Local Safeguarding Children Boards Research Articles

Risk governance through public sector interactive control systems: The intricacies of turning immeasurable uncertainties into manageable risks

IMPACT Some public services, like children’s services, are subject to considerable political sensitivity and undergo regular reforms, but little is known of the micro-processes supporting macro-level regulation and policy-making. This article provides insights into this micro-level of inter-organizational relations by investigating risk governance and negotiation employed by English children’s services professionals in their attempt to make sense of the uncertainty in which they operate. Public managers may extract lessons on the role of partnership working in risk identification, measurement and governance. They could also employ the authors’ risk typology (organizational risk, professional risk and risk to clients) to manage and absorb uncertainty beyond, as well as within, organizational boundaries.

Safeguarding Children When Fabricated or Induced Illness Is Suspected or Proven: Reviewing the Experiences of Local Safeguarding Children Boards in England

‘The views of representatives from… Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) in England were sought on the challenges to safeguarding children from FII’The fabrication or induction of illness (FII) is a relatively rare situation which can lead to serious physical and/or emotional harm to a child. FII is often difficult for professionals to identify and manage. In this study the views of representatives from the 147 Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) in England were sought on the challenges to safeguarding children from FII, and how these might be overcome. Despite a low response rate of only 18 from the 147 LSCBs, 17 challenges were identified. The most reported were inadequate training and resources, poor multi‐agency collaboration, uncertainties and anxiety among professionals tasked with identifying FII, issues inherent in the relative rarity of FII and the variety of ways in which it can present. To overcome these challenges, LSCB respondents suggested that more training, specific to particular professions and using video case studies where possible, should be conducted on a wider scale, and consideration should be given to ensuring that professionals are familiar with relevant guidance.Key Practitioner Messages Professionals' uncertainties and anxieties are key challenges to safeguarding children from FII. More training would help overcome professionals' uncertainties and anxieties. Finding ways to ensure that all relevant professionals are familiar with existing guidance would support the development of greater knowledge about how best to respond to FII cases. The inclusion of FII within broader safeguarding training, using video case studies and conducting profession‐specific training, may constitute ways to improve training and promote knowledge of the guidance.

Building trust in public sector networks: The role of rhetoric and persuasion

AbstractThis study investigates how rhetoric is used to generate trust in public sector inter‐organisational networks. Drawing on evidence from a Local Safeguarding Children Board in England, where formal control systems were recognised to be insufficient to deal with the uncertainty inherent in the particular policy area, we explore how trustworthiness is negotiated amongst network partners through network leaders’ use of persuasive rhetoric. The main contribution that we bring to the existing literature is providing a description of the processes through which trust is generated in a public sector multi‐partner setting. Our findings suggest that these are established within a feedforward control framework within the given network setting.

Making any difference? Conceptualising the impact of safeguarding adults boards

PurposeCriticisms of the effectiveness of Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) led to legislative reform in the shape of the Children and Social Work Act 2017. Given parallels between the mandates for LSCBs and Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs), the onus is on SABs to demonstrate their effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to explore how SABs might more effectively demonstrate their impact across the range of their mandated responsibilities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on definitions of impact from social work education, healthcare and from university research, exploring their relevance for capturing different types of data regarding the outcomes and impact of SAB activity. The paper also draws on frameworks for the process of capturing data and for implementing strategies designed to change practice and develop adult safeguarding services.FindingsThe paper argues that SABs have struggled to identify their impact and need to consider what types of impact they are seeking to demonstrate before choosing methods of seeking to capture that information. The paper also argues that SABs may have given insufficient thought to the process of change management, to the components needed to ensure that desired outcomes are embedded in procedural and practice change.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper explores the challenges for SABs of identifying their impact and offers some theoretical frameworks that have defined different types of impact. The paper also draws on frameworks that identify the different components that are necessary for achieving change. This paper offers a contribution to theory building and is a response to the challenge of demonstrating the value that SABs add to adult safeguarding policy and practice.Practical implicationsA case study reviews the findings of the longitudinal service development and practice change initiative to embed making safeguarding personal in adult safeguarding. The findings of that initiative are mapped against the frameworks for identifying impact. Experience of implementing the initiative is mapped against the frameworks for effective implementation of change.Originality/valueThe paper presents frameworks for identifying the different types of outcomes and impact that SABs may achieve through their strategic business plans and for ensuring that the different components are present for the successful implementation and maintenance of change. The paper argues that the legal, policy and financial context within which SABs are located presents challenges as well as opportunities with respect to achieving and demonstrating impactful change. However, it also suggests that a more informed understanding of different types of impact may generate different approaches to data collection in order to capture what has been achieved.

More depth and detail: The new safeguarding guidance

Local Safeguarding Children Boards may be on their way out but schools will still be on the frontline when it comes to child protection. Suzanne O'Connell outlines the major changes and implications for schools of the new Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance

Failure in welfare partnerships – A gender hypothesis: Reflections on a serendipity pattern in Local Safeguarding Children Boards

This article examines the roles that occupational segregation and gender bias in the welfare professions play in persistent failures in inter-agency and inter-professional collaborations. Drawing on case study evidence from a Local Safeguarding Children Board in England, a ‘serendipity pattern’ of gender dominance is identified within professions affecting inter-professional collaborations such as those prevalent in Local Safeguarding Children Boards. As we assign this pattern ‘strategic interpretation’, we suggest that policy measures taken to augment the effectiveness of welfare partnerships have, so far, paid insufficient attention to the critical variable of gender, due to over-emphasis on the organisations, rather than the professions, involved. The article’s contribution to practice is unravelling the potential of this oversight to contribute to failure to establish a collaborative mind-set. Our contribution to theory is highlighting specific cultural barriers to inter-professional collaborations, unravelling the power differentials rooted in gender inequity in public sector workforces and challenging professional and organizational traditionalism. In doing so, we offer empirical evidence of the ‘gender hypothesis’ in welfare partnerships and indicate how future investigations might be pursued in this area.

Government outlines new plans for local safeguarding arrangements

A DfE consultation reveals local agencies will have 15 months to implement new safeguarding arrangements to replace local safeguarding children boards, but some areas are already forging ahead with preparations

Local safeguarding children boards

Ofsted inspections of local safeguarding children boards show a varied picture of performance, prompting the government to recommend a new system for joining up local safeguarding practice

On self-neglect and safeguarding adult reviews: diminishing returns or adding value?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to update the core data set of self-neglect serious case reviews (SCRs) and safeguarding adult reviews (SARs), and accompanying thematic analysis; second, to respond to the critique in the Wood Report of SCRs commissioned by Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) by exploring the degree to which the reviews scrutinised here can transform and improve the quality of adult safeguarding practice.Design/methodology/approachFurther published reviews are added to the core data set from the websites of Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) and from contacts with SAB independent chairs and business managers. Thematic analysis is updated using the four domains employed previously. The findings are then further used to respond to the critique in the Wood Report of SCRs commissioned by LSCBs, with implications discussed for Safeguarding Adult Boards.FindingsThematic analysis within and recommendations from reviews have tended to focus on the micro context, namely, what takes place between individual practitioners, their teams and adults who self-neglect. This level of analysis enables an understanding of local geography. However, there are other wider systems that impact on and influence this work. If review findings and recommendations are to fully answer the question “why”, systemic analysis should appreciate the influence of national geography. Review findings and recommendations may also be used to contest the critique of reviews, namely, that they fail to engage practitioners, are insufficiently systemic and of variable quality, and generate repetitive findings from which lessons are not learned.Research limitations/implicationsThere is still no national database of reviews commissioned by SABs so the data set reported here might be incomplete. The Care Act 2014 does not require publication of reports but only a summary of findings and recommendations in SAB annual reports. This makes learning for service improvement challenging. Reading the reviews reported here against the strands in the critique of SCRs enables conclusions to be reached about their potential to transform adult safeguarding policy and practice.Practical implicationsAnswering the question “why” is a significant challenge for SARs. Different approaches have been recommended, some rooted in systems theory. The critique of SCRs challenges those now engaged in SARs to reflect on how transformational change can be achieved to improve the quality of adult safeguarding policy and practice.Originality/valueThe paper extends the thematic analysis of available reviews that focus on work with adults who self-neglect, further building on the evidence base for practice. The paper also contributes new perspectives to the process of conducting SARs by using the analysis of themes and recommendations within this data set to evaluate the critique that reviews are insufficiently systemic, fail to engage those involved in reviewed cases and in their repetitive conclusions demonstrate that lessons are not being learned.

An analysis of the psychosocial backgrounds of Youths (13–18) Who-Pose-Sexual-Risk to children

Summary Social workers had expressed concern to their Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) about male Youths (13–18)-Who-Pose-Sexual-Risk (YWPSR) to children, leading to this study of 36 social-history protocols, completed by the youths’ social workers, that identified the presence of research-based factors of YWPSR who then go on to become adult child sex offenders. To ensure total confidentiality, no actual case-record data were available to the authors, ensuring the LSCB, social workers and their clients remain totally anonymous. While a small sample poses methodological difficulties, the authors believe the data is worthy of consideration as a pilot study for a larger project that might highlight the potential areas for early intervention. Findings Key findings were: 29 (80%) of 36 YWPSR were <14 when first showing inappropriate sexual behaviour, whilst 25% were known to have been sexually abused themselves, mostly <11 years and 47% were either currently or had been, Looked-After-Children, with 42% having been Excluded-from-School of who 36% had learning difficulties. Their level of disturbance is shown by 11% having made a suicide attempt and they being formally charges for sex offences against children, which was significantly higher than that found in the adult general population. Finally 66% suffered from low self-esteem, were socially isolated and had poor peer relationships; reflected in the high level of problems at school. Application Such young people pose a challenge for all concerned and an evidence-based debate is required to explore how to prevent further unacceptable behaviour and thereby protect vulnerable children.

G48 A system for assessing the risk of female genital mutilation (fgm) for female infants born to mothers who have undergone fgm

Aims To introduce and assess the effectiveness of a questionnaire to examine the level of risk of FGM if a girl is born to a mother who has undergone FGM. Methods In May 2014 a new policy was introduced within the hospital where every woman with FGM, who gave birth to a female infant, was referred to social care. This policy arose from a recommendation by the local safeguarding children board. Health care professionals were asked to complete a screening questionnaire with the mother and attach the answers to the referral. The questionnaire asked details about maternal FGM, thoughts about her child having FGM and the potential for family pressure. Over a five month period (May to September), all the social care referrals were analysed to assess the outcome of the referral and if the questionnaire helped to stratify the degree of risk of FGM to the female infant. Results In the time period studied 163 women who attended antenatal booking reported that they had undergone FGM. Of those who delivered in the five month study period, 32 went on to give birth to a female child. The immediate outcomes of these 32 cases were analysed and categorised into high, medium and low risk. Of those who were high risk, two were allocated to a senior social care practitioner for formal assessment, two cases are on-going formal assessment and three were allocated to early help. Of the medium risk, six cases were referred to a multi-agency service and in three cases the family was offered further support through the charity sector. In the low risk category, 14 cases required no further intervention (in one case the screening questions themselves acted as an adequate assessment). One case needed continued support by social care due to disability of the child and in one case the outcome was not known. Conclusion The questionnaire formalised the referral process, identified infants at high risk and also helped to stratify risk into low, medium and high. It also indicated the demographics at highest risk. The questionnaire also has potential as a primary prevention measure in itself.

Interprofessional and interagency training for working with young people with harmful sexual behaviours: An evaluation of outcomes

This study evaluates the outcomes of short interagency training courses provided by six Local Safeguarding Children Boards in England. The aim was to develop practical skills in recognising and responding to the needs of children with harmful sexual behaviour in an interagency context. The courses all employed interactive learning and teaching methods as well as presentations of case studies, research findings and statutory guidance. Professionals (n=147) from a range of agencies participated in the evaluation. Their attitudes, knowledge and self-confidence were assessed using a specially designed 20-item self-report scale. Scores at registration 6 weeks in advance and at the start and end of the course were compared in a double-baseline, time–series design. There was strong evidence of overall improvements in scores on most of the scale items, which are attributable to the course. However, concerns are also raised about the small numbers of criminal justice professionals participating compared to child welfare professionals.

‘What's Going On’ to Safeguard Children and Young People from Child Sexual Exploitation: A Review of Local Safeguarding Children Boards’ Work to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation

This article draws on findings from research into the implementation by local safeguarding children boards (local government multi‐agency panels responsible for child protection in England) of national guidance on safeguarding children from child sexual exploitation (CSE). Despite there being some excellent examples of practice, a lack of awareness of the issues faced by sexually exploited children or a lack of resources to address them meant that only a quarter were implementing the dual aim of the guidance: protecting children and prosecuting abusers. The research developed a data monitoring tool, its use showing that children experiencing CSE had multiple problems, many already receiving support from a range of service providers for other related problems. This suggests that there might be scope for better early identification and prevention of CSE. The research showed new forms of CSE, including peer‐on‐peer sexual exploitation, raising important questions about engaging with children who were both perpetrators and victims of abuse. Finally, research findings identified methods of disrupting and prosecuting abusers, giving insight into some of the complexities involved in achieving both. In the main, safeguarding children was best facilitated through co‐located multi‐agency teams where child protection and law enforcement practitioners worked together. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.‘There might be scope for better early identification and prevention of CSE’Key Practitioner Messages: Local safeguarding children boards have a key responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation and disrupt and prosecute abusers. Sexually exploited children experience a range of different problems, and are often known to service providers who need better training to respond to the abuse. Exploitation is changing, including peer‐on‐peer sexual violence. Protection can be achieved through co‐located multi‐agency teams supported by direct service provision to young people.

Twenty‐First Century Party People: Young People and Sexual Exploitation in the New Millennium

This article reviews existing evidence and debates in relation to young people and sexual exploitation in the light of new empirical evidence generated through primary research. This research explored the types of sexual exploitation that practitioners had worked with in the preceding year and Local Safeguarding Children Boards’ responses to young people's sexual exploitation. The findings indicate that there may be several models of sexual exploitation operating simultaneously in any particular area, and the article therefore suggests that the discourse on young people's sexual exploitation that has dominated policy and practice for more than a decade in the UK requires reconsideration to account for the complex forms of sexual exploitation young people experience in the 21st century. The paper suggests that, in order to provide young people with the most appropriate support, practice responses need to be developed from the concrete conditions in which young people are subject to sexual exploitation, rather than applying abstract ‘models’ that fail to capture the lived experience of the young people concerned. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.‘There may be several modes of sexual exploitation operating simultaneously’Key Practitioner MessagesThere is confusion in relation to identifying child sexual exploitation.Several models of child sexual exploitation may be operating simultaneously in any one place and at any one time.Practitioners need to account for the agency and decision‐making process of young people when working with those who are sexually exploited.‘There is confusion in relation to identifying child sexual exploitation’

Time for interactive control systems in the public sector? The case of the Every Child Matters policy change in England

The present study employs the Simons's ‘levers of control’ framework (1990, 1995) to analyse a shift in the use of control systems by government in the policy area of children and young people in England. At a time when the public is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the government's control over the work of the agencies in this policy area, high-profile cases of crises involving children (e.g. DoH, 1991; Laming, 2003) have raised doubts about the effectiveness of the conventional systems of control in place to keep these organisations accountable. Indeed, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the traditional type of control systems in government, meant to strengthen public accountability, consistently fail to promote high standards of care.This paper utilises a middle range thinking methodology (Broadbent and Laughlin, 1998) to describe and interpret changes in the policy area of children and young people in England highlighting implications for inter-organisational control. Through the lens of the Simons's levers of control (LOC) framework (1995), it advances the argument that the government is complementing their traditional diagnostic control systems with more interactive ones, principally in an attempt to manage more effectively the risk and uncertainty increasingly present in their environment. An in-depth study of a Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) in ‘Brempton’, North West England, balanced with case evidence from policy documents, extends existing research in the area of control of inter-organisational relationships in the public sector.

Perspectives of Neglect

Perspectives of Neglect

Inter‐agency joint protocols for safeguarding children in social care and adult mental‐health agencies: a cross‐sectional survey of practitioner experiences

ABSTRACTParental mental illness, substance misuse and domestic violence are common risk factors for the maltreatment and neglect of children. Safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility, including professionals working primarily with adults. In the UK, Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) were established to ensure that all agencies work together to safeguard children. Many LSCBs developed multi‐agency joint protocols to enhance collaboration, but there is limited evidence of their effectiveness.This paper reports findings from a cross‐sectional survey of practitioner self‐reported experiences of joint protocols, which was conducted in one inner London borough, to evaluate their impact on professional practice. A self‐complete questionnaire administered to all professionals in adult mental‐health and children's social care services in the borough yielded a response from 119 practitioners.The survey found that the protocols had been widely disseminated and provided clear guidance to practitioners. Practitioners perceived that they had increased awareness of the risk factors for safeguarding children and some had used the protocols to help them gain access to services for their clients. Practitioners also perceived that they had improved inter‐agency working between children's social care and adult mental‐health services. However, respondents indicated that positive interpersonal contact with practitioners from other agencies was equally important in promoting joint working and inter‐agency collaboration.

Clinical outcome reviews of adverse perinatal outcome: identifying learning points and avoidable factors

BackgroundConfidential peer reviews seek to identify the causes of adverse outcome through an impartial and blame free examination of the standard of care and avoidability of the outcome.MethodFive streams of...

Outcomes of Short Course Interprofessional Education in Parental Mental Illness and Child Protection: Self-efficacy, Attitudes and Knowledge

Living with a parent with mental illness may expose a child to a degree of risk of abuse and neglect. Consequently, both adult mental health services and children's services share a responsibility for safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. However, there is evidence in England that these services do not work together very effectively. Interagency training for social workers and other professionals is provided by Local Safeguarding Children Boards with the aim of increasing knowledge, improving attitudes to interagency working and developing the self-confidence of participants in using local safeguarding policies and procedures. This study evaluates the outcomes of seven two-day courses using a pre-/post-design and a self-report rating scale. The scale was developed to assess participants’ self-efficacy, attitudes and knowledge. Over half of the 95 participants were social workers and one-third were nurses. Two-thirds of participants were working in children's services. Results showed statistically significant increases in self-efficacy and attitudes between the start and end of the courses (p < 0.001) with evidence of a strong effect size. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in mean total knowledge scores (p < 0.001), also with a strong effect size. Possible explanations for this surprising finding are considered. This study provides some limited support for the effectiveness of short course interagency training for social workers and other professionals involved in safeguarding children in the context of parental mental illness. It also demonstrates the importance of evaluating more than one level of outcome of educational interventions.

Developing effective child death review: a study of ‘early starter’ child death overview panels in England

AimThis qualitative study of a small number of child death overview panels aimed to observe and describe their experience in implementing new child death review processes, and making prevention recommendations.MethodsNine...