to Named Midwife

Name of agency:

Contact number: Budget number:

Agency funding care? YES/NO Budget number:

Other information:


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Appendix 7 Additional Maternity Health Records

CONFIDENTIAL

Women Name/s ………………………….

Unborn EDD………………………………….

Other Children……………………………….

Name DOB NHS Number


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Appendix 7 (continued) Additional Midwifery Health Record CONTACT INFORMATION NAME: …………………………………… DOB: ………………………

NHS number: ………..…………………. CR: ……………………….

EDD: ……………………………… RECORD OF CARE

Date

Time Reported Problem/Visit Purpose(Place seen/type of contact) summary of assessment, action plan, evaluation /review date

Signature (Date &

time)

Codes: HV –Health Visitor GP –General Practitioner SW Social Worker MW –Midwife SN –School Nurse NN – Named Nurse, NM – Named Midwife


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Appendix 7 (continued) ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION

NAME: …………………………………… CR: ……………………….

Date

Time Reported Problem/Visit Purpose(Place seen/type of

contact) summary of assessment, action plan, evaluation /review date

Signature (Date &

time)


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APPENDIX 8 INDIVIDUAL MIDWIVES SAFEGUARDING /CHILD IN NEED /CAUSE FOR

CONCERN CASE LOAD RECORDS

Midwife ………………………………………………………………

Patient Details EDD

If CIN

Early Help

referral date

If Safeguarding

MARU referral date

& sent to Team

Leader

Up

date

1

Date

/gest

Up

date

2

Date

/gest

Up

date

3

Date

/gest

Up

date

4

Date

/gest

Up

date

5

Date

/gest

Up

date

6

Date

/gest

ICPCC Outcome

Current Situation

(Include here if cases of child in need

become Safeguarding

& date safeguarding paperwork

commenced)


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(Need separated one for each case to be completed by Team Leader Only)

WOMAN’S DETAILS NAME: dob:

CR/NHS NUMBER EDD ADDRESS………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………POSTCODE…………………

Date Case opened

Date Appendix 3 Completed/sent

Dates of Referrals MARU: MARAC: FNP: SPS: PMHT: HV: OTHER:

Date MARU referral sent to T/L

Appendix 4 update 1 Gest: Date: Action:

Appendix 4 update 2 Gest: Date: Action

Appenidx 4 update 3 Gest: Date: Action





Date of ICPCC Date: Attended by: Outcome:

Appendix 5 completed & sent

Date:

Birth plan completed & sent

Date:

Date of security meeting (if applicable)

Date:

Dates of Core Group meetings

Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date:

Birth outcome Dob: BW: Feeding: Complications: Date Discharged to community:

Postnatal plan completed & communicated

Date: PN visiting Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date:

Appendix 4 updates (P/N)

Date: Date: Date:

Discharged from midwifery care

Date: Date transferred to HV : Discussed with HV: yes/no

Case file completed Date:

Case file filed in baby’s medical records

Date: By Who:

APPENDIX 9 MIDWIFERY SAFEGAURDING CHRONOLOGY


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APPENDIX 10

1 :1 Safeguarding Supervision Record Name of professional supervisee Date

Time

Brief background if this is the 1st supervision regarding the case.

/Key events since last supervision.

What is working well?

Strengths? Safety?

What are you worried about?

Danger statements

Complicating factors – who is worried about who include unborn children

What are the risks? What we may need clarity

on

Parents/ Carers issues impacting on the child

Parenting Capacity (LD)

Mental Health

Substance Misuse

Domestic Abuse

Scale Scaling e.g. 0 = highest level of concern

10 = no concerns

0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -10

Safe Goals

What needs to happen to get to 10?

What does this look like?

Child or young person or family

view. What do they want to achieve

from your involvement?

Service Responsibilities/ other

issues discussed On-going Safety Action Plan

Date of next meeting/supervision or supervision complete

Signed supervisor

Signed supervisee


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Appendix 11 (Page 1of 3)

Safeguarding Children Board Instruction 3 – Arrangements for pre-birth assessments

Appendix 9 ctd (page 2 of 3)

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Board

CONTEXT Providing early help is more effective in promoting the welfare of children than reacting later. Early help, means

providing support as soon as a problem emerges, at any point in a child’s life. Under the Children Act, 1989, local authorities are required to provide services for children in need for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting their welfare. Local Authorities undertake assessments of

the needs of individual children to determine what services to provide and action to take. Once a referral has been accepted a local authority social worker will make a decision about the

type of response that is required. This will include determining whether: 1. the child and family would benefit from early support services; 2. the child is in need, and should be assessed under section 17 of the Children Act, 1989; or

3. there is reasonable cause to suspect that the child is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm, and whether enquiries must be made and the child assessed under section 47 of the Children Act, 1989

Young babies are particularly vulnerable to abuse and work carried out in the antenatal period can help minimise harm if there is early assessment, intervention and support. This multi -agency

protocol sets out how to respond to concerns for unborn children, emphasising clear and regular communication.

Following section 47 enquiries where significant harm is evidence an initial child protection conference should be convened. The ICPC brings together family members (and the child where appropriate), with the supporters, advocates and professionals involved with the child and family, to

make decisions about the child’s future safety, health and development. If concerns relate to an unborn child consideration should be given as to whether to hold a child protection conference prior to the child’s birth. (Working Together 2013)

Actions Agreed Responsible Person South West Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures – All agencies/professionals

Risks to Unborn Babies http://www.onlineprocedures.

co.uk/swcpp/procedures/knowledgehub/ childrens-development-2/risk-to-unborn-babies-2/

All staff within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly should be working to the attached Unborn Baby Protocol which has been agreed and endorsed by all LSCBs within the South

West.

Early Identification & Assessment


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Appendix 11 (page 2 of 3)

All professionals working with families need to be alert to the factors that

may indicate a potential risk to the child either before or after birth.

It is vital that assessments are started early and that information is shared so that the child and family have the

necessary support and best start to family life thereby minimising the need for child protection intervention.

If necessary a child protection conference will be held or a children in need plan must be in place as soon as possible but no later than by week 28 of the pregnancy, unless there is a late

referral when plans must be agreed as soon as possible following identification of concerns.

Any assessment must include details of the mother’s partner, wider social and family history and environmental factors (as can be found in the Common Assessment Framework) as well as the obstetric history.

The assessment should consider historical concerns and parents early trauma (abuse, neglect and negative childhood parenting

experiences). Referral process (to be read in conjunction with the

South West procedures) Where there is a pregnancy of 12 weeks or more and there are concerns

about the welfare of an unborn child a Contact should be made to the Multi -Agency Referral Unit.

If the pregnancy does not progress or the baby does not survive delivery the MARU must be informed to ensure correct and up to date information is held.

If accepted as a referral for Children’s Social Work, the Multi- Agency Referral Unit will pass to the appropriate team for a

social work assessment under section 17 (Social Work Assessment - Child in Need) or Section 47 (Social Work Assessment - Child Protection) of the Children Act 1989.

In exceptional cases where the criteria is met the MARU may refer the case to the Pre-birth assessment team for a

specialist multi-disciplinary assessment Where potential or actual risk of significant harm to the

unborn baby is identified a strategy discussion will be held to consider if enquiries under section 47 are warranted.

A Social Work Assessment - Child Protection (pre-birth assessment) will include a multi-agency planning meeting which should take place within 7 working days of the referral

being accepted. The involvement of midwifery services within this process is essential.

Social Worker/Midwifery Services

All Agencies/Professionals

Referral to MARU

Midwife

Social Worker (Use of Decision-making model)

MARU/Pre-birth assessment team

Social Worker/Midwifery Services

and other relevant agencies

Social Worker/Midwifery Services and other relevant agencies


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Appendix 11 (page 3 of 3)

Section 47 enquiries completed through a multi-agency assessment will be recorded as part of the Social Work Assessment - Child Protection and will determine whether an initial

child protection conference is required or whether a child in need of support meeting is more appropriate.

Where Section 47 enquiries conclude that the unborn baby is deemed to be at risk of significant harm an outline child protection plan, identifying specific roles of agencies will be agreed and

recorded as part of the Social Work Assessment - Child Protection. The outline child protection plan will include pre-birth and post-birth actions/issues.

Where it is determined that an initial child protection conference is required it will take place no later than 6 weeks

following the birth of the child. Wherever there is a child protection plan in place pre-birth

there should also be a hospital discharge planning meeting arranged.

(The timing of the initial child protection conference should consider the immediate protection of the child and the health needs of both mother and child. The outline child protection

plan agreed as part of the Social Work Assessment - Child Protection will remain in place until the date of the ICPC.)

Where significant harm is identified at the point of referral or during social work assessment or where other children within the family are subject to child protection plans the case will

be allocated at an early stage to the appropriate Child Protection Team

Siblings already subject to a Child Protection Plan Where the unborn baby/baby has older siblings who are

already subject to a child protection plan and it is agreed by agencies that the (unborn) baby is at risk of significant harm the Social Worker will hold a strategy meeting to initiate a

Social Work Assessment – Child Protection and an ICPC. The date of the ICPC for the (unborn) baby will need to be

aligned with the date of their siblings RCPC. The review child protection conference may need to be brought forward.

Social Worker

Social Worker/Team Manager

Team Manager

Midwife & Social Worker

Social Work Manager

Social Worker

LSCB Instruction regarding arrangements for pre-birth assessments to be disseminated to all staff.

LSCB Agency Members

John Clements Independent Chair Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Board - January 2015


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Appendix 12 (Page 1 of 5)

Safeguarding Children Board Instruction 4 – Information Sharing

CONTEXT

Working Together (2013)

Information sharing is key to the Government’s goal of delivering better, more efficient public services that are co-ordinated around the needs of the individual. It is essential to enable early intervention and preventative work for safeguarding and promoting welfare and for wider public protection. Information sharing is a vit al element in

improving outcomes for all. Effective information sharing underpins integrated working and is a vital element of both early intervention and

safeguarding. The cross-government guidance ‘Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers’ and associated training materials provides advice on when and how frontline practitioners can share information legally and professionally. The guidance also covers how organisations can support practitioners and build their

confidence in making information sharing decisions. It is intended for practitioners and managers who have to make decisions about sharing personal information on a case by case basis in all services and sectors, whether they are working with children, young people, adults or families. It is also for those who support these practitioners

and managers and for others with responsibility of information governance. It should be read in conjunction with any specific organisational or professional guidance.

Actions Agreed All staffs to understand information sharing guidance

Myth buster on data protection

• The Data Protection Act 1998 is not a barrier to sharing information but provides a framework to ensure that personal information is shared appropriately.

• Data protection law reinforces common sense rules of information handling. It is there to ensure personal information is managed in a sensible way.

• It helps us strike a balance between the many benefits of public organisations sharing information, and maintaining and strengthening safeguards and privacy of the individual.

• It also helps us balance the need to preserve a trusted relationship between practitioner and client with the need to share information to benefit and improve the life chances of the client or protect the public.

Manager Responsible

All LSCB Agencies

and practitioners

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Safeguarding Children Board


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All staffs to understand information sharing guidance Seven golden rules for information sharing

1. Remember that the Data Protection Act is not a barrier to sharing information but provides a framework to ensure

that personal information about living persons is shared appropriately. 2. Be open and honest with the person (and/or their family where

appropriate) from the outset about why, what, how and with whom information will, or could be shared, and seek their agreement, unless it is unsafe or inappropriate to do so.

3. Seek advice if you are in any doubt, without disclosing the identity of the person where possible.

4. Share with consent where appropriate and, where possible, respect the wishes of those who do not consent to share confidential

information. You may still share information without consent if, in your judgement, that lack of consent can be overridden in the public interest. You will need to base your judgement on the facts of the

case. 5. Consider safety and well-being: Base your information sharing

decisions on considerations of the safety and well-being of the person and others who may be affected by their actions.

6. Necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely and secure: Ensure that the information you share is necessary for the purpose for which you are sharing it, is

shared only with those people who need to have it, is accurate and up-to-date, is shared in a timely fashion, and is shared securely.

7. Keep a record of your decision and the reasons for it – whether it is to share information or not. If you decide to share, then record what you have shared, with whom and for what purpose.

The ‘ Seven Golden Rules’ and the following Questions 1- 7 will help support your decision making so you can be more confident that

information is being shared legally and professionally. If you answer ‘not sure’ to any of the questions, seek

advice from your supervisor, manager, named or designated person within your organisation or area, or from a professional body.

1. Is there a clear and legitimate purpose for sharing information?

Why do you or the other person want the information?

What is the outcome you are trying to achieve? Could the aims be achieved without sharing the

information?

All LSCB Agencies and practitioners

All LSCB Agencies and practitioners


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Golden rule

Remember that the Data Protection Act is not a barrier to sharing information but provides a framework to ensure that personal

information about living persons is shared appropriately. 2. Does the information enable a living person to be identified?

• If the information is about an identifiable living individual, or could enable a living person to be identified when considered with other information, it is personal information and is subject to data protection

law. This is likely to be the case in the course of your work. You should be open about what information you might need to share and why.

• However, it may not be appropriate to inform a person that information is being shared, or seek consent to this sharing. This is the case if informing them is likely to hamper the prevention or

investigation of a serious crime, or put a child at risk of significant harm or an adult at risk of serious harm.

Golden rule Be open and honest with the person (and/or their

family where appropriate) from the outset about why, what, how and with whom information will, or could be shared, and seek their informed consent, unless it is unsafe or

inappropriate to do so. 3. Is the information confidential? • Not all information is confidential.

• Confidential information is information of a private or sensitive nature that is: • not already lawfully in the public domain or readily

available from another public source; and • has been provided in circumstances where the person giving the information could reasonably expect that it would not be shared with

others. Golden rule

Seek advice if you are in any doubt, without disclosing the identity of the person where possible.

4. Do you have consent to share? • You should seek consent where possible and respect the wishes of those who do not consent to share confidential information. You may

still share information without consent if, in your judgement on the facts of the case, that lack of consent can be overridden in the public interest.

• You do not always need consent to share personal information. There will be some circumstances where you should not seek

consent, for example, where doing so would:


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place an adult at increased risk of serious harm; or

prejudice the prevention, detection or prosecution of a serious crime; or

lead to unjustified delay in making enquiries about allegations of significant harm or serious harm

Golden rule

Share with consent where appropriate and, where possible, respect the wishes of those who do not consent to share confidential

information. You may still share information without consent if, in your judgement, that lack of consent can be overridden in the public interest. You need to base your judgement on the facts of the case.

5. Is there sufficient public interest to share the information? • Even where you do not have consent to share confidential information,

you may lawfully share if this can be justified in the public interest. Where consent cannot be obtained or is refused, or where seeking it is unsafe or inappropriate (as explained at Question 4), the question of

whether there is a sufficient public interest must be judged by the practitioner on the facts of each case. A public interest can arise in a wide range of circumstances.

• Where you have a concern about a person, you should not regard refusal of consent as necessarily to mean that you cannot share

confidential information. • In making the decision you must weigh up what might happen if the information is shared against what might happen if it is not, and make a

decision based on professional judgement. Golden rule

Consider safety and well-being: Base your information sharing decisions on considerations of the safety and well-being of the person

and others who may be affected by their actions. 6. Are you sharing information appropriately and securely? • Only share what is necessary to achieve the purpose, distinguishing

clearly between fact and opinion. • Share only with the person or people who really need to know the information.

• Make sure the information is accurate and up-to date. • Understand the limits of any consent given and especially if the information has been provided by a third party.

• Check who will see the information and share the information in a secure way. For example, confirm the identity of the person you are talking to; ensure a conversation or phone call cannot be overheard;

use secure email; ensure that the intended person will be on hand to

receive a fax.


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• Establish with the recipient whether they intend to pass it on to other people and ensure that they understand the limits of any consent that has been given.

• Inform the person to whom the information relates that you are sharing the information, if it is safe to do so, and if you have not already told them that their information may be

shared.

Golden rule

Necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely and secure: Ensure that the information you share is necessary for the purpose

for which you are sharing it, is shared only with those people who need to have it, is accurate and up-to-date, is shared in a timely fashion, and is shared securely.

7. Have you properly recorded your information sharing decision?

• Record your information sharing decision and your reasons, including what information you have shared and with whom, following your agency’s arrangements for recording information and

in line with any local information sharing procedures in place. • If, at any stage, you decide not to share information, you should record this decision and the reasons for it.

Golden rule

Keep a record of your decision and the reasons for it – whether it is to share information or not. If you decide to share, then record what you have shared, with whom and for what purpose

Agency staff can hold professional meetings to share information

and agree how they are going to work together to promote the welfare of and safeguard a child without a social worker being involved at Level 2: Additional Needs where parents/carers and/or

young people have declined to be part of the Common Assessment Framework process. Any agency can convene an information sharing professional

meeting as long as they have informed parents/carers and/or young people what there concerns are and why there is a need to meet with other professionals to share information.

LSCB Members to communicate to all staff

Independent Chair Trevor Doughty Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Board Director Children, Schools and Families October 2011

Re-Issued Nov 2013