LSCP Levels Of Need

LEVELS OF NEED

Levels Of Need Framework

LSCP LON Briefing Paper 2023

Responding to Need - Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility

Nothing is more important than children’s welfare. Children who need help and protection deserve high quality and effective support as soon as a need is identified. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play. Working Together 2018

Effective safeguarding arrangements is underpinned two key principles;

• safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part; and
• a child-centred approach: for services to be effective they should be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.

Everyone who works with children – including teachers, GPs, nurses, midwives, health visitors, early year’s professionals, youth workers, police, Accident and Emergency staff, paediatricians, voluntary and community workers and social workers – has a responsibility for keeping them safe.

Guidance to support Responding to Need

see Multi-Agency Referral Form and Guidance MARF

NOTE: Levels of Need indicators are to be used a guidance only.

Indicators should be used in conjunction with single and multi-agency safeguarding children procedures, best practice guidance and protocols for specific issues or concerns. Indicators do not replace children’s assessments but can be used to aid the identification of strengths and protective factors, for a child at the earliest opportunity, as well as any additional unmet needs or welfare concerns.

Where a professional is unsure of the most appropriate response to identified needs, appropriate discussion with managers or a designated safeguarding lead will support the most appropriate action to be taken. Advice and guidance should always be sought to ensure appropriate action is taken.