Guidance published to support professionals on sharing information

Professionals working with children seeking clarity on sharing information can now consult new guidance, issued yesterday by the Department for Education and Skills.

Practitioners are often “unsure” whether to share information, children’s minister Beverley Hughes told delegates at an Association of Directors of Social Services seminar, where she revealed the new guidance.

Also publishing guidance on confidentiality, the minister said that where children aged under 13 are involved in sexual activity, professionals should discuss the issue with other agencies.

But for 13-15 year olds there will be no mandatory requirement to report, she said.

Guidance on the common assessment framework and the role of the lead professional was also published yesterday.

www.ecm.gov.uk/informationsharing

www.ecm.gov.uk/caf

www.ecm.gov.uk/leadprofessional