Practitioners in England should be sharing information about children at risk, despite concerns about breaking the law, according to new government guidance.

In an introduction to the guidance on implementing identification, referral and tracking, children’s minister Margaret Hodge says the government is considering how to resolve the confusion about what can and cannot legally be shared.

The guidance says: "It is vital that practitioners use existing statutory and common-law powers to share information. Concern about breaking the law often leads to information being withheld from other professionals, even when it would be in the best interest of the child to pass it on."

The guidance adds that information must be shared in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Human Rights Acts 1998, which involves protocols and standardised procedures for recording decisions.

- Identification, Referral and Tracking: Information Sharing to Improve Services for Children at www.cypu.gov.uk/corporate/publications.cfm