Partnership working in child protection: Cardiff case study

What is the video about?

More children are being referred to social services.  Reviews of serious cases often highlight failures in inter-agency working between hospitals and local authorities. 

Hospital and council staff in Cardiff explain how they are working together to identify potential cases of maltreatment and to protect children.

Messages for practice

1. Everyone involved in the safeguarding process needs to be clear about their roles and responsibilities.

2. Developing multi-agency relationships takes time - all organisations need to understand each other's challenges and limitations.

3. Multi-agency forums can be an excellent way of discussing concerns and issues related to safeguarding processes and practices.

4. Effective communication, professional respect and a willingness to be open to challenge all contribute to effective safeguarding.