Sharing information with families, professionals and safeguarding teams

Staff in children's homes routinely share information to support care and keep children safe. Examples include updating a social worker, liaising with a school, supporting health appointments or handing over key facts between shifts. Before sharing, check that the information is necessary, relevant and being sent to the right person by an appropriate route.

Relatives and other family members will have different roles in a child's life. Do not assume who can receive information. If you are unsure, follow local policy and ask a manager. If there is a safeguarding concern, confidentiality does not prevent sharing; pass relevant information through the correct safeguarding channel.

Even when information must be shared for care or safety, do so carefully. Use the approved channel, confirm the recipient's identity and role, limit what you disclose to what is needed, and record important decisions so the reasons for sharing are clear.

Ask yourself

• Who needs this information and why?
• Am I using the right route to share it?
• Am I sharing the right amount, not everything I know?
• Do I need a manager or safeguarding lead involved?
• Is there a child-safety reason that makes delay unsafe?

Manager focus: safeguarding and sharing

Good information sharing is not about telling everyone everything. It is about telling the right people the right facts for the right reason.