Safeguarding children

Action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means;

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment;
• preventing harm to children’s health or development;
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care; and
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Everyone has a responsibility to keep children and young people safe.

Housing problems can contribute to a child being "in need".  If this is the case the social worker may contact the relevant NHO and ask them to attend a child in need review to contribute to the child in need plan.

Housing staff;

• should be alert to children involved in anti-social behaviour, which may be an indicator of problems at home and may indicate that a referral to the MASH is required;
• should share information with the MASH if they become aware of problems within the family home (e.g. domestic violence where there are children in the household). Referrals should be made with the consent of parents unless there seems to be a serious risk to any children in the household;
• may need to seek alternative temporary accommodation for a parent and children if they are at risk of domestic violence or become aware of the presence of a household member or visitor who could present a risk to a child or the arrival of a child who is not a member of the family;
• should provide housing references for potential childminders to OFSTED if requested, and
• can contact Camden Safety Net who offer support to victims of domestic abuse [email protected]
  Tel 020 7974 2526.  The Tenant's guide may also be helpful.