Escalation
The steps to be taken to address professional differences of opinion when the issue relates to the safeguarding needs of a child, young person
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Safeguarding Children Escalation Guidance
Safeguarding Children Escalation Guidance
This guidance outlines the process for escalating safeguarding concerns, ensuring that the welfare and safety of children remain paramount. It establishes clear pathways for managing differences in professional opinion and resolving disagreements between agencies. Effective multi-agency working is crucial to safeguarding children, and this procedure supports professionals in navigating situations where there are differing perspectives or concerns about a child's safety or well-being.
It is essential to note that this guidance must be used in conjunction with specific local authority safeguarding escalation procedures. Local procedures take precedence, and professionals should always adhere to the protocols established by their local safeguarding children partnership.
Examples of disagreements:
Disagreements about the level of risk or need for intervention (Use local authority continuum of need to inform decisions)
The response to a situation by any agency which is not perceived to be in the child’s best interest.
A plan for a child at any level on the continuum of need which is not making the progress anticipated.
There is not a shared understanding of why an agency has made a particular decision.
A referral not considered to meet the threshold for assessment by Children's social care.
There is disagreement as to whether the child protection procedures should be invoked.
There is a disagreement over the sharing of information and/or provision or services.
There is disagreement over the outcome of any assessment and whether the appropriate action plan is in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.
Principles of Safeguarding Escalation
The following principles underpin the safeguarding escalation process:
Child's Welfare and Safety is Paramount: The child's safety and well-being are the primary focus at every stage of the escalation process. All actions and decisions must prioritise the child's best interests.
Open Communication and Professional Challenge: Professionals are expected to communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully with each other. Constructive challenge is encouraged to promote thorough assessment and ensure that all perspectives are considered.
Timely Resolution: Disagreements and concerns should be addressed and resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise any potential risk to the child.
Accountability and Transparency: The escalation process should be transparent, with clear lines of accountability. Decisions and actions should be clearly documented and communicated to relevant parties.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Decisions made throughout the escalation process should be informed by available evidence and a thorough assessment of the child's needs and risks.
Multi-Agency Collaboration: Effective safeguarding relies on strong multi-agency working. This process facilitates collaboration and ensures that all agencies involved are working together to safeguard the child.
The Escalation Process
The Escalation Process
The escalation process involves a staged approach to resolving safeguarding concerns:
Stage 1: Professional to Professional
Stage 1: Professional to Professional
This initial stage involves direct communication and discussion between the professionals involved to address and resolve the safeguarding concern. Professionals should openly share information, explain their reasoning, and actively seek to understand different perspectives. A multi-agency meeting may be helpful to review plans, decisions, and progress. All professionals involved have a responsibility to engage in open and constructive dialogue to find a resolution.
Expected Outcomes: Resolution of the concern through professional discussion and agreement on the best course of action.
Stage 2: DSL and Agency Line Manager
Stage 2: DSL and Agency Line Manager
If the concern cannot be resolved at Stage 1, the professionals should inform their respective line managers. The line managers will then discuss the issue, review available information, and attempt to reach a resolution. Involvement of designated safeguarding leads may be considered. Line managers should communicate with each other, share relevant information, and work collaboratively to find a solution.
Expected Outcomes: Resolution of the concern through agreement between line managers.
Stage 3: Safeguarding Officer and Senior Managers
Stage 3: Safeguarding Officer and Senior Managers
If the concern remains unresolved after Stage 2, the issue should be escalated to senior managers within the respective organisations. Senior managers will review the case, considering input from practitioners and line managers to ensure a clear understanding of the issues and concerns.
Expected Outcomes: A decision reached between agencies and an agreed way forward that prioritises the interests of the child.
Stage 4: Scrutiny of Decisions Where Disagreement Remains
Stage 4: Scrutiny of Decisions Where Disagreement Remains
In the unlikely event that professional disagreement persists despite the previous stages, the issues will be referred to the Head of Safeguarding of any agency involved by the CEO.
Expected Outcomes: A record of the disagreement and any outstanding concerns.
Recording and Documentation
Recording and Documentation
Accurate and detailed records are essential throughout the escalation process and must be recorded on My Concern:
Any challenge and the decision made should be fed back immediately to the relevant practitioners involved.
The details of the challenge and agreements reached should be recorded on the child's file.
Records should be clear, concise, and accurate.
Records should be stored appropriately and securely, in accordance with data protection legislation and guidance.
Agencies should log and collate reasons for escalations and their resolutions as indicators of practice/procedure or system issues.
Data will be collated for the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership on the numbers of escalations and the types of challenges resolved.
Links to local authority escalation guidance:
Links to local authority escalation guidance:
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