Child safeguarding practice review panel report published

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (CSPRP) has published its fifth annual report, presenting vital insights and evidence from its work between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024. This comprehensive review highlights progress in child safeguarding practices while identifying critical areas that demand attention to foster meaningful and sustainable change.

The Panel extends its gratitude to the Vulnerability Knowledge and Practice Programme (VKPP), whose Data Insights Team played a pivotal role in this year’s report. The VKPP team provided comprehensive analysis and skilful presentation of the evidence and learning showcased.

The VKPP works nationally to build a robust understanding of child safeguarding and vulnerability issues. Through its data-driven insights, collaborative research, and practical guidance, the VKPP supports safeguarding partners in improving policies and frontline practices. Their contributions to this report ensure that the evidence shared is both detailed and actionable, empowering safeguarding professionals to address systemic challenges effectively.

The report draws on findings from rapid reviews, Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (LCSPRs), and analyses of national safeguarding issues. It provides practical insights and guidance for leaders, managers, and practitioners in the safeguarding ecosystem.
The report spotlights three significant themes:

Safeguarding children with mental health needs

Recognising the growing prevalence of mental health challenges, this theme emphasises the importance of responsive and holistic safeguarding strategies tailored to these children.

Safeguarding pre-school children with parents with mental health needs

Acknowledging the ripple effects of parental mental health on pre-school children, this theme underscores the need for family-focused interventions that address interconnected challenges.

Extrafamilial harm

This theme highlights risks children face outside their families, such as exploitation, bullying, or gang involvement, urging safeguarding efforts to extend into communities and systems.