Policies and Guidance
The Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2017) policy provides the overarching framework for safeguarding children and young people across all sectors, including statutory, private, independent, community, voluntary, and faith-based organisations. It sets out expectations for how individuals, organisations and communities should work, both independently and collaboratively to ensure effective safeguarding.
The Children and Young People’s Strategy 2020-2030 sets out the Northern Ireland Executive’s vision and priorities for improving the lives of children and young people, including protection from exploitation. it is grounded in the principles of the UNCRC and aims to ensure that every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) Procedures Manual provides operational guidance for all safeguarding partners and outlines the actions that must be taken when there are concerns in relation to the welfare of a child or young person. The following policies can be accessed via this link:
Missing Children Protocol (Runaway and Missing from Home and Care) HSCB Police/SW
Protecting ‘Looked After’ Children guidance | Department of Health
Protocol for Joint Investigation - 2013.pdf
The UNOCINI Framework, supports early identification of a child or young person’s needs and risks to help prevent issues from escalating. It also serves as a tool for making referrals to Children’s Social Services and assists those services in determining the most appropriate course of action.
The key guidance in relation to Education Services in Northern Ireland Safeguarding and child protection in schools - a guide for schools (Department of Education, 2020).