Information Sharing

Sharing information about children, young people and their families

Why is information sharing important?
Information sharing is essential to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable and at risk of neglect and abuse. By sharing the information among agencies we can deliver the right services that are coordinated around the needs of children, young people and their families.

When to share information
Many practitioners recognise the importance of information sharing and there is much good practice. However, in some situations they feel constrained from sharing information by uncertainty about when they can do lawfully. The following documents aim to support practitioners to be confident about what information they can share about a child, young person or family.

Seven Golden Rules for Information Sharing

Information Sharing Flowchart

Safeguarding Procedures – Information Sharing

National Information Sharing Guidance for practitioners and managers

Current version of partnership intelligence form

You may also wish to access information relating to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or the Data Protection Act.