Child Protection and Safeguarding

Child Protection is the responsibility of all who work with children and families, regardless of whether that work brings them into direct contact with children. All staff should be fully informed of the impact of adult behaviour on children and of their responsibilities in respect of keeping children safe. Social Services and the Police have a statutory responsibility to investigate Child Protection concerns; they can only do this if they are made aware of those concerns.

To view the full North Ayrshire Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy please click on the link below:

Child Protection Visitors Booklet 2024-25

What do we mean by Child Protection and Safeguarding?

Child Protection

Child protection refers to the processes involved in consideration, assessment and planning of required action, together with the actions themselves, where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of harm.  Child Protection Guidance provides overall direction for agencies and professional disciplines where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of harm.  Child Protection Procedures are initiated when Police, Social Work or Health professionals determine that a child may have been abused or may be at risk of imminent or significant harm.

Safeguarding

This is a much wider concept than Child Protection and refers to promoting the welfare of children, young people and protected adults. It encompasses protecting from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their health or development, ensuring that they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children, young people and protected adults to have the best outcome. Child Protection is part of this definition and refers to activities undertaken to prevent children suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.