Fact check: Who is responsible for coordinating safeguarding enquiries?

1. Summary of the results

The question of who is responsible for coordinating safeguarding enquiries is complex and involves multiple agencies. According to ^[1], local authorities are responsible for carrying out assessments if there is reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer significant harm, to determine if steps are necessary to safeguard a child's welfare ^[1]. However, other sources suggest that the role of local authorities is not explicitly stated in the context of coordinating safeguarding enquiries, but they are involved in responding to safeguarding concerns ^[2]. The police also play a crucial role in supporting and contributing to the safeguarding process, particularly in relation to their own operations and areas of expertise ^[3]. Additionally, multi-agency working is important in safeguarding children, and various organizations, such as the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), are involved in supporting councils in England for social care, integration, and health ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context is the specific roles and responsibilities of different agencies in coordinating safeguarding enquiries. While some sources suggest that local authorities and the police are involved, others highlight the importance of multi-agency working and the role of other organizations, such as the LGA and ADASS ^[4]. Alternative viewpoints include the need for a national action plan to tackle child sexual abuse and the importance of technology and digital services in supporting policing efforts to safeguard vulnerable individuals ^{[5] [6]}. Furthermore, the role of lead child protection practitioners (LCPPs) and family help lead practitioners (FHLPs) in safeguarding processes is mentioned, but not fully explored ^[7].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be too narrow in its focus on a single agency or individual responsible for coordinating safeguarding enquiries. In reality, multiple agencies and organizations are involved in the safeguarding process, and collaboration and multi-agency working are crucial ^[5]. Additionally, the statement may overlook the importance of specific roles and responsibilities, such as those of LCPPs and FHLPs, in safeguarding processes ^[7]. The police and local authorities may benefit from a framing that emphasizes their respective roles in coordinating safeguarding enquiries, while other organizations, such as the LGA and ADASS, may benefit from a more nuanced understanding of their contributions to the safeguarding process ^{[4] [3]}.