If the practice principles described in the previous section, Safeguarding Principles are to be applied effectively at the front-line, then practitioners need to have the necessary knowledge and skills and be supported by Managers and Regional Safeguarding Boards. These managers should provide a working environment that is conducive to the application of the safeguarding principles to practice. In other words, they need to create an environment that leads to an effective safeguarding system. Moreover, staff should have the knowledge and skills to apply, both the Safeguarding Principles and those underpinning an effective safeguarding system, to practice.
The Guidance Handling Individual Cases
socialcare.wales/hub/statutory-guidance describes the principles that lead to an effective safeguarding system for children.
The Principles are listed below:
- Principle 1: The wishes, needs and well-being of the child are put first, so that they receive the care and support they need before a problem escalates.
- Principle 2: All practitioners who come into contact with children are alert to their needs including any potential or suspected abuse or risk of abuse or harm and understand what action they should take.
- Principle 3: All practitioners share appropriate information and have direct access to advice to discuss any concerns about a child.
- Principle 4: All practitioners are able to use their professional judgment to put the child’s needs and personal outcomes at the centre of the system so that the right solution can be found for them.
- Principle 5: All practitioners working with a child operate in a multi-agency and co-operative way to safeguard and promote a child’s well-being, record decisions appropriately and regularly review progress against the outcomes set out in care and support plans.
- Principle 6: All practitioners who come into contact with children are able to access professional strategic leadership which supports the practitioner to achieve desired outcomes for the child.