A boy's hand thrust forward towards the camera

February City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership Newsletter

The Partnership regularly review and update all our documentation.

These documents are approved by our multi-agency partners who are part of our Safeguarding and Professional Practice Sub-Group.

This month we want to share with you 2 documents that have been recently been published and are now available on the Partnership website:

Perplexing Presentations - Fabricated and Induced Illness in Children

Practice Guidance Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), by parents or carers, is child abuse and can cause significant harm to children. FII involves a well-child being presented by a parent/carer as ill, or a disabled child being presented with more significant problems than he/she has.

The definition of Fabricated Induced Illness has been extended by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Child Protection Companion (2013), to include the term ‘Perplexing Presentations’ (PP).

The term Perplexing Presentations (PP) describes the commonly encountered situation when there are alerting signs of possible Fabricated Induced Illness (not yet amounting to likely or actual significant harm), when the actual state of the child’s physical, mental health and neurodevelopment is not yet clear, but there is no perceived risk of immediate serious harm to the child’s physical health or life.

In February 2021 the RCPCH introduced new guidance for paediatricians on the management of PP FII in Children:

This local multi agency guidance aims to support professionals from all agencies to recognise and respond to possible Perplexing Presentations/Fabricated Induced Illness to effectively safeguard and achieve better outcomes for children. It is necessarily detailed as it reflects the often highly complex nature of this form of abuse.

The aim is to assess the impact of Perplexing Presentations/Fabricated Induced Illness on the child’s physical and emotional health and development, and to consider how to best safeguard the child’s welfare. This requires a sound and clear multi-agency approach. Early recognition and intervention are recommended to explore the possible causes of a Perplexing Presentation.

There is a need to establish whether Perplexing Presentations are fully explained by a verified condition in the child, or whether there has been some element of exaggeration or fabrication of illness with consequent physical, emotional, social or educational harm to the child.

Please familiarise yourself with this new guidance and share with your teams as appropriate:

Transitional Safeguarding Practice Guidance

The City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership and City of York Safeguarding Adults Board have updated the Transitional Safeguarding Practice Guidance and is available to download here:

This practice guidance sets out the arrangements for young people aged 16 years and above, whose circumstances may mean that Safeguarding Adults procedures would apply when they are 18. This relates to young people who would meet the definition of an ‘adult at risk’ when they turn 18.

This guidance promotes robust and effective transitional arrangements, and timely referrals between Children’s and Adult Services in the City of York. It recognises that harm is likely to continue post 18, and that abusers target vulnerability irrespective of age.

The purpose of this practice guidance is to:

  • provide clear referral guidance to follow in those situations where it may not be clear which Safeguarding Procedures (Adults or Children’s) apply.
  • ensure effective and timely safeguarding referrals are made between Children’s and Adult services.
  • develop and improve joint working practices across all services

We will also be hosting an in-person launch event on 17 March 2026, from 1.30pm to 4.00pm.

Book to attend Transitional Safeguarding Practice Guidance.

We encourage you to share these documents with your colleagues and review and discuss in your team meetings.

In addition all our other documents are available on the Partnership website:

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Safer Sleep Week 2026 runs from Monday 9 March to Sunday 15 March.

It’s a national awareness campaign targeting anyone looking after a young baby to raise awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the simple advice that reduces the risk of it occurring.

This Safer Sleep Week, the Lullaby Trust is sharing with parents “baby necessities’ - the essential items that a baby needs and how to check that they’re as safe as possible. The tag line is to “keep it simple to keep it safe”.

The safest cot is a clear cot. To lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), keep the cot clear of any items that could cover your baby’s face and head, such as bumpers, toys and loose bedding.

There are also a number of resources for practitioners that have been developed by the Lullaby Trust, as well as free staff training and information:

In light of Safer Sleep Week, we would also like to remind you that the Partnership has its dedicated ‘Babies and pregnancy’ webpage which contains details of our Partnership resources:

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The National Panel has published its national review into the death of baby Victoria Marten. The review focuses on preventing harm and improving protection for all vulnerable unborn babies.

Key findings and recommendations:

  • earlier and stronger pre-birth safeguarding, including more detailed national guidance on safeguarding vulnerable unborn babies and infants and situations where a pregnancy is concealed or disclosed late
  • the importance of trauma-informed practice to help reach families who do not engage with services, recognising that avoidance of services often reflects grief and mistrust rather than deliberate refusal
  • better engagement with and support for parents before and after child removal, to help break cycles of harm and reduce repeat risk
  • a preventative ‘Think Family’ approach, bringing together adult and children’s services to provide a holistic view and identify issues that affect the whole family unit
  • stronger links between children’s social care and offender management services, especially when serious sex offenders are parents or carers
  • clearer arrangements when families move across geographical boundaries, including the need for formal information transfer processes, shared chronologies and defined safeguarding responsibility

The following links provide further information:

Register for the National Panels Webinar on 4 March, from 10.00am to 11.00am, for a discussion on the findings:

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When we talk about perinatal mental health, the focus often falls on mothers, but fathers can face significant challenges too. Research shows that at least 1 in 10 men experience mental health problems around the time of birth, and suicide remains the leading cause of death in men under 50. Despite this, many new dads feel overlooked by services, which can make it harder for them to seek help when they’re struggling.

Healthcare professionals - midwives, health visitors, and others - have unique opportunities to identify concerns early and offer timely support. Asking fathers how they are, addressing intrusive thoughts, and considering cultural and social support networks can make a real difference.

About the Film: Invisible

Invisible is a short film that follows Luke’s journey as he becomes a dad to baby Josh. This is a dramatised version of events, developed from extensive interviews with a diverse range of fathers and based on research findings. The film aims to highlight factors that may impact new dads’ mental health and spark discussion around parenting roles, inclusion of fathers, and the importance of support.

A reminder that there is a dedicated section of the Partnership website solely in relation to working with fathers and male carers.

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In partnership we are striving forward with our Families First reform journey across York to deliver Family Help, a Multi-Agency Child Protection Team, strengthen Family Group Decision Making and strengthening the role of education.

The Families First newsletter welcomes Sarah Hawes, who joined York at the end of January in a new role as the Lead Education Safeguarding Practitioner. This role will be embedded within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Team (MASH) to ensure that there is Educational expertise and representation in assessment and interventions.

We also have a ‘day in the life’ of a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead within a local school. This role and the Designated Safeguarding Lead are integral to provide much needed support for young people in education settings.

If you have any queries or would like to provide feedback, email: [email protected].

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Safeguarding Training

The City of York Safeguarding Children’s Partnership aims to provide a range of courses that support those working with children and young people in York. We have been listening to your feedback.

In September 2025 we launched the new City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership Awareness E-learning module, building on and improving the content from the previous module. As the current module is pitched at a higher level, we are now reviewing our face to face offer (previously known as Safeguarding A and B) to make sure it is at an appropriate level for Designated Safeguarding Lead’s and Deputy Safeguarding Lead’s within agencies.

As such, we will be pausing the face-to-face offer from April 2026 while we work on developing the content of a new course and it will be re-launched in September 2026.

In the meantime, we encourage you to access the e-learning module if you haven’t already and we will be in touch about bridging the gap until the new course is available.

Further information about accessing our e-learning training is available on the Partnership website:

Children and Young People Trauma Informed Care Programme

Trauma Informed Care Programme have launched their programme of training courses up until September 2026.

The following courses are available.

Developmental Trauma - an introduction

This half day course is delivered online. Further information including dates and how to book is available on the Partnership Website:

Face to face Children and Young People Trauma Informed Care Programme

The following courses are available in person.

Full Day Trauma Informed Training session

A more in-depth training session for all staff who have direct or regular contact with Children and Young People who may be affected by trauma

This level of training will support those working on a daily basis with Children and Young People.

2 Day ARC Training - Pre-Requisite to becoming an ARC Champion

An in-depth 2 day training course for all staff who have direct or regular contact with Children and Young People who may be affected by trauma.

This level of training will support those working on a daily basis with Children and Young People.

This training is delivered by national trainer Kati Taunt and offers the opportunity for those attending to become ARC Champions within their own service areas.

Half Day Senior Leadership Training

2 half day training sessions aimed at Senior Leaders from our Stakeholder and Partnership Organisations across the 6 places of the Humber and North Yorkshire region who can really effect organisational change.

Once Leaders have attended the ARC training, we hope that this will give them a greater understanding of the ARC Framework, to enable them to support their staff in implementing a Trauma Informed approach and some of them becoming ARC Champions.

Further information including dates and how to book are available on the Partnership website:

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The Building Brighter Futures training programme has been designed to strengthen multi-agency teams in line with the recent UK children’s services reforms.

Target audience

Early help practitioners, health visitors, DSL, education colleagues, probation, hospital safeguarding, police and external agencies

Course outline

The reforms place increased emphasis on accountability, analytical rigour, and collaborative decision-making in both preventative and safeguarding practice. As such, this programme is tailored to support the professionals who contribute to making ensuring they are equipped to operate confidently and competently within the new way of working.

The focus of the training is to enhance four critical areas of practice:

  • intentional information gathering
  • clear, focused analysis that makes meaning of gathered information
  • judgement and decision-making supported by evidence-based rationales
  • action-oriented planning involving natural networks and relevant professionals, proportionate to the concerns identified

You can book a place on MyLO:

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Target audience

All professionals working with children and adults in the city of York.

Course outline

You're invited to attend the Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Safeguarding Adults Board launch of our updated Transitional Safeguarding Protocol which sets out our collective vision and provides a shared understanding of how we work together to improve outcomes for young people who are transitioning into adulthood.

You will hear from our partners who are working with young people and adults may be at risk of abuse or neglect to support transitional arrangements for young people aged 16 and above whose circumstances may mean that Safeguarding Adults procedures would apply when they are 18.

You will also hear from a number of our partners, including what support is available for young people in the city of York across a number of services.

The session will also include input from Expert Experience.

Date and Time:

Tuesday 17 March, 1.30pm to 4.00pm, George Hudson Room, West Offices.

Go to the course page on MyLO and click ‘access this course’ at the top of the page and then ‘sign up’ next to the date:

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This podcast shares powerful stories from survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, offering insight, hope, and courage.

Featuring members of the IDAS Survivor Network, this podcast highlights the strength in lived experience. It is a space for truth, empathy, and learning. It’s for survivors, supporters and professionals, exploring the intersecting factors that shape each journey.

If you are thinking about reaching out for help, we hope these stories inspire you to do so.

If you are listening as a professional, we hope they offer insight that leads to deeper, more compassionate support.

Listen to the podcast on Spotify:

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Safeguarding Week 2026 will take place from Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June.

After the success of Safeguarding Week 2025, we have once again teamed across the safeguarding partnerships of North Yorkshire, the City of York, Kingston Upon Hull and East Riding to take part in Safeguarding Week 2026.

As per previous years the main theme will be “safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility” with an emphasis on how we can work together.

In a similar format to last year, a programme will be developed for both professional and public audiences covering a wide variety of safeguarding themes looking at both adult and child safeguarding.

The plan is to deliver sessions virtually or in person at varying times throughout the day to accommodate attendees’ working day or evening activities.

Representatives from across the local authority safeguarding partnerships are meeting regularly to coordinate the week and are in the planning stage for the development of the 2026 programme, but we need you as our safeguarding partners to share your knowledge and expertise in the delivery of the sessions in order to make the week a success.

If anyone would like to deliver a masterclass session during Safeguarding Week on behalf of the Partnership please do not hesitate to contact us on email: [email protected].

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Counter Terrorism Policing’s What You Share Leaves A Trace campaign have launched an important new youth campaign, designed to help protect young people from the growing risks and real-world consequences they face by sharing terrorist content online.

The campaign has been shaped by extensive research including focus groups with teenage boys, who said that they spend large amounts of their time on platforms including TikTok and YouTube, rarely see content from official sources, and are far more likely to listen to peers and creators than teachers, parents or the police.

In response, 2 short TikTok-style videos have been created, one for younger teens (13 to 15) and one for older teens (16 to 17).

Each focus on the real world consequences of sharing terrorist content, such as losing their devices, travel restrictions, and long term impacts on education, jobs and family.

The campaign will run until 15 March and has been launched through targeted advertising on TikTok and YouTube during the half term holiday. It is also supported by a dedicated ACT Early website page.

The campaign will be closely evaluated to understand what resonates and how we can continue to improve the reach and approach to this audience and combines credible messaging with targeted digital distribution and paid amplification, ensuring the message reaches young people at the moments they are most likely to encounter risky content, before harm happens.

See the relevant CTNet article, with additional information, as well as a direct link to the ACT Early website where you can view the videos:

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You're all invited to attend a drop-in session at York Fire Station on 18 March.

The session will run between 10.00am and 2.00pm, and professionals are welcome to drop in at any point. This event is open to those who have already worked with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as those who may be interested in future partnership opportunities.

There will be information about Home Fire Safety Visits, Early Intervention work with Young People and Older Drivers.

Further information about partnership working, and how our organisations can work together to help keep communities safe, is available on their website:

To book a place, please complete their online form

Please share this invitation with colleagues or other organisations who may find it beneficial.

York Fire Station has step free access, and there is a disabled toilet downstairs. There's no parking at the Fire Station but the Q Park Barbican car park is next door.

It is an operational Fire Station and there may be loud noises if there is an emergency call out. The session is run by staff from our Prevention Team so an emergency call out will not affect the event.

To follow up on this initial drop-in event, the Fire Service will be running Home Fire Safety Visit Training for Referring Partners sessions at York Fire Station on:

  • Friday 17 April at 10.00am
  • Tuesday 28 April at 2.00pm
  • Monday 18 May at 2.00pm

Places can be booked via Eventbrite:

If you would prefer a session to be delivered specifically to your team either online or in person email: [email protected].

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Support York’s ambition to become an Inclusive Recovery City - a place where people in recovery from substance use are welcomed, supported and valued.

Help City of York Council to encourage organisations to adopt more recovery inclusive policies and practices.

The event is being held on Wednesday 29 April, from 9.30am to 1.00pm at the LNER Community Stadium, York.

Find out further information about this event and register for a place:

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North Yorkshire Police present virtual reality of knife crime - groundbreaking tech to keep young people safe, on 19 March, from midday to 12.30pm.

In this free 30-minute online session, North Yorkshire Police will share information relating to the use of an immersive 360-degree film that aims to build an emotional understanding of the devastating impact of knife crime among children and young people.

“One knife destroys more than one life” is delivered to young people through VR headsets with the viewer witnessing a tragic incident from multiple perspectives, stepping into the shoes of everyone affected.

The session is delivered via Teams and can be accessed on following link:

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Research in Practice have published a podcast which takes a look at youth violence through a public health lens - exploring what that really means in practice.

Phil John, Technical Support Coordinator at Research in Practice, is joined by Professor Alistair (Ali) Fraser, Criminologist, and Raquel Vieth, Senior Innovation and Development Lead at Research in Practice, as they talk about how we can work together across services, listen to young people’s voices, and build safer, more hopeful communities.

This podcast looks at:

  • the Young Warriors podcast and the role of lived experience
  • the importance of understanding young people’s lives in context
  • a public health approach to youth violence
  • what can keep us hopeful

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The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has published a news story about Artificial Intelligence tools and online child sexual abuse material:

The news story highlights concerns around increasing levels of photo-realistic AI child sexual abuse material.

Findings from Internet Watch Foundation data show in 2025 the Internet Watch Foundation discovered 3,440 Artificial Intelligence videos of child sexual abuse, compared to only 13 in 2024, 65% of which were categorised as Category A, the most severe classification under UK law.

The Internet Watch Foundation is calling for the government to hasten plans to outlaw Artificial Intelligence apps (and other tools) which digitally remove clothing or ‘nudify’ subjects of photographs.

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Practitioners can now access guidance on recognising and responding to Artificial Intelligence generated child sexual abuse material. The free UK wide resources explain the law, outline safe reporting steps, and offer advice on supporting victims affected by Artificial Intelligence driven exploitation.

The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings numerous benefits, but also poses significant risks, particularly concerning the creation and sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), also referred to as AI-CSAM. Internet Watch Foundation were one of the first organisations to identify AI-CSAM online which led to their report on the production of this type of criminal material. Internet Watch Foundation are committed to equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard children and young people from this growing threat.

Their comprehensive guides, developed in collaboration with the National Crime Agency (NCA), provide essential information on understanding, identifying and responding to incidents involving AI-CSAM.

AI can now be used to manipulate real photos or generate entirely new abusive images involving children, making it harder for practitioners to recognise harm and act swiftly.

Visit the Internet Watch Foundation website to access these resources.

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Healthwatch York has launched a new project looking at the experiences of young people and vaping in York.

There has been a significant rise in the number of young people vaping. With mounting evidence that vaping is a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of young people, Healthwatch York wanted to examine why more young people are vaping, the links to smoking cigarettes and other harmful behaviour, as well as the risk of adulterated vapes and unpredictable effects. They are also keen to share information about where young people can get support to stop vaping.

Healthwatch York have launched a survey which is available via the link below and on our website and invite young people up to the age of 25 to share their experiences and views about vaping. Please get in touch if you would like paper copies of this survey.

Are you working with someone who would like support to stop vaping?

Free support is available to help you stop vaping. Just contact the Health Trainers using the online form and a Health Trainer will be in touch.

You can also contact the team by telephone or WhatsApp: 07789 946384, or email: [email protected].

Details of stop smoking and vaping support are available on their website.

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City of York Council’s Health Trainer team have launched the Healthy Families Service - a warm, welcoming and completely free way for York families to boost physical and emotional wellbeing.

Led by Health Trainers Donna and Katie, the service helps families make small, positive lifestyle changes that add up to a big difference. The voluntary programme offers up to 6 free sessions, tailored around what works for each family.

Support can include:

  • simple, budget friendly healthy eating
  • better sleep and calming routines
  • fun, family friendly ways to get active
  • building emotional resilience
  • setting realistic goals and breaking unhelpful habits
  • celebrating progress, big or small

Sessions can take place at home, at school, online, in community spaces or even in their local park. Kids, grandparents - even pets - are welcome.

Families can self refer or be referred by a healthcare professional. Contact the service by:

If you are working with a family who would welcome this support further information is available on the City of York Council website:

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Monday 9 March to Sunday 15 March - Safer Sleep Week

Safer Sleep Week 2026 will run from 9 March to 15 March.

This is our national awareness campaign targeting anyone looking after a young baby. We raise awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the simple advice that reduces the risk of it occurring.

Monday 16 March to Friday 20 March - National Social Work Week

Social Work Week 2026, organized by Social Work England, takes place from 16 March to 20 March, featuring a free program of online events to champion the profession.

It runs alongside World Social Work Day (March 17), aimed at fostering national conversation, educating the public, and sharing best practices among social workers.

Key details regarding Social Work Week:

  • Purpose: The week aims to raise public awareness, discuss challenges, share best practices, and highlight the diverse roles of social workers
  • Events: It includes a series of free online workshops, webinars, and discussions covering topics like mental health, EDI (equality, diversity, and inclusion), and professional standards
  • Participation: The program is for everyone with an interest in social work, including practitioners, educators, students, and people with lived experience of social work
  • 2026 Focus: The 2026 event will feature sessions on data, innovation, and training

Monday March 16 March to Friday 20 March - Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.

It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

Wednesday 18 March - National Child Exploitation Awareness Day

The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day (CEADay) takes place on 18 March annually.

The National Child Exploitation Awareness Day is a great way to highlight the issues surrounding Child Exploitation; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children or children exploiting and abusing their peers.

You can focus your awareness raising event to the day itself - 18 March - or spread it out with a series of events over the week or month.

Holding events such as school talks to pupils, teaching staff and non-teaching staff, non-uniform days, stalls, displays, posters, and leaflets through your place of work are an important and effective way of raising awareness and sharing important messages around child exploitation.

Thursday 2 April to Tuesday 7 April 2026 - World Autism Week

World Autism Acceptance Week is a dedicated period focused on raising awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The week aims to celebrate the uniqueness of individuals with autism, promote inclusive practices, and educate the public about the challenges and strengths of those on the autism spectrum. It is a time for communities to come together in support of individuals with autism and their families, advocating for acceptance and equal opportunities.

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If anyone has any items for newsletters going forward, please let us know on email: [email protected].