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Changes to safeguarding arrangements up and running

Changes to safeguarding arrangements up and running
01 August 2019

The partnership responsible for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in Darlington has been redesigned and is now up and running, as part of new arrangements introduced nationally.

The statutory changes came into effect on 1 July and mean Darlington Borough Council is no longer the single lead for co-ordinating safeguarding arrangements for children.

Three organisations – the Council, Durham Constabulary and Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group – now have joint and equal responsibility, under the name Darlington Safeguarding Partnership, and have taken the opportunity to extend this to include vulnerable adults.

Ann Baxter, Independent Chair of Darlington Safeguarding Partnership, said: “In Darlington, all the many organisations previously involved in safeguarding worked together to shape the redesigned arrangements. It was agreed that this is a good opportunity to work together differently, and to strengthen the joint arrangements.

“The aim is to improve services for the most vulnerable people by bringing together a whole family approach. This is a smarter way of working together, which will include not just three statutory partners, but a wide range of organisations and services that have an impact on the lives of children and vulnerable adults.”

Councillor Rachel Mills, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “These changes, which were introduced after many months of careful planning, are an opportunity to review what has previously happened and make our safeguarding arrangements in Darlington as robust as they can be.

“People in Darlington can be reassured that there are strong and effective measures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

Councillor Paul Crudass, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Children & Young People, said: “This isn’t just about the number of meetings, it’s about a change in culture and increased involvement across all partner organisations, including schools and academies.

“These new arrangements will strengthen partnership working across adults and children, ensuring everyone in Darlington can live safely.”  The new arrangements will be closely monitored to ensure they deliver what is required.

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