Breaking down silos in child protection services
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, introduced to Parliament in December 2024, represents a significant shift toward collaborative child protection. The Bill mandates that all child protection services must work together, marking a departure from isolated departmental approaches.
At its heart, this Bill is about making the system work better for children and families. By bringing together local authorities, police, health agencies, schools, and childcare organisations, to create a safety net that's stronger and more supportive.
Understanding the changes
Giving families a voice
When there are concerns about a child's welfare, local authorities must now offer family group decision-making meetings, providing the family network with the opportunity to discuss the welfare needs of the child and make a proposal in response to the concerns.
A wider safeguarding support network
It’s proposed that childcare and education agencies now play a formal role in safeguarding arrangements, allowing a broader range of agencies to comment on and provide information regarding the arrangements.
Multi-agency Child Protection Team
Every area will form Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPT) that include:
- Social workers who understand family dynamics
- Education professionals who see children daily
- Health professionals who monitor wellbeing
- Police officers who ensure safety
These teams will work operate with new safeguarding powers with the support of other agencies such as education or childcare providers, to create clear plans for how they'll work collaboratively to safeguard the children in their area.
No child left behind
It’s proposed that every child has a unique and consistent identifier that follows them through the child protection system. This means no matter which professional or service encounters a child, everyone has access to the same complete picture as key information will be effectively collated, stored and accessible. In theory, this will ensure that fewer children will be inadvertently overlooked.
Supporting young people through life transitions
More support for care leavers
The Bill outlines a number of additional support measures for young people making the transition from care:
- Clear information: Local authorities must provide straightforward information about what services and financial support are available to help you succeed
- Housing security: Those under 25 and leaving care can't be labelled as "intentionally homeless".
- Collaborative solutions: Local Authorities can work together and with the private sector to find the suitable accommodation for the children in their care.
Stronger protection for 16-17 year olds
The Bill extends existing protection laws to specifically cover 16-17 year-olds in care establishments. This bridges an important gap and ensures these young people receive the same level of protection as younger children.
Better corporate parenting
Local authorities will now have clear, legal obligations to:
- Stay alert to anything that might affect looked-after children's wellbeing
- Assess what services and support are available
- Create opportunities for young people to participate in activities that help them thrive
- Actively help young people access the support they need
When authorities work together on these responsibilities, children benefit from even stronger support networks.
Protecting children's rights and freedom
Clear rules for secure accommodation
The Bill establishes transparent criteria for when children might need to be in secure accommodation. This only happens when:
- A child has a history of leaving care and putting themselves at risk
- Leaving would likely cause them significant harm
- Other types of accommodation would likely result in harm to themselves or others
This responds to recent concerns and ensures we're striking the right balance between safety and freedom.
Making It Work
This Bill represents an important step toward child protection services that truly work as one team - requiring collaboration rather than just encouraging it. The ultimate goal remains unchanged: making sure every child gets the protection and support they need to reach their full potential.
Families can expect more joined-up services, clearer communication, and professionals who understand their child's full picture.
While this Bill builds on good practices many departments already use, successful implementation will require effective policies and processes for professionals to communicate and share information securely.
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Expert analysis provided by Alastair Gillespie, Head of Abuse and Social Care at Forbes Solicitors.