Direct work with children and young people

Introduction

Colleagues working in schools, who work directly with children and young people, have well-established relationships and are often perceived to be safe adults. Whilst it is important to establish professional boundaries, this should not compromise the provision of safe and effective care. 

Don't work in isolation

• Ensure that you liaise with the DSL to ensure that intervention is coordinated. 
• Consider whether it is appropriate to inform/seek consent from parents - you should do this unless doing so would cause further risk of harm, or it could compromise a criminal investigation. 
• If this is part of a safeguarding assessment/intervention consider liaising with the case coordinator. 

Practical considerations

Find hints and tips from the NSPCC at Let children know you’re listening | NSPCC Learning.

Watch the NSPCC's video on responding to a child's disclosure of abuse below.

Resources

• Supporting effective participation with children and young people - Research in Practice resources.

• My Needs, Wishes and Feelings - a set of tools CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) workers use to help children express their feelings with the courts. 

• Say it your own way.pdf (2664 KB) - a tool kit of engaging worksheets created by the DfE & Barnardo's. This could be used for discussing feelings, daily routines and relationships with family and friends.

• The Family Pack of Questionnaires and Scales - created by the Department of Health, this is part of the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families.

• I'll go first toolkit.pdf (3850 KB) - created by the Children's Society PACT Project, this illustrated resource may be useful for work with children with disabilities. 

• Social Workers Toolbox - free social work resources & tools for direct work with children and adults.