Member

I fully acknowledge the importance of recognising when a parent or carer may themselves be a victim of abuse. The noble Baroness gave a vivid example of that. Our wider reforms are underpinned by a whole-family approach and understanding the needs of the adults in the household. The statutory guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children, already includes guidance for practitioners to focus on the needs of the child and their family. However, we must be clear that the child’s safety and welfare is paramount in all decisions about information sharing. Statutory guidance issued as part of this duty will support practitioners to discharge their duty, including a consideration of other factors such as domestic abuse, to help with the complex and difficult situation alluded to by the noble Baroness, Lady Barran.