Improving practice in safeguarding at the interface between hospital services and children’s social care: a mixed-methods case study

Working together to identify child maltreatment: social work and acute healthcare

Purpose

– The wider research literature indicates that health professionals’ ability to identify possible child maltreatment varies, and that this can lead to under-reporting of possible maltreatment to local authority (LA) statutory child protection agencies. The purpose of this paper is to understand how acute trust paediatric and LA services work together in suspected cases of child maltreatment, and what is viewed locally as good practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed-method approach, consisting of an online survey, qualitative case studies and good practice examples, was used to describe key features of current practice in joint working between acute trusts and LA services, and to generate insights that could help improve practice.

Findings

– Holistic assessment and information gathering, supported by training and expert input, were identified as being critical to a comprehensive approach to identifying maltreatment. Both in-hospital and community-based social work arrangements can be effective bases for joint working in respect of child maltreatment. Effective joint working relies on shared vision and values, and investment in, and commitment to, collaborative working.

Research limitations/implications

– This study covered arrangements in emergency departments (EDs) and maternity departments only, so future research could usefully look more broadly within acute care settings. Study respondents were also limited to safeguarding leads so, in future, there would be real value in exploring the experiences, practices and views of frontline practitioners.

Practical implications

– The study includes practical implications for hospital and social work teams working to safeguard children.

Originality/value

– The study highlights the characteristics of effective liaison between acute trust maternity and EDS and social work teams.