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Training and resources for professionals

Working Together to Safeguard Children

This document is currently being updated and the draft Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 is now available. We would appreciate your comments on the proposed changes. You can give your views by using this form

Both the draft document is available and the consultation document are available on the government website.


Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 is the government’s statutory guidance for all organisations and agencies who work with, or carry out work related to, children in the United Kingdom. The guidance aims to set the goalposts for inter-agency working and for promoting the welfare of children from all backgrounds, in all settings.

Read more about the guidance.

Definitions of abuse

Definitions of the different types of child abuse and related terminology are included in Working Together to Safeguard Children. Key definitions are highlighted in this glossary.

If you are concerned that a child is being abused, or to request support, you can:

Call 0345 155 1071

Complete the request for support online form

If it’s an emergency call 999


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