Where can I find help and resources?

There are lots of organisations who can help with Safeguarding concerns and provide advice to children and parents. The resources listed here are only some of those out there so please do ask school staff for signposting if you cannot find what you need here. 

Domestic Violence

Operation Encompass is a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse. Operation Encompass ensures that there is a simple telephone call or notification to a school’s trained Designated Safeguarding Lead /Officer (known as key Adult) prior to the start of the next school day after an incident of police attended domestic abuse where there are children related to either of the adult parties involved. Information is shared with a school’s Key Adult (Designated Safeguarding Lead or Officer) prior to the start of the next school day after officers have attended a domestic abuse incident. This sharing of information enables appropriate support to be given, dependent upon the needs and wishes of the child. More information can be found at 

https://www.operationencompass.org 

County Lines (Drugs)

County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.

They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs. This is often referred to as ‘drug running’. Criminals may also use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of operations. This is known as ‘cuckooing’.

Signs to look out for 

There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in county lines:

• repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas
• having money, new clothes or electronic devices and they can't explain how they paid for them
• getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they're speaking to
• decline in school or work performance
• significant changes in emotional or physical well-being

More information can be found at https://www.cambs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/cl/county-lines/ 

Prevent (Counter radicalisation) 

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent Strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme far-right wing and extreme Islamist groups.

Information leaflet for parents can be found at https://www.educateagainsthate.com/resources/parents-and-carers-protecting-your-child-from-extremism-and-radicalisation-2023/ 

NSPCC (Children's charity) 

Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/