Supervising Social Workers (SSWs) play a central role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people within the Positive Aspirations Group. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and our approach must always be grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care — recognising the impact of trauma, promoting safety, and responding in ways that reduce re-traumatisation.
SSW’s MUST refer to and be knowledgeable of the Positive Aspirations Group:
- Safeguarding Policy
- Allegations and Complaints Policy and Procedures
SSWs should be fully aware of the processes outlined in these policies and how to apply them in practice.
Trauma-Informed Practice and Safeguarding
All safeguarding work must be underpinned by the principles of:
- Safety – ensuring that children, carers, and families feel emotionally and physically safe throughout any safeguarding process.
- Trust and Transparency – communicating clearly about what is happening, why, and what will happen next, to reduce anxiety and confusion.
- Collaboration – involving Foster Carers, children, and professionals in a way that promotes inclusion and voice, wherever safe and appropriate.
- Empowerment and Choice – respecting the rights and dignity of all involved, ensuring information is shared in a sensitive and proportionate manner.
- Cultural Awareness – recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences of children and carers and how these may influence their experiences of safeguarding systems.
Responding to Concerns
Where possible child protection concerns arise in respect of a Foster Carer, child, or someone in their support network, the SSW should not discuss the concern with the Foster Carer or family until they have referred to the relevant procedure and spoken with their Team Manager (TM) or Registered Manager (RM).
This ensures that the response is managed appropriately, protects the integrity of any potential investigation, and avoids unnecessary distress or confusion for the Foster Carer or family.
SSWs should approach every situation with professional curiosity, empathy, and care — understanding that allegations and safeguarding concerns can cause significant anxiety and fear for all involved. The way we respond can either escalate or de-escalate emotional distress, so calm, measured, and compassionate communication is vital.
Multi-Agency Working and Local Authority Involvement
Child Protection investigations are conducted by the Local Authority (LA) local to the Foster Carer’s home. The SSW must ensure that they are familiar with the local safeguarding procedures and reporting pathways for each area in which their Foster Carers reside.
When Section 47 (s.47) processes are in place, SSWs must:
- Attend all child protection meetings.
- Ensure that all relevant documentation, including daily recordings, supervision notes, and a clear chronology of events, is made available where requested.
- Present information in a factual, non-judgemental, and trauma-informed way that distinguishes between fact, observation, opinion, and third-party information.
The SSW should provide emotional containment and practical support to Foster Carers throughout the process, ensuring they are kept informed and understand what is happening at each stage, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Reporting and Escalation
All child protection concerns must be shared with the Team Manager and Registered Manager on the same day, including any safeguarding matters that arise out of hours.
If the SSW’s Team Manager is absent, the covering Team Manager and Registered Manager must be informed immediately.
In situations arising out of hours, the SSW should ensure that any information shared with the Out of Hours Service is accurately recorded and followed up in writing the next working day, ensuring full continuity of information and accountability.
Supporting Foster Carers and Households During Safeguarding Processes
SSWs must recognise that being subject to a safeguarding concern or investigation can be distressing and potentially re-traumatising for Foster Carers and household members. To mitigate this, SSWs should:
- Provide consistent, calm communication explaining what is happening and what support is available.
- Offer access to Mentor and Therapeutic Support, where appropriate.
- Encourage Foster Carers to use their support network and to access independent support as outlined in the Allegations and Complaints Policy.
- Maintain regular contact, ensuring that the carer does not feel isolated or excluded from the process.
All actions and conversations should reflect the trauma-informed principles of respect, transparency, and emotional safety.
Record Keeping
All safeguarding and child protection information must be:
- Recorded accurately and promptly.
- Stored securely in line with data protection and confidentiality standards.
- Written in clear, non-stigmatising language that reflects a balanced and fair account.
Supervising Social Workers should also use reflective supervision to explore the emotional impact of safeguarding work on themselves, ensuring they are supported to manage professional stress and maintain objectivity.
