Resolution of Professional Disagreements about Safeguarding Children
Occasionally situations arise when workers within one agency feel that the actions, inaction or decisions of another agency do not adequately safeguard or promote the welfare of a child. The purpose of the Resolution and Escalation protocol is to ensure that in such situations issues between agencies are resolved in a timely manner. To read the protocol in full click here.
Posted: 21.06.2021

Think before going Cunch - Raising awareness of County Lines
County Lines is a form of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) where gangs and organised crime networks will exploit children and use them to transport drugs. Perpetrators will use dedicated mobile phone 'Lines' to manage their criminal activity, taking place between different towns and cities.

To find out more about County Lines and how can you find out about support available to children, young people and parents click here.
Posted: 17.05.2021

‘Who’s in Charge?’ campaign launched aims to reduce child harm danger
To coincide with the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday, 12 April, a hard-hitting video campaign is urging adults to remember to ask the critical question ‘Who’s in Charge?’ if they plan to drink alcohol while responsible for children.

Members of two households are allowed to have outdoor gatherings in parks and other public spaces such as bars, pubs and restaurants in England from today. While welcoming the benefits to physical and mental wellbeing, public health experts are urging adults to be responsible when drinking alcohol in a multi-generational group and maintain awareness of the safety of children in their care.

The campaign from the Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust was launched in response to increasing concerns that growing numbers of babies and children are at risk of serious harm because of the way some parents and carers consume alcohol – both at home and at outdoor gatherings.
It urges parents, and others with responsibility for children, to be aware of a range of potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol while caring for children and to always have a ready answer to the question ‘’Who’s in Charge?’

For more information on the campaign and to watch the video click here.
Posted: 12.04.2021

Team Around the School – a database of local Early Help resources
Birmingham Children’s Partnership has set up a new team of multi-agency professionals around every school.  Schools now have a named contact from localities, health, care and police to support them and the pupils they are most worried about.  Schools are alert to signs of difficulties at home, mental health needs, exploitation and safeguarding harms, we hope that the new team around the school will be useful for them to easily find help for pupils.

The first line of support for schools is their voluntary sector locality lead for early help.  However, they might also want advice on a case from mental health professionals, or to check on a pupil’s needs with an Educational Psychologist or share a concern about domestic abuse with the Police or Family Support.

The same Right Help, Right Time thresholds remain, and safeguarding concerns should be referred to the Children’s Advice and Support Service (CASS).  The database is in addition to the early help offer included in the ‘From Birmingham with Love’ package which is still available to all families in Birmingham and can help with food poverty, mental health, domestic violence, financial problems and bereavement.  Please continue to promote this offer to families.

Click here to access the database, which includes instructions on how to use it..
Posted: 08.03.2021