Difficulties in engagement can arise for many reasons, including trauma, fear, previous experiences of services, domestic abuse, communication barriers and concerns about the consequences of professional involvement. These situations can affect assessment, decision-making and safeguarding activity.
The guidance aims to help practitioners recognise and understand barriers to engagement, maintain a focus on the safety and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, and respond effectively when progress is limited.
The guidance includes information on:
- understanding resistance, non-engagement and disguised compliance
- working with victims of domestic abuse and coercive control
- building effective working relationships
- professional curiosity and professional challenge
- trauma-informed approaches to practice
- supporting practitioner wellbeing and safety
- multi-agency working and information sharing
- key messages for safeguarding practice
This guidance should be used alongside existing Dumfries and Galloway Child Protection, Adult Support and Protection and Domestic Abuse guidance, as well as other relevant local and national procedures.