Thriving Families Neglect Tool
Child neglect is a priority in Salford, and a key change is being introduced over the next few months to help professionals and practitioners identify cases of neglect. The brand new ‘Thriving Families Neglect Tool’ is now available to you to aid your discussions with families, guide you on what to ask and what to look for and give you more confidence to identify neglect. It’s simple and easy to use and we’ve had really positive feedback from a range of professionals who have been involved in testing.
The tool, training and guidance are available on the SSCP website: https://safeguardingchildren.salford.gov.uk/professionals/neglect/
This new assessment tool for identifying neglect is the result of meetings with professionals, evidence gathered during the Neglect Needs Assessment and the evidence base from research about what works in working with, and assessing how the needs of children are being met.
It includes the best elements of a number of different existing models such as the Graded Care Profile and the ithrive model from the Anna Freud Centre to create a new evidence-inspired tool which fits todays parenting, families and the pressures they are facing. It recognises that, in line with the new Salford strategy, sometimes parents/carers just need help at a low level/few areas and there is likely to be better engagement when working in a strengths based way.
The key objective in creating this new assessment tool to replace the Graded Care Profile in Salford, is to have a format that enables natural discussion and assessment by the professional and parent together, signposting to things that may help along the way. The latter makes the document more strengths based, supports a confident professional in understanding potential support and helps towards a holistic assessment.
Multi-agency Audit: Neglect
The SSCP has recently undertaken its first multi-agency case file audit on the theme of Neglect. Neglect is a priority for the Partnership and we need to keep checking to see if the joint work being done around the Neglect strategy is making a difference in practice. Five cases where children were on a Child Protection Plan for Neglect were independently selected and a multi-agency team of auditors from Children’s Services, GMP, SRFT, CCG, Education and Housing each examined their own agency records and completed a detailed audit form. The audit form covers the whole CP process through referral, assessment, planning and review. Previous history and the voice of the child were also examined. The auditors then met together to discuss each of the five cases in turn and to agree an overall grade both for quality of multi-agency working and for the impact of the intervention for improving outcomes for the child. The audit team decided that one of the cases was Good and the other four were Requires Improvement.
Key learning points for practitioners include:
- Make sure that you are fully recording and evidencing all the good work that you are doing with families, especially the direct work with children that captures their voices, wishes and feelings.
- Don’t forget to include the Housing Provider in your multi-agency planning – they can be a valuable source of information and support.
- Completing the Thriving Families and Neglect Tool with the family at an early stage when concerns about neglectful parenting first become apparent can really help to prevent problems escalating. Look out for workshops coming soon.
- Try to understand what might be behind a parent’s resistance and lack of engagement – could this be a result of their own childhood trauma? Look out for more information on a trauma-informed approach to practice.
The multi-agency audit will be repeated every 6/12 months to evidence improvements as the new tools and ways of working become embedded across the partnership.
For more information on the audit method or a copy of the report please contact jane.maguire@salford.gov.uk.
The Shield and Guidance for Virtual Visits
We asked young people about their experiences during lockdown and they told us that things had changed a lot, and they hadn’t always been able to see the people they would usually go to if they needed help.
“If I was worried I know where to go to in school to get help and who to ask, that’s not the same now”
Some young people were not sure about who to ask if they needed help. It’s really important that young people know who to contact if they are worried or need help and so, in response to what they said, we have designed ‘The Shield’ activity to share with young people so they have all the information they need in one place. Workers can help fill this sheet out with young people and add contact details that might be useful . Guidance is also attached to support workers who are creatively responding to the changes in their day to day work with children and families.
The Salford Standards for Listening to Children, Young People and Families
As part of our commitment to listening to families who we work with, and acting on what they tell us, we have developed The Salford Standards for Listening to Children, Young People and Families. The Standards are based on what young people and families told us was important to them when working with services. We want everyone who works with Salford families to adopt these standards.
Please read and familiarise yourself with the standards and start to follow them when you work with families. You can share the standards poster with the children and families you work with so they know what they can expect from you and understand how their views are valued.
We have also developed a 7 minute briefing on Salford standards for listening to Children, Young People and Families.
Views and Voice training will include more information about the standards and how we work together with children and their families, please see the SSCP training pages for booking information.
Virtual Find My Future Event for Young People
The event will be running via the Salford City Council Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SalfordCouncil) between Monday 5th October to Friday 9th October.
The Find My Future virtual event is aimed at 14-25 year olds looking for opportunities to progress their education, employment or training. Some young people may be unsure on what they want to do after leaving school/college or they may have changed their minds on what course they want to do. We want to ensure young people know that there are many options and opportunities available, and if they have started a programme but it hasn’t worked out, the door is still open. There will also be a range of content related to finance, emotional health, GM Youth Panel, plus other useful content.
Young people can access any of the virtual sessions for free via the Salford City Council Facebook page. However, young people can also register their interest through the Event Brite - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/find-my-future-virtual-week-tickets-120384560461. This will be used for future support mostly so we can send follow up information of interest and help us gauge interest, but it is not essential they sign up to view any of the sessions during that week. This can also be found on the Find My Future webpage - www.salford.gov.uk/jobs-skills-and-work/find-my-future/
Salford Parent Panel
Are you a parent, carer or family member who cares for a child in Salford?
We’d love to hear from you about what helps you and your views on how we can work together to best support children and young people. Find out more about getting involved and sharing your views here.
We have been learning from parents in other areas about how they influence services and share their stories, take a look at what parents from Camden told us about the benefits of being part of an advisory group on this video.
To find out more please complete the online consent form so we can contact you with more details about the Salford Parent Panel.trum Disorder visit http://www.nofas-uk.org/
The Salford Way - Risk and Resilience
To support the trauma / resilience work in Salford we have set up the Salford Way webpages: www.partnersinsalford.org/salford-0-25-advisory-board/the-salford-way with a range of information, films and resources.
We are also planning to set up an email distribution group to keep people updated on any new training / webinars / resources linked to trauma – if you would like to be added onto that list please email jane.w.roberts@salford.gov.uk
National Hate Crime Awareness Week
National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 10th – 17th October this year.
Raising awareness and encouraging the reporting of hate crimes and incidents is an important task throughout the year, but we can take the opportunity to highlight key activities during campaign weeks. For further information on Hate crime and reporting is available on https://www.salford.gov.uk/crime-reduction-and-emergencies/hate-crime/
FREE online training workshops are available for staff and volunteers. All sessions will take virtually through MS Teams.
Community conflict resolution / holding difficult conversations interactive workshop
- Tuesday 13th October - 11.00 – 12.00am (taster session as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week 10 – 17th October)
- 24th and 26th November – 2 morning / half day training sessions. Times TBC
Hate Crime Reporting Centre Training - Includes practical ideas to raise awareness and support victims.
- Friday 16th October, 10 – 12.30pm,
To book sessions or for more information please contact Jo Rutter
Learning from Practice Reviews
We have recently published the learning from a case review of Child GI case review using a 7 Minute Briefing, also available in plain text
Take a look also at the Case Review Themes 2017-18 video recording and 7 minute briefing (plain text) which includes links to helpful tools and resources.
Please disseminate the key learning, reflect on the implications for your service and outline the steps your team will take to embed and improve practice in line with the findings and recommendations.
For more information visit https://safeguardingchildren.salford.gov.uk/professionals/practice-reviews/
If you have any feedback please email: sscp@salford.gov.uk
SSCP Training Programme Update
In the absence of face to face training for the foreseeable future the Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership has developed a virtual offer of training . In addition to e-learning courses and 7 minute briefings, we are now offering a virtual training programme via webinars, spotlight briefings, practitioner forums and videocasts. We will continue review the possibility of offering face to face training in line with Government advice and local needs.
World Suicide Prevention Day - 10th September
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) - Introducing Step Closer: A World Suicide Prevention Day Awareness Film - a short film with a positive message encouraging connections and that we all have a role to play in working together to prevent suicide. To view the film please click here
World Suicide Prevention Day Pop Up Drive-In Vigil of Remembrance - 10th September at 8.00pm
The vigil is in remembrance of those that we have lost to suicide, but also in support of those that have lost their loved ones to suicide, and includes speakers, poets, musicians, a roll of remembrance being read and a minutes silence in memory of those we have lost to suicide.
With: Alex James Brierley, Alison Moyet, Andy Burnham, Ben Akers, Bianca Alana, Freya Beer, HaIG, Jardel Rodrodrigues, Jess Kemp, Just Jack, Michael Roberts, Paul Dennett, Rebecca Long Bailey
Live Stream Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgaZIqN945A
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day - 9th September
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder affects children whose mother’s drink alcohol during pregnancy. It effects can be wide ranging from learning difficulties, behavioural problems, and poor growth. The key is prevention, i.e., stop drinking whilst pregnant.
In a recent study in the Lancet by Popova et al (2017) estimated the proportion of mother’s drinking during any stage of pregnancy is 41.3%. It is estimated that 1 in 67 children whose mother’s drink alcohol during pregnancy will experience Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder.
For more information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder visit http://www.nofas-uk.org/
SSCP Annual Report 2019-20
We have published our first annual report as the Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP). This report recognises the progress the SSCP has made throughout the year and the challenges that remain that we will continue to address in 2020/21.
The three priorities for this year are Neglect, Child Criminal Exploitation/Abuse and expanding and developing the use of technology for service delivery which has begun in response to the COVID pandemic.
There are also three areas that the Partnership will seek assurance on from other Partnerships across Salford that have the lead responsibility for Early Help/Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), Children Affected by Domestic Abuse and the Safeguarding Elements of Mental, Emotional Health and Wellbeing.
For more information email: sscp@salford.gov.uk
ICON Campaign
During this challenging time stress levels at home may be increased. Please follow the ICON guidance for coping with crying. The advice and support that underpins ICON is available for all health and social care professionals to ensure the message is provided to all families with babies.
For more information visit or to download the resources visit https://safeguardingchildren.salford.gov.uk/parents-and-carers/infant-crying-and-how-to-cope-icon/
Lullaby Trust—Safer Sleep for babies
Unsafe sleeping is an issue that often is found to be a cause of Sudden Unexpected Death in Children (SUDC).
The Lullaby Trust provides advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support to bereaved families.
Their advice page covers sleep positioning, room temperature, how to share your room with a baby, best mattresses, co-sleeping, swaddling and sleeping products.
This guide contains guidance for parents and guardians on sleeping as well as products such as cots, prams car seats and thermometers.
