Keeping children safe and healthy

Most people who use AWP services are safe and caring parents. However, evidence shows that there is a higher risk to children who have parents with problems such as mental health problems, substance misuse or learning difficulties.

Parents with these difficulties may struggle to fully meet their child’s needs or to keep them safe.

Legally, we have duties of care to children who have contact with people using our services, We also have a duty to share information with other agencies to keep children safe from harm. This must take precedence over all our duties and responsibilities to an adult.

This leaflet tells you about:

The questions you will be asked about the welfare and safety of children (including unborn children) and young people.
What we do to keep children safe.

We hope it helps you understand how and why we talk to you about your children, what the information is for and how if possible we work in partnership with you.

What do we ask?

We ask everyone who has an assessment or reassessment:

Are you a parent?
Do you have responsibility for the care of a child?
Do you have significant contact with children?

If they do, we ask for further details about the child or children, including schools they attend. This helps us work out whether you need support as a parent or help to meet your child’s needs and keep them safe.

We understand that many people find such questions distressing and may not wish to answer them.

Please remember

We do not assume that the care that you provide children is in any way inadequate or that your children are at risk.
We ask the same questions of all service users who have significant contact with children or responsibility for child care.
We ask these questions to meet our legal requirements and, more importantly, so we can work together to make sure that your children are healthy and safe.

Confidentiality

We understand that often the information provided about children is sensitive and must never be shared inappropriately.
We only share confidential information with your consent or where we have a legal duty to do so.

What may happen next?

If you might benefit from extra support, we will help you get what you need.
If you are struggling to meet your child’s needs or, if your child is acting as a carer, we will refer this to your local children’s services to identify any support or help that may be needed. Any possible referral will be discussed with you before it happens.
If we think that a child is at risk of harm, we will refer this to your local children’s services for assessment of what needs to be done to ensure the child’s safety.
In an emergency, we may have to call the police. We will discuss a referral with you before it happens if we can.

How do we help support families?

When you have an assessment that involves discussing your child, you will be able to share any concerns about parenting with the practitioner, who will try to answer your questions.

With your agreement, we can liaise with other services working with your child (such as health visitors or midwives) to work out the best options to support you and your family.

If further advice is needed on how best to assist you and on how to keep your child healthy and safe, your practitioner can talk to the Trust’s specialist safeguarding team

Your practitioner may give you advice and information on how you might manage specific risks or issues, such as storing your medication safely.

We will help you plan ahead to meet the needs of your children and family in the future, for instance, what will happen when you are unwell or are admitted to hospital.

This will form part of your care plan.