The ISCP provides comprehensive multi-agency safeguarding procedures to ensure the effective protection of children and young people across the islands.
Managing Individual Cases
These procedures provide advice and guidance about how cases, where there are concerns about children, will be managed — from concerns being identified through to referral and child protection processes if necessary.
The Multi-Agency Support Hub (MASH)
The MASH is the single point of entry to multi-agency help for children in need and their families. All enquiries alleging that a child has been abused or is at risk of serious harm must be regarded as serious and actions taken immediately.
Assessment
When a referral is accepted by the MASH, they carry out an assessment. Assessment should be child-centred, rooted in child development, holistic in approach, and informed by evidence.
Child Protection Conference
Where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm, a child protection conference may be called to bring together all relevant professionals and family members to assess the risk and develop a plan to protect the child.
Information Sharing
Data protection laws are not a barrier to information sharing so long as it is in the right context and situations. In order to protect the child, each agency must share information with the other agencies involved.