Working together to safeguard children: challenges and changes for inter-agency co-ordination in child protection

Abstract

The publication of Working Together to Safeguard Children (DoH, 1999b) and the new Assessment Framework for Children in Need (DoH, 1999) pose considerable challenges for inter-agency work in the child protection field. This paper explores the core themes and objectives of these two policy frameworks. A number of critical tensions within these policy documents are identified particuarly with regards to the definition of 'children in need' and the quality of inter-agency working outside the child protection system. The paper explores the challenges for the inter-agency community of making the shift to a more needs-led approach. A key theme in managing this change is the inter-relationship of three domains of partnership: partnerships with service users, partnerships between agencies/disciplines, and partnerships within agencies/disciplines. Using an adapted version of Howe's (1992) matrix of partnership, these inter-relationships are examined. It is argued that increasing the levels of co-ordination between agencies will only reap benefits if this is based on intra-agency clarity and commitment to child welfare work. The paper concludes by identifying eight implementation issues for Working Together to Safeguard Children.

• Children In Need Paternalism Adversarial Play Fair Developmental Thresholds