Improving Help and Child Protection
Updated child‑protection guidance is now open for public consultation, with the government seeking views on major changes to Working Together to Safeguard Children, the Children’s Social Care National Framework, and new policy for multi‑agency child protection teams.
What’s happening
The consultation sets out proposals aimed at strengthening how children and families are supported across England. Key plans include:
- Strengthening family help — with a greater focus on early support and making better use of wider family networks.
- Improving multi‑agency child protection — ensuring clearer, more consistent arrangements for all children.
- Enhancing independent scrutiny — boosting accountability and continuous improvement across safeguarding partnerships.
- Supporting better decision making — helping agencies work together more effectively.
- Developing multi‑agency child protection teams — creating dedicated teams to coordinate protection work.
Why it matters
The government wants to know whether these proposals are clear, practical, and likely to improve outcomes for children and families. Feedback will directly shape future policy and guidance.
Who should respond?
The consultation is open to:
- Local authorities
- Health organisations and professionals
- Police forces
- Schools and education providers
- Voluntary and community organisations
- Parents and carers
- Anyone with an interest in improving children’s outcomes
A separate version of the consultation is available for children and young people to ensure their voices are heard. You can access this here
