The Family Strengths and Needs Toolkit is a key resource for practitioners across Somerset when working with families where neglect is a concern. Its structured, child‑centred approach helps professionals capture what can often feel difficult to evidence—particularly chronic, cumulative neglect. Why Practitioners Value It Recent practitioner feedback highlights how the toolkit supports clearer, more confident […]

What’s new in 2026 The Effective Support for Children and Families guidance has been updated for February 2026, building on the June 2024 version. This refreshed guidance strengthens our shared understanding of children’s needs, clarifies expectations across all levels of support, and makes it easier for practitioners to access tools and make informed decisions. The

More than 23,000 people across the South West sought support in 2025 because they were worried about their own or someone else’s sexual behaviour online towards children — a 30% rise since 2024. In response, over 30 agencies across the South West have joined forces with the national child‑protection charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation to

We were excited to announce the launch of the updated Multi‑Agency Exploitation Screening Tool and the brand‑new Child Exploitation Initial Response Pathway (including Serious Youth Violence) at the Serious Youth Violence and Exploitation Conference on Thursday 29th January – these are now live on the SSCP website! These refreshed resources give practitioners clearer guidance, more

These free webinars are open to any professionals working in the South West who want to learn more about child sexual abuse and its prevention. These webinars are part of the Stop It Now campaign, run by child protection charity Lucy Faithfull Foundation. The campaign aims to deter people from online sexual offences against children,

The Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) is gearing up to launch two major updates to strengthen our collective response to child exploitation and ensure children receive the right support at the right time. Current SSCP Online Tools Going Offline – 5pm, Friday 23 January 2026 To prepare for these upgrades, the digital CE Screening Tool

As the UK’s leading children’s charity, the NSPCC works to prevent abuse, strengthen early relationships, and ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. Their programmes are grounded in research, shaped by practice experience, and designed to respond to the needs of families during key stages of their journey. We are pleased to

🌟 Join an inspiring in person Workshop! Somerset Council – Engagement and Participation Team The Somerset Council Engagement and Participation Team is excited to invite children, young people, families, and the professionals who support them to a dynamic in person workshop designed to showcase the meaningful opportunities available across Somerset. The event will be taking