Think Family

Jersey recognises that family structures are dynamic and varied far beyond those defined by blood relationships or partners. Family is often constituted by the individuals themselves and is unique to their diverse and individual needs, including class, culture, race, ethnicity, religion and sexuality. Whilst the nature of family will change, the importance of understanding how it impacts on the person and the interdependence of individual support and wellbeing remains vital. Adopting a Think Family approach strengthens safeguarding.

The Think Family approach is a reminder that people do not live in isolation, and so when there are concerns about possible abuse or neglect within a 'family' situation, there is a need to think about the needs of the whole family regardless of whether it is an adult or child that you are working with. This approach is important in helping to understand the unique circumstances of an adult (or child) at risk, and the strengths and resources within the family to provide for their needs.

If there are concerns, for example, about neglect of a person with dementia at home, it is necessary to understand the strengths and needs of the family as a whole to ensure the person is provided with the support they want and need in the future. It also means considering if there are reasons to be concerned about unmet care and support needs of other members of the family, including those of children.

When working with families, support for one individual who is in need can also help others. Additional support for a child in need may also enable the family to better support a relative with dementia. Similarly, additional support the adult with dementia may enable the family to offer more support to their child as well.

In both cases, it is important to recognise that it may be necessary to work closely with wider services, to help enable families to overcome the challenges they experience. Think Family requires all partner agencies to recognise the strengths and needs, not just of individuals with whom they are working, but of also of their families with whom they live and share their lives. It requires staff to recognise the wider challenges that families experience, and to seek to provide support that helps with both the immediate and underlying issues.

1. Safeguarding Children

Safeguarding children is everyone's business. Working Together 2018 states that it is vital that everyone working with children and families, including those who work with parents/carers understands the role they should play in safeguarding children and the roles of other practitioners.

All professionals must submit an enquiry to the Children and Family Hub if they have concerns that a child or young person:

• Has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm;
• Has a disability or developmental need which would likely be impaired or further impaired without the provision of services.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined in 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment;
• Preventing impairment of children's health or development;
• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

The Children (Jersey) Law 2002 provides the legislative framework for agencies to take decisions on behalf of children and to take action to protect them from abuse and neglect.

Professionals or agencies working with adults have a key role in identifying children who need safeguarding. If a professional or agency working with adults becomes aware that a child is or may be at risk of harm, they have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child or children.

 Where there is a concern that an Adult at Risk is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect and there are children in the same household, the children could also be at risk. Reference should be made to Jersey's Multi-Agency Child Protection Policy and Procedures if there are concerns about abuse or neglect of children and young people under the age of 18. 

Where there is an emergency, including immediate risk of death or serious injury then the States of Jersey Police should be contacted on 999. To report a concern or allegation about a child contact the Police on 01534 612612.

2. Transitions

When a person over 18 is still receiving children's services (e.g. in an educational setting until aged 25) and a safeguarding issue is raised, the matter should be dealt with through adult safeguarding arrangements with the contribution of children's services and any other relevant partner agency invited to play their part (the level of need is not an important factor, nor is eligibility for adult care services).

Transition planning is crucial where there is an identified safeguarding issue (for young people) and it is anticipated that upon reaching 18 years old they are likely to require adult safeguarding.

Aspects to cross check include:

• Consultation with the young person by adult social care and invite them to any relevant conference or review;
• What information / advice the young person has received about adult safeguarding;
• The need for advocacy and support;
• Whether a capacity assessment is needed and who will undertake it;
• If Best Interest decisions need to be made.

3. Children who Abuse (Adults)

If a child or children is/are causing harm to an adult covered by the adult safeguarding policy & procedures, action should be taken be taken under adult procedures, as well as a Referral to the Children and Family Hub and close liaison with children's services. 

4. Young Carers

Where there is a concern that a child is taking on caring responsibilities for an adult a referral should be made to the Children and Family Hub so that support for the child can be considered and their needs as a young carer assessed. An assessment may also be carried out if a young carer, or the parent of a young carer, requests one. Such an assessment must consider whether it is appropriate or excessive for the young carer to provide care for the person in question given the young carer's needs and wishes. The assessment will need to consider the needs of the whole family and Children's Services and Adult's Social Care will work together to combine assessments of children and adults in the household, with the agreement of the young carer and adults concerned.