This insight is more than 6 months old...
Please note that this insight was first published in June 2018, and therefore whilst the subject matter is still relevant, it may not represent the most up to date information in this area.
Introduction
…probably the single most consistent failure in safeguarding work with children… [is]…the failure of all professionals to see the situation from the child’s perspective and experience; to see and speak to the children; to listen to what they said, to observe how they were and to take serious account of their views in supporting their needs.
Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out that every child has a right to express their views and have them taken seriously, however as the quote above demonstrates it is often the very thing that is missing when safeguarding children. At Safeguarding Network, one question cuts through a lot of the training and consultancy work that we do - "what is life like for this child?" We find that if we can keep this in our minds then it means that we are constantly reminded to hear the child's voice in our work.
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Children talking about their experiences
If a child talks to you about what is happening, listen and as soon as possible afterwards record in as much detail as possible. Follow your procedures and talk to your designated lead.
Resources
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The voice of the child: learning lessons from serious case reviews
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Let children know you’re listening