Rotherham Safeguarding Children Partnership

The following processes and stages are likely to be involved:

Identification or recognition that there is or may be a practice issue

If a professional identifies that there is or may be a practice issue, it is incumbent on them to work in partnership with colleagues in their own and other organisations to clarify the issue. Early identification and resolution is key to maintaining the focus on outcomes for the child and prevent an escalation of any issues at a later stage.

Recognition of a Practice issue may be as result of something a professional has observed, read, discussed, heard or been notified of (including from the child or family) and / or arise from knowledge about Legislation, Procedures, Protocols and Pathways or Best Practice Guidance.

Clarification of the practice issue within and between agencies

Early clarification of the Practice issue is essential and will be informed by the status and circumstances of the child, the likely impact on them and the level and priority of concern potentially raised by the issue. Clarification could involve consulting an experienced colleague, Line Manager, or named safeguarding professional (this should not be a substitute for supervision within the guidelines of the professional's own organisation) and can help clarify thinking in the wider context of the case, checking procedures and other Practice documentation.

Seeking early clarification with colleagues in partner agencies involved with the family may be enough to provide reassurance that a Practice issue is not evident or that there are actions being taken or to be taken to address any adverse impact on the child.

Resolution of the Practice issue

In progressing to this stage the professional who has identified a Practice issue must adhere to all the principles set out in Section 2 of this protocol.

Stage 1 - The professional who has identified the Practice issue should normally discuss their views, opinions or concerns directly with their relevant colleagues (practitioners or first Line Managers where appropriate) in other organisations who are directly involved in providing services to the child and family; or who have made decisions about referrals, assessments or services affecting a child and their family. The method used is best suited to the particular circumstances of the case but could include a meeting, telephone conversation or correspondence.

In all cases, this should be documented on the child's respective case record by each of the professionals involved in the discussion, being careful to differentiate between fact and opinion, and to record the outcomes from the discussion.

In some circumstances where the immediate welfare of the child is a cause for concern, or where an organisations internal structure or mechanisms dictate, the initial discussion may need to be between practitioners, first Line Managers or named safeguarding leads in any combination, in order to achieve a timely but proportionate resolution to the Practice issue identified, and is in the best interests of this child.

Stage 2 - If Stage 1 has not resulted in a resolution to the satisfaction of the professional who identified the Practice issue, then this should be escalated, whether it has been raised with their Line Manager or named safeguarding lead or not. The Line Manager or named safeguarding lead should then advise on the next step forward, either in terms of the professional making further contact with other appropriate professionals/agencies or for them to do this on behalf of the professional. It is advisable, to evidence management oversight, that these discussions and decisions are also recorded on the child's record. All subsequent discussions, meetings or correspondence between agencies should be recorded on the respective child's case record.

Stage 3 - If Stage 2 does has not resulted in the satisfactory resolution to the Practice issue then this should be escalated to the next tier of management and named safeguarding leads for each organisation. All recording should be completed as in Stages 1 and 2.

Stage 4 - If Stage 3 has not resulted in a the satisfactory resolution to the Practice issue then, in this exceptional instance, this should be escalated to the relevant Director in each organisation and also the Rotherham Safeguarding Children Partnership in order to assist in the resolution process and to identify lessons for multi-agency working. All recording on children's case files should be completed as in Stages 1-3.

In the rare and unlikely circumstance that the issue cannot be resolved at Stage 4, there is provision for the matter to be referred to the Practice Review Group (see Section 4.5, Stage 4 (Rotherham Safeguarding Children Partnership Practice Review Group).