Safeguarding and Child Protection

This page brings together a range of useful websites, guidance and key documents designed to support understanding of safeguarding and child protection. Our aim is to provide clear, accessible information that helps people recognise potential risks, understand their responsibilities, and know what to do if they are concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of harm.

The resources shared here are intended for professionals, parents, carers, and anyone involved in supporting children and young people. By bringing together trusted information and guidance in one place, we hope to support a shared commitment to keeping children safe, promoting their wellbeing, and ensuring that concerns are identified and acted upon appropriately.

Click on the icons to your right (below on mobile devices) to access FREE Child Protection e-modules on calaelearning zone.

Awareness of Child Protection
The FREE 'Awareness of Child Protection' e-module is designed to introduce key principles of safeguarding children and young people in Scotland. With thanks to the Highland Child Protection Committee, this module is for everyone who works with children and young people.
Introduction to the National Guidance for Child Protection (Scotland) 2023
The FREE 'National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2023'
describes the responsibilities and expectations of everyone who works with, or comes into contact with children and young people, families and carers in Scotland. With thanks to the Highland Child Protection Committee, this module is for everyone who works with children and young people.
What make a good chronology
This module is designed for anyone working with children and families across a range of services who may have cause to write a chronology eg. practitioners and agencies including Social Work, Health, Education, Police and Adult Services.
Think you know neglect?
This FREE e-module from Highland Child Protection Committee developed in partnership with Care and Learning Alliance is highly relevant for anyone (including parents) working with/ and or supporting children and young people (paid or voluntary). With Neglect identified as the most prevalent form of child maltreatment in the UK, this module will provide a comprehensive introduction to raise people’s awareness of the signs of neglect, its long-term effects and steps you can take to help.
Understanding the Child’s Plan
This module is designed to help Highland Practitioners who are inputting to Child's Plans to understand them (it is not intended to train lead professionals in developing Child's Plans). The content of the module refers to the National Practice Model which outlines 'Getting It Right for Every Child' (GIRFEC) and therefore practitioners across Scotland will also find the module highly relevant.

Consulting with our Youngest Children Toolkit

The strategies in this tool can be used by adults working on an individual basis with a young child for a specific purpose or by adults who have significant contact with young children on a frequent basis embedding meaningful consultation in daily practice.

Read More

Child Protection Guidance and Toolkit for Third Sector Organisations in Highland

This guidance is for third sector organisations with paid staff who should have robust child protection policies & procedures in place. It provides tools to support safer recruitment of staff and volunteers, alongside detailed guidance on child protection issues.

Read More

Child Protection Guidance and Toolkit for Community Groups in Highland

This guidance, developed by the Highland Child Protection Committee, supports community groups providing activities for children, young people and families in Highland. It offers general advice only; groups should act appropriately and seek guidance from the Committee or local professionals when needed.

Read More

Highland Child Protection and GIRFEC Guidance APP

Access the procedures to Highland’s Child Protection & Guidance Procedures quickly on your mobile or desktop and receive updates. This app can also be installed on your desktop. Step-by-step installation guidance is available by clicking here.

Read More

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)

Being aware of the adverse effects of trauma is essential when working with children and families. Trauma can significantly impact wellbeing, behaviour, relationships and development. Understanding this helps professionals and caregivers respond with empathy, provide appropriate support, and create safe, supportive environments that promote recovery and resilience.

Below are short videos produced by NHS Scotland to raise awareness of the impact of childhood adversity and how it can affect the behaviour and wellbeing of children and adults. These resources aim to support a more trauma-informed workforce. Click on the resources below to view.

Resources to develop knowledge and inform practice

Resources: Drugs, Alcohol & Exploitation

This Practitioner’s Guide has been developed by the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) and Highland Child Protection Committee (CPC), in collaboration with the Highland Adult Support and Protection Committee (APC).

CLICK HERE

The NSPCC page on Parents with Substance Use Problems highlights how drug or alcohol misuse by parents or carers can affect children’s safety, wellbeing and development. It explains that while many adults use substances without harming their parenting, long-term or problematic use can lead to chaotic lifestyles and difficulty meeting children’s needs.

CLICK HERE

Supporting children and young people impacted by someone else’s drug or alcohol use – This page will give you information about how children and young people can feel when they have a family member that uses alcohol or drugs. We suggest ways to help and support them, whether you are a parent, other relative, or someone else who is concerned about the child.

CLICK HERE

On this page Barnado’s experts explain what child sexual exploitation and abuse are, signs to watch for, how to report concerns, and how we support children who have experienced it.

CLICK HERE

Childline provides clear, child-friendly information about the laws around sexting and the pressures young people may face online. The website explains what sexting is, why it’s not okay for someone to pressure you to send a nude image, and what to do if something has gone wrong. It also offers advice, support and safe

CLICK HERE

RISE Highlands (Reducing the Impact of Child Sexual Exploitation)

The RISE Highland leaflet provides information about child sexual exploitation, helping raise awareness of the risks and signs of exploitation. It highlights available support for children, young people and families, and promotes a coordinated response to reduce harm and protect those at risk.

CLICK HERE

Resources: Online Safety

The Barnardo’s online safety page for parents provides practical advice to help families support children to stay safe online. It answers common questions such as how to keep children safe on the internet, when to start talking about online safety, and how parents can keep up with the fast-changing digital world.

The guidance encourages open conversations with children from an early age, building trust so they feel comfortable sharing concerns. It also highlights the importance of understanding the apps and platforms children use, setting clear boundaries, and using tools such as parental controls. Overall, the resource aims to help parents feel more confident in supporting their children to use the internet safely and responsibly.

CLICK HEREhttps://www.barnardos.org.uk/blog/online-safety-parents-questions?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17499746150&gbraid=0AAAAAD6aeUOynuSpoGtEZPQPsQxPxOSW9&gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchpxb_hxENrt9t2K3o9CeEJetrgyLkBup8UeDUKeyF0-uIlC21SmcbVRoCKA0QAvD_BwE

The latest advice and guidance on key online safety issues, as well as information on the latest apps and games.

CLICK HERE

Designed to teach kids key online safety habits, it guides them through everyday scenarios like sharing information, handling messages, and staying kind online.

CLICK HEREhttps://www.parentkind.org.uk/online-safety-toolkit

Childnet works directly with children and young people from the ages of 3-18, as well as parents, carers, teachers and professionals, finding out about their real experiences online and the positive things they are doing.

Working directly with these audiences is important in helping to equip them to stay safe online and informs the resources that is developed for them. For information and access to age appropriate resources:

CLICK HERE 

The Family Lives website provides advice and guidance on a wide range of online safety for young children. The site offers practical information to help everyone understand the digital world and support children to use technology safely from an early age.

For arly years children, the guidance highlights the importance of supervising online activity, choosing age-appropriate apps and websites, and creating safe habits when children first begin using digital devices.

CLICK HERE

Internet Safety for Children and Young People: National Action Plan
A refreshed action plan focused on improving internet safety for children and young people by ensuring appropriate training, support and information are available to help protect them online.

CLICK HERE

Other useful information

Click here – National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2023

Click here – QUICK GUIDE TO NON-ACCIDENTAL INJURIES IN CHILDREN

Child Here– Child Concern Form – Highland

Click here – Guidance on bruising on non-mobile babies

Click here – Female Genital Mutilation

Click here – No Smacking – Equal Protection Act 2019 FAQ’s.

Click here – Children’s mental health apps/web pages

Click here – Care Inspectorate SIMBA Poster and associated information

Click here – Just Ask Highland

Click here – My World Triangle