Welcome
Welcome to Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton (HIPS) safeguarding children procedures manual.
If you consider a child is at immediate risk of harm phone the police on 999.
How to use this manual
Use the link to the Contents page to access different sections of the procedures.
Referral to Children's Social Care and Early Help
When a professional working in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth or Southampton assesses that a child/family requires additional support, they need to complete an inter-agency referral or contact form as per local processes and share this with the relevant Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or Childrens Resource Centre (CRS). The use of the Threshold Guidance will assist this process and help inform the practitioner’s decision-making.
If a professional believes that a child may be at risk of significant harm, they should both telephone the MASH/CRS (or out of hours children’s services) and fill in an interagency form.
Telephone:
- Hampshire MASH: 0300 555 1386
- Isle of Wight MASH: 0300 300 0117
- Portsmouth MASH: 0845 671 0271
- Southampton CRS: 02380 83 2300
- Out of hours: 0300 555 1373 or for Southampton City: 02380 23 3344
Inter-agency referral/contact form:
Threshold guidance:
Safeguarding adults procedures
Adult safeguarding procedures for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.
COVID 19 Update
In light of the recent changes to statutory child safeguarding guidance due to coronavirus, here is a summary of the changes, with links to the relevant government guidance: https://www.procedures.org.uk/2020/05/06/changes-to-safeguarding-children-statutory-guidelines-in-response-to-coronavirus/
This provides information about updated guidance and flexibilities as published by the Government in relation to the COVID 19 pandemic. Please note in relation to legal flexibilities or easements each local authority will decide whether and if to use so please check with your local authority children’s services if you are unsure.