It provides the overarching policy framework for safeguarding children and young people in the statutory, private, independent, community, voluntary and faith sectors. It outlines how communities, organisations and individuals must work both individually and in partnership to ensure children and young people are safeguarded as effectively as possible. The policy was originally issued in March 2016. It was refreshed in August 2017 to include an updated definition of child sexual exploitation (see section 7.2.7).
This policy replaces the ‘Co-operating to Safeguard Children’ guidance issued in 2003.