1.1 The safety and wellbeing of children and young people, including unborn babies is paramount. Our children and young people have the right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse.
1.2 This guidance, which informs the development of local multi-agency child protection procedures, processes and training, will support the care and protection of children in Dumfries & Galloway.
1.3 The guidance has been developed collaboratively, by the local Child Protection Guidance Implementation Group which had representatives from social work, health, police, education, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Third Sector. Self-evaluation is a critical aspect of the work that we do and has informed the development of this guidance. The Public Protection Committee are extremely grateful to the members of this group for their time and expertise.
1.4 Best practice in engaging with children, young people and families has been captured and principles embedded throughout.
1.5 This guidance is for all practitioners who support children and families whether they work in health, police, third sector, local authority or education settings. The approaches set out depend on a culture and ethos which recognises that whilst there are specific responsibilities associated with certain professional roles, it is everyone’s job to make sure children ‘are alright’.
1.6 The integration of child protection within the GIRFEC continuum and framing responses to child protection concerns within this national practice model is a critical feature of this guidance. The guidance highlights the importance of GIRFEC in protecting children, particularly in recognising that all children must receive the right help at the right time.
1.7 In alignment with our strengths and relationships approach, there is a strengthened focus on children’s rights, engagement, and collaboration with families, and on building on existing strengths. The intention is to further support more holistic approaches that reduce stressors on families and communities to reduce the risk of harm to children and young people.
1.8 This guidance recognises that physical and emotional safety provides a foundation for wellbeing and healthy development. There are collective responsibilities to work together to prevent harm from abuse or neglect from pre-birth onwards. In addition, the implementation of this guidance will support greater consistency in what children and families can expect in terms of support and protection across Dumfries & Galloway.
1.9 This guidance is based on the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland.