2.05 Working Partnerships with Other Professionals
2.5.1 There should be a common understanding amongst the professionals on how children and their families should be involved. In general there should be a presumption of openness, joint decision making and a willingness to listen to families and capitalise on their strengths. The overarching principle should always be to act in the best interests of the child.
2.5.2 Some information known to professionals should be treated confidentially and should not be shared in front of some children or some adult family members. Such information might include personal health information about particular family members, unless consent has been given, or information which, if disclosed, could compromise criminal investigations or proceedings.
2.5.3 Agencies and professionals should be honest and explicit with children and families about professional roles, responsibilities, powers and expectations, and about what is and is not negotiable.
2.5.4 Working relationships with families should develop according to individual circumstances. From the outset, professionals should assess if, when, and how the involvement of different family members – both children and adults – can contribute to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of a particular child or group of children. This assessment may change over time as more information becomes available or as families feel supported by professionals.
