News 

Keeping children safe from sex offenders - A Home Office guide for the public answering concerns about sex offenders living in the community. The guide covers:

• Common misconceptions about sex offenders
• How child sex offenders are managed
• What information can and can't be accessed about sex offenders
• How to report concerns

In response to public anxiety about sex offenders a new section 'Sex Offenders' has been added to the 'General Advice' pages on the website

New Referral Route Map - The CYSCB have updated the referral route map and guidance for making referrals to reflect changes in national and local guidance. The route map can be downloaded by clicking here

Safe recruitment - CYSCB guidance aimed at employers in the selection of safe adults working with children

Guidance for safe working practices - although titled 'consultation copy' the document provides excellent information for developing a code of conduct for use in any organisation which works with children.

 Working Together 2006  was published by the DfES in April 2006. The guidance is addressed to all practitioners and managers who have particular responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and to senior and operational managers in organisations that are responsible for commissioning or providing services to children, young people, parents and carers.

Information sharing: Practitioners Guide New national (non statutory) guidance intended for all practitioners who work with children or young people, employed or volunteers, working in the public, private or voluntary sectors.

What to do if you are worried a child is being abused - Full report (PDF 1778kb)
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused - Summary (PDF 439kb)
This document provides best practice guidance for those who work with children in order to safeguard their welfare. It also contains an appendix to help practitioners with the legal issues affecting the sharing of information.

The guidance also provides general information for anyone whose work brings them into contact with children and families, focusing particularly on those who work in social care, health, education and criminal justice services.

Common Assessment Framework for Children and Young People - The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key part of delivering frontline services that are integrated and focused around the needs of children and young people. The CAF is a standardised approach to conducting an assessment of a child's additional needs and deciding how those needs should be met. It can be used by practitioners across children's services in England.