Safeguarding children and young people is the concern to all members of society. It is everyone’s responsibility. Following a high-profile inquiry and serious case review, safeguarding guidance and systems were reviewed. This resulted in a range of new policy guidance being implemented.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) was ratified by the United Kingdom (UK) in 1991. This provides key statements related to provision for children, protection of children and participation in matters which concern them, in a variety of ways, during their childhood.

The commitment of the UK government to the principles of the UNCRC has provided a range of legislation, guidance, strategies and systems to support all professionals to protect children from harm including the Children Act, Working Together to Safeguard Children (Department of Education, 2015) and the Munro Reviews of Child Protection practice and services (Department of Education, 2011). Two significant government roles were created; the Children’s Minister who represents children and young people at the highest level of government within the Cabinet, and a Children’s Commissioner, who listens to children, provides them with information and advises government officials. The UK has four Children’s Commissioners.

Following a review of the role of the Children’s Commissioner for England, there has been a change from outcomes-based working to a rights-based working.

Team working is an essential component of children’s nursing, however, working in partnership with the inter-professional team and across agencies may result in the formation of transient teams, coming together for the purpose of safeguarding a particular child or young person. This inter-professional and multi-agency working requires a concerted approach. Child abuse and neglect are complex. Children’s nurses are required to have a working knowledge of the types of abuse, the policy drivers, the safeguarding process, a working knowledge of mechanisms and systems for safeguarding children and young people in the organization. Achieving continuity of care requires accurate assessment of needs and the risks pertinent to the child or young person, which take into account the growth and developmental milestones, relationships within the family and the environment in which they are being cared for.

Effective communication is imperative in information sharing, enabling collaborative working and to plan the resources required to safeguard a child or young person. Children’s nurses need to develop skills in working with families and listening to children. This includes developing a trusting and supportive partnership with the family.

The ‘best interest’ of the child or young person is paramount. Promoting the welfare of the child or young person requires respect for the child or young person. This includes the unborn child. When making disclosures of alleged abuse, children and young people often ‘select’ a person they feel comfortable to share the information with. In this situation it is important to remain calm, be empathetic, listen carefully to the information, reassure the child or young person and ensure their safety. It is equally important to factually observe and record what you see. An example of this may be that the child or young person is not responding to one of the parents. Confidentiality in safeguarding is crucial and should be on a ‘need-to-know’ basis. Information-sharing guidance must be adhered to.

In situations of disclosure, it is important not to prevent a child or young person from freely recalling the significant event. It is important not to ask leading or closed questions or probe for more details. It is vital that evidence is left undisturbed and children and young people are not made promises of secrecy. Be honest with children and young people that the information will need to be shared with a limited range of people to keep them safe. Throughout the whole process, it is crucial to be non-judgemental. Children’s nurses have a role in identifying children who are in need, or in need of protection. It is the role of the police and social workers to undertake the investigations.

Children’s nurses have a responsibility to protect the children in their care. They are professionally accountable and responsible for their actions and omissions. The importance of information sharing is key in determining the plan of care for the child and family. Developing professional discernment in this area occurs through experience of safeguarding children and young people. This requires confidence to take action and escalate to key professionals, organizational systems and other agencies. This also requires education and training.

Children’s nurses require courage to speak up about any concerns they may have to safeguard a child or young person or to be an advocate for them. Having the courage to ask the seemingly naïve or challenging questions can clarify or explain information that is not understood or partially understood. In addition, professionals in different agencies may not fully understand the intricacies of each other’s roles. Assertiveness can avert the need for a serious case review.

Familiarity with the Children Act 1989 is essential for safe practice for all healthcare staff who work with children and young people.