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Working Together To Safeguard Children 2026 Update.

The Mental Health Act 2025 Reforms.

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1.Policy, Values and Principles

  1. 1.0.1Confidentiality PolicyJuly 10, 2024
  2. 1.0.2Quality Management Framework
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  3. 1.0.3Ofsted Inspection FrameworkJanuary 13, 2025
  4. 1.0.4Children's Social Care Supervision (Supplementary Policy)June 27, 2023
  5. 1.0.5Lone WorkingJanuary 13, 2026
  6. 1.0.6Complaints and RepresentationsJuly 10, 2025
  7. 1.0.7Whistleblowing Policy (Confidential Reporting)July 26, 2022
  8. 1.0.8Equality and DiversityJuly 26, 2022
  9. 1.0.9Protocol for Access to Mosaic by Partner Agency StaffJuly 26, 2022
  10. 1.0.10Strengths-Based Practice Framework

2.Early Help and Thresholds for Children's Social Care

  1. 2.0.1Pathway to Provision - Multi-Agency Thresholds Guidance
  2. 2.0.2Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) - A Guide for Professionals

2.1Family Service Operating Procedures

  1. 2.1.1Service ThresholdsJanuary 12, 2024
  2. 2.1.2Early Help Operating GuidanceJanuary 12, 2024
  3. 2.1.3Early Help Case ManagementJanuary 12, 2024
  4. 2.1.4Graduated Family and Parenting OfferJanuary 12, 2024
  5. 2.1.5School Attendance Enforcement Practice GuidanceJanuary 12, 2024
  6. 2.1.6Education Welfare and School Attendance EnforcementJanuary 12, 2024
  7. 2.1.7Parenting Orders and ContractsJanuary 12, 2024
  8. 2.1.8Child Employment, Chaperones, Entertainment LicencesJanuary 12, 2024
  9. 2.1.9Supporting Families ProgrammeJanuary 12, 2024
  10. 2.1.10Mosaic Record KeepingJanuary 12, 2024

3.Case Management and Recording

  1. 3.0.1Written Records (Including Retention)January 13, 2025
  2. 3.0.2Access to Records/Subject Access RequestJanuary 13, 2026
  3. 3.0.3The Use of Warnings in Social Care Records (Mosaic)July 26, 2022
  4. 3.0.4Guidance for Completing ChronologiesJune 9, 2023
  5. 3.0.5Transfer Policy
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  6. 3.0.6Use of Social Media Sites by Social Care and Safeguarding StaffJanuary 13, 2026
  7. 3.0.7Storage of Data on Mobile DevicesJanuary 13, 2025
  8. 3.0.8Electronic Recording of Meetings and Conversations by Service UsersJuly 10, 2025
  9. 3.0.9Drug Testing in Children's Social Care (Oral Fluid Sampling)June 9, 2023
  10. 3.0.10Transporting Children and Young People SafelyJuly 10, 2025
  11. 3.0.11Blood Borne Viruses - H.I.V, Hepatitis B and CJune 27, 2023
  12. 3.0.12Other Agency Requests for Information from Children’s Social Care Records
  13. 3.0.13Taking Photographs in a Work Context
  14. 3.0.14Protocol between the Children’s Social Care (CSC) and Adult Social Care, Health and Public Protection (ASCHPP) where both are involved in case management

4.Referrals, Assessment and Planning

  1. 4.0.1Family Contacts
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  2. 4.0.2AssessmentsJuly 10, 2025
  3. 4.0.3Children and Young People who Sexually HarmJanuary 13, 2026
  4. 4.0.4Children Accommodated by Health and Education Authorities, Residential Care Homes, Nursing HomesJune 9, 2023
  5. 4.0.5Guidance for Staff: Reporting Serious Incidents and/or Child DeathsJanuary 13, 2025
  6. 4.0.6Homeless 16/17 Year OldsJuly 10, 2024
  7. 4.0.7Emergency Duty TeamJanuary 12, 2024
  8. 4.0.8Family Networks and Family Group Decision MakingJuly 10, 2024
  9. 4.0.9Child Protection Enquiries: Interagency Safeguarding Children Procedures of the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) and the Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Partnership (NCSCP)
  10. 4.0.10Disclosure of Information between Family and Criminal Agencies and Jurisdictions: 2024 Protocol

5.Children in Need

  1. 5.0.1Child in Need Plans and Reviews (including Detention under the Mental Health Act (1983))January 13, 2026
  2. 5.0.2Private FosteringJuly 10, 2025
  3. 5.0.3Young Carers
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  4. 5.0.4Aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983January 13, 2026

6.Safeguarding and Child Protection

  1. 6.0.1Guidance for Minute Takers of Child Protection Conferences and Complex Multi-Agency Strategy MeetingsJune 9, 2023
  2. 6.0.2Child Protection ConferenceJanuary 13, 2025
  3. 6.0.3Participation of Children and Young People, Parents and Carers in the Child Protection ProcessJanuary 13, 2026
  4. 6.0.4Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual ExploitationJuly 10, 2025
  5. 6.0.5Child Criminal ExploitationJanuary 13, 2026
  6. 6.0.6Non Recent Cases of Abuse by Adults who are or have Worked or Volunteered with ChildrenJanuary 13, 2025
  7. 6.0.7Managing Allegations/Concerns in Relation to Adults who work with ChildrenJanuary 13, 2025
  8. 6.0.8Individuals who Present a Risk to ChildrenJanuary 13, 2025
  9. 6.0.9Information for General Practitioners/Social Workers Concerning Looked After Children who have a History of Self-HarmJanuary 13, 2025
  10. 6.0.10CPC Procedure for Raising Urgent Practice Issues & Dispute Resolution ProcessJune 9, 2023
  11. 6.0.11Cross-Border Child Protection Cases Under the 1996 Hague ConventionJanuary 13, 2026
  12. 6.0.12Safeguarding Foreign National Children Who Go MissingJanuary 13, 2025
  13. 6.0.13Criminal Injuries CompensationJune 9, 2023
  14. 6.0.14 Interagency Safeguarding Children Procedures of the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) and the Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Partnership (NCSCP)
  15. 6.0.15Working Together to Safeguard Children
  16. 6.0.16Child Protection Enquiries: Interagency Safeguarding Children Procedures of the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) and the Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Partnership (NCSCP)
  17. 6.0.17Children Who Run Away and Go Missing from Home, Care, or Education
  18. 6.0.18 Pathway to Provision - Multi-Agency Thresholds Guidance

7.Legal Planning and Court Procedures

  1. 7.0.1Application for Emergency Protection OrdersJune 9, 2023
  2. 7.0.2Pre-Trial Therapy Guidance ProtocolJune 9, 2023
  3. 7.0.3Care and Supervision Proceedings and the Public Law OutlineJanuary 13, 2026
  4. 7.0.4Legal Gateway/Planning MeetingsJuly 10, 2024
  5. 7.0.5Welfare Reports (Section 7) Supervision Order (Section 37) Family Assistance Orders (Section 16)January 13, 2025
  6. 7.0.6Protocol Between Independent Reviewing Officer and Children’s GuardiansJune 27, 2023
  7. 7.0.7Capacity and ConsentJanuary 13, 2026
  8. 7.0.8Deprivation of Liberty
  9. 7.0.9Mental Capacity Practice Resource

8.Children with Disabilities

  1. 8.0.1Step Down/Step Up of Cases Between CDS Social Work Team and Short Break Assessment & Review TeamJanuary 13, 2023
  2. 8.0.2Children's Disability Service - Threshold Criteria for Children's Social CareJanuary 13, 2023
  3. 8.0.3Support for Disabled Parents and Young Carers - Protocol Between Children’s and Adults Social CareJanuary 13, 2026
  4. 8.0.4Policy for the Provision of Holiday Breaks in Residential Units Providing Short Breaks Care for Disabled ChildrenJuly 27, 2022
  5. 8.0.5Transition Planning for Young People with DisabilitiesJanuary 13, 2025
  6. 8.0.6Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential SettingsJanuary 13, 2026
  7. 8.0.7Moving and Handling of Children and Young PeopleJuly 10, 2024
  8. 8.0.8Direct PaymentsJanuary 13, 2023
  9. 8.0.9Disability Living Allowance - Fostered Children and Foster CarersJune 9, 2023
  10. 8.0.10Nottinghamshire Short Breaks Statement
  11. 8.0.11Guidance to Requesting a Children's Continuing Care Assessment
  12. 8.0.12Deprivation of Liberty
  13. 8.0.13Mental Capacity Practice Resource

9.Integrated Children's Disability Service

  1. 9.0.1Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and DisabilitiesJanuary 13, 2025
  2. 9.0.2Short Breaks (Away from Home)January 13, 2026
  3. 9.0.3Integrated Children’s Disability Service (OT) - Policy for Receiving Referrals and Undertaking AssessmentJanuary 13, 2023
  4. 9.0.4Integrated Children’s Disability Service Occupational Therapy - Legal FrameworkJuly 10, 2025
  5. 9.0.5Integrated Children’s Disability Service (OT) - Guidance for Recommending Minor and Major AdaptationsJanuary 13, 2023
  6. 9.0.6Integrated Children’s Disability Service Occupational Therapy Guidance for the Loan of EquipmentJuly 10, 2024
  7. 9.0.7Children and Young People’s Continuing Care National FrameworkJuly 10, 2024
  8. 9.0.8Integrated Childrens Disability Service Specialist Support Team
  9. 9.0.9Nottinghamshire Short Breaks Statement
  10. 9.0.10Short Break Policy

10.Children from Abroad

  1. 10.0.1Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking ChildrenJuly 10, 2024
  2. 10.0.2No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)January 13, 2026
  3. 10.0.3Human Rights AssessmentJune 9, 2023
  4. 10.0.4Data Sharing Between the UK Visas and Immigration and the Local Authority January 13, 2026

11.Looked After Children

11.1Social Work Practice and Strategy

  1. 11.1.1Decision to Look AfterJuly 10, 2025
  2. 11.1.2Care PlanningJuly 10, 2025
  3. 11.1.3Ceasing to Look After a ChildJuly 10, 2025
  4. 11.1.4Section 20 Accommodation DecisionsJune 27, 2023
  5. 11.1.5Children and Young People Subject to Dual StatusJanuary 13, 2026
  6. 11.1.6The Sufficiency Duty in Relation to Accommodation for Looked After Children
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  7. 11.1.7Permanence Planning GuidanceJuly 10, 2025
  8. 11.1.8Child Trust Funds and Junior ISA's for Looked After ChildrenJuly 10, 2024
  9. 11.1.9Delegation of Authority to Foster Carers and Residential WorkersJanuary 12, 2024
  10. 11.1.10Notifications of Significant EventsJuly 10, 2024
  11. 11.1.11Risk Assessment and PlanningJune 9, 2023
  12. 11.1.12Providing Personalised CareJune 9, 2023
  13. 11.1.13Guidance for Completing Placement Requests (PR)January 12, 2024
  14. 11.1.14Reducing Offending BehaviourJanuary 12, 2024
  15. 11.1.15Looked After Children and Care Leavers Strategy
  16. 11.1.16Deprivation of Liberty
  17. 11.1.17Mental Capacity Practice Resource
  18. 11.1.18NICE Guideline: Looked After Children and Young People

11.2Placements

  1. 11.2.1Placements in Foster CareJuly 10, 2025
  2. 11.2.2Placements with Dog-owning Families (for Prospective Adopters)June 9, 2023
  3. 11.2.3Placements in Residential CareJuly 10, 2025
  4. 11.2.4Residential Placement PlanningJune 9, 2023
  5. 11.2.5Provision for Mothers and Babies in Order To Assess Parenting Capacity and/or Provide AccommodationAugust 1, 2022
  6. 11.2.6Out of Area PlacementsJune 27, 2023
  7. 11.2.7Placements with a Relative or Friend (Connected Persons)January 13, 2025
  8. 11.2.8Kinship CareJuly 10, 2025
  9. 11.2.9Family Arrangements PolicyJuly 10, 2025
  10. 11.2.10Secure Accommodation - Application, Admission & ReviewsJune 27, 2023
  11. 11.2.11Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  12. 11.2.12Placements with ParentsJanuary 12, 2024
  13. 11.2.13Placements Outside England and WalesJanuary 13, 2025
  14. 11.2.14Placements in Other ArrangementsJuly 10, 2024
  15. 11.2.15Notifications from Other Local Authorities/Placement ProvidersJuly 28, 2022
  16. 11.2.16Notification of Children - Arrangements for the Placement of Children (General) Regulations 1991June 9, 2023
  17. 11.2.17Child Missing and Recovery OrdersJanuary 13, 2026
  18. 11.2.18Placement Support MeetingsJuly 10, 2025
  19. 11.2.19Health and SafetyJuly 10, 2025
  20. 11.2.20Principles and Practice for the Safeguarding and Transfer of Children & Young People from Police Custody to Local Authority Accommodation & Suitable Accommodation where Bail is Denied

11.3Visits and Reviews

  1. 11.3.1Social Worker Visits to Looked After ChildrenJune 9, 2023
  2. 11.3.2Advocacy and Independent VisitorsJanuary 13, 2026
  3. 11.3.3Looked After ReviewsJanuary 13, 2026
  4. 11.3.4The Independent Chair’s Service Concerns Resolution ProcessJanuary 13, 2026

11.4Contact and Overnight Stays

  1. 11.4.1Contact with Parents/Adults and SiblingsJuly 10, 2025
  2. 11.4.2Social Visits (Including Overnight Stays)June 9, 2023

11.5Education, School Trips and Holidays

  1. 11.5.1Holidays and School Trips in the UK
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  2. 11.5.2Holidays and School Trips Outside the UK
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  3. 11.5.3Supporting the Education and Promoting the Achievement of Children with a Social Worker, Children with Kinship Carers, Looked After Children, and Previously Looked After ChildrenJuly 10, 2025
  4. 11.5.4Leisure ActivitiesJuly 10, 2025

11.6Health and Wellbeing

  1. 11.6.1Health Care Assessments and PlansJune 27, 2023
  2. 11.6.2Looked After Children Placed Out of Area - Nottinghamshire (including City) Joint Health and Local Authority PathwayJune 27, 2023
  3. 11.6.3Consent to Medical ExaminationsJanuary 13, 2023
  4. 11.6.4Protecting Children from the Harmful Effects of Second-hand Smoke (Prospective Adopters)June 9, 2023
  5. 11.6.5Personal Care and RelationshipsJanuary 13, 2025
  6. 11.6.6Behaviour ManagementJune 27, 2023
  7. 11.6.7Personal Health Record of Children in Residential Children’s Homes July 28, 2022
  8. 11.6.8Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Operational GuidanceJanuary 13, 2026

11.7Identity

  1. 11.7.1Change of Name of a Looked After ChildJuly 27, 2022
  2. 11.7.2Marriage/Civil Partnership of a Looked After ChildJanuary 12, 2024

11.8Leaving Care and Former Looked After Children

  1. 11.8.1Leaving Care and TransitionJuly 10, 2025
  2. 11.8.2Financial Arrangements for Care LeaversJune 27, 2023
  3. 11.8.3Responsibilities of the Local Authority to Former Looked After Children and Young People in CustodyJanuary 13, 2026
  4. 11.8.4Transitional Personal Advisor (TPA) Service - Policy and Practice Guidance
  5. 11.8.521Plus Service Extended Personal Advisor Support for Care Leavers Aged 21 – 24 years - Policy and Practice Guidance

12.Fostering

  1. 12.0.1Fostering PanelJuly 10, 2024
  2. 12.0.2Persons Disqualified from FosteringJune 9, 2023
  3. 12.0.3Assessments and Approvals of Foster CarersJanuary 13, 2025
  4. 12.0.4Staying PutJanuary 13, 2026
  5. 12.0.5Guidance for Foster Carers on Personal Safety and Incident ReportingJune 27, 2023
  6. 12.0.6Foster Carer Case FilesJune 9, 2023
  7. 12.0.7Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to the Foster Carer's Terms of ApprovalJune 9, 2023
  8. 12.0.8Supervision of Foster CarersJune 27, 2023
  9. 12.0.9Review and Termination of Approval of Foster CarersJune 27, 2023
  10. 12.0.10Fostering Support CareJune 27, 2023
  11. 12.0.11Assessment of a New Partner of Existing/Approved Foster CarersJuly 10, 2024
  12. 12.0.12Bedroom Sharing in Fostering HouseholdsJuly 28, 2022
  13. 12.0.13Foster Carer Recording PolicyJanuary 13, 2025
  14. 12.0.14Safe CaringJune 27, 2023
  15. 12.0.15Religious Identity and Delegated AuthorityJune 9, 2023
  16. 12.0.16Transfer of Foster Carers PolicyJune 27, 2023
  17. 12.0.17Adaptations (Guidance and Agreements)January 13, 2026
  18. 12.0.18Nottinghamshire Fostering Scheme - Levels Payments and TrainingJuly 10, 2025
  19. 12.0.19Investigating Concerns and Allegations Against Foster Carers Including Historical IssuesJanuary 13, 2025
  20. 12.0.20Training and Development of Foster CarersJanuary 13, 2025
  21. 12.0.21Nottinghamshire Foster Carers Handbook
  22. 12.0.22Newly Approved Foster Carers - Post Approval Transfer
  23. 12.0.23Pet Policy and Guidance for Fostering Households
  24. 12.0.24Undertaking Social Media and Internet Checks within Fostering Assessments and Reviews

13.Children’s Homes

  1. 13.0.1Nottinghamshire Children's Homes Procedures Manual

14.Adoption and Permanence

  1. 14.0.1Recruitment, Assessment and Approval of Prospective AdoptersJuly 10, 2025
  2. 14.0.2Adoption PanelJuly 10, 2025
  3. 14.0.3Prospective Adopters Attending PanelJuly 10, 2025
  4. 14.0.4Carers who wish to AdoptJuly 10, 2025
  5. 14.0.5Independent Birth Family Counselling ServiceJuly 10, 2025
  6. 14.0.6Working with and Supporting Birth FamiliesJuly 10, 2025
  7. 14.0.7Adoption Plans and Contact ArrangementsJuly 10, 2025
  8. 14.0.8Placement for AdoptionJuly 10, 2025
  9. 14.0.9Placing Relinquished Babies for AdoptionJuly 10, 2025
  10. 14.0.10Adoption Planning for Sibling GroupsJuly 10, 2025
  11. 14.0.11Fostering for Adoption, Concurrent Planning and Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective AdoptersJuly 10, 2025
  12. 14.0.12Child Placements Preparatory InformationJuly 10, 2025
  13. 14.0.13Featuring Children in the MediaJuly 10, 2025
  14. 14.0.14Inter-Agency PlacementsJuly 10, 2025
  15. 14.0.15Placement Planning Meetings and Introduction to Adoptive ParentsJuly 10, 2025
  16. 14.0.16Meeting Educational Needs Moving into Adoptive PlacementsJuly 10, 2025
  17. 14.0.17Adoption Support Services
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  18. 14.0.18Adoption Financial SupportJuly 10, 2025
  19. 14.0.19Monitoring and Supervision of Adoptive PlacementsJuly 10, 2025
  20. 14.0.20Adoption ReviewsJuly 10, 2025
  21. 14.0.21Placement Support and Disruption Meetings (Adoption)July 10, 2025
  22. 14.0.22Inter Country AdoptionJanuary 13, 2026
  23. 14.0.23Non Agency AdoptionJuly 10, 2025
  24. 14.0.24Adoption Case RecordsJuly 10, 2025
  25. 14.0.25Intermediary ServicesJuly 10, 2025
  26. 14.0.26Access to Information (Post-Commencement Adoption Orders)July 10, 2025
  27. 14.0.27Life Story Work and Preparation for AdoptionJuly 10, 2025
  28. 14.0.28Later Life LettersJuly 10, 2025
  29. 14.0.29Adoption East MidlandsJanuary 13, 2025
  30. 14.0.30Adaptions to Property Policy

14.1Permanence

  1. 14.1.1Special GuardianshipJanuary 13, 2025
  2. 14.1.2Special Guardianship - Financial SupportAugust 1, 2022
  3. 14.1.3Child Arrangements OrdersJune 9, 2023
  4. 14.1.4Child Arrangements Orders - Financial SupportJuly 10, 2024

15.Youth Justice Service

  1. 15.0.1Looked After Children and Young People in Contact with Youth Justice Services
    Updated
    January 13, 2026
  2. 15.0.2Nottinghamshire's Youth Justice Service Policies, Procedure and GuidanceJanuary 13, 2026
  3. 15.0.3Children Involved in the Youth Justice System Additional National Guidance
    Updated
    January 13, 2026

16.Documents and Strategies

16.1Homelessness

  1. 16.1.1Youth Homelessness Prevention Plan

16.2Early Years

  1. 16.2.1Young People's Health Strategy
  2. 16.2.2Working with Fathers Strategy

17.Appendices

  1. 17.0.1Designated ManagersJanuary 13, 2026
  2. 17.0.2Working Together to Safeguard Children
  3. 17.0.3Amendments

Last Updated: January 13, 2026

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