Often, DSLs report that Children's Services do not offer support to families where there are concerns of neglect. Sometimes this can be related to the quality of the record-keeping. Areas that are sometimes overlooked or lacking in records and referrals can include:

• Not using your local area's 'thresholds of harm' document

• Not being specific enough about the impact of omissions of care on the child's development, health and/or safety

• Not capturing the child's voice/lived experience

• Using language that is vague or open to interpretation.

Use these resources to improve the quality of record keeping relating to neglect (and other safeguarding concerns as the principles are transferable).