Explain boundaries early
Be clear about your role, how contact will work, what information is recorded and when a concern must be shared. Repeat this in language the child, young person or parent can understand.
Topic
Safeguarding & boundaries
Keep safety, role clarity and trust in the same conversation.
People are more able to take part when they understand the role of the adult, the limits of confidentiality and what will happen if someone may be unsafe. SF Connects resources help parents, practitioners, mentors and coaches prepare for these conversations.
Where to start
Four ways to think about what's happening.
Respond without investigating
If someone shares a concern, listen, stay calm, avoid promises of secrecy and do not ask leading questions. Record and report through the relevant safeguarding procedure.
Recognise the limits of a resource
A card, worksheet, book or community discussion cannot assess risk or replace local safeguarding arrangements, supervision, emergency help or specialist support.
Use location-specific information
Safeguarding law and reporting routes vary. Pages must state the country or service context and be reviewed when procedures change.
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