Children's Voices: Children and young people’s perspectives on the police’s role in safeguarding: a report for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies
- Helen Beckett(PI),
- Debra Allnock(Senior Research Fellow),
- Camille Warrington(Senior Research Fellow)
Project: Research
Project status
Finished
Description
This study, commissioned by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and undertaken by the International Centre at the University of Bedfordshire, explored children and young people’s experiences of police involvement when concerns arose about their safety and well-being. The research aimed to ensure that children’s voices informed HMIC’s child protection inspection programme and to identify what constitutes effective, rights-based safeguarding practice from the perspective of young people themselves.
The study involved 45 children and young people aged 7–19 years who had recent experience of police contact relating to issues such as going missing, abuse, exploitation, violence, online harm, domestic abuse, or safety concerns within the home or community. Data were collected through qualitative interviews (n=32) and surveys (n=13) conducted between July and September 2015, with analysis informed by participatory principles and support from both professional and young people’s advisory groups.
The study involved 45 children and young people aged 7–19 years who had recent experience of police contact relating to issues such as going missing, abuse, exploitation, violence, online harm, domestic abuse, or safety concerns within the home or community. Data were collected through qualitative interviews (n=32) and surveys (n=13) conducted between July and September 2015, with analysis informed by participatory principles and support from both professional and young people’s advisory groups.
Project Information
Project Type
ResearchProject Managed By
Time Period
01/04/2015 – 31/07/2015Status
FinishedID
Funder Project Reference (NOT KNOWN)
Key Findings
Findings highlighted significant variation in children’s experiences of police responses. While some participants described highly positive encounters characterised by empathy, respect, and effective support, many reported negative experiences that reduced trust in the police and discouraged future help-seeking. Participants identified key barriers to engagement, including fear of the police, perceptions of unfair treatment, concerns about being judged or disbelieved, and experiences of poor communication.
The research identified eight core principles underpinning safe and effective police safeguarding practice: demonstrating empathy and compassion; respectful and non-judgmental engagement; effective communication; confidentiality and discretion; continuity of personnel; consideration of support needs; and promoting children’s choice and control. These principles were found to be particularly important in sensitive processes such as Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews and responses to children reported missing.
The study concluded that a gap remains between existing safeguarding policy and the lived experiences of children and young people. It emphasised the importance of embedding children’s perspectives within policing practice, inspection, and service improvement, arguing that consistent application of child-centred principles is essential to effective safeguarding, trust-building, and better outcomes for vulnerable children.
The research identified eight core principles underpinning safe and effective police safeguarding practice: demonstrating empathy and compassion; respectful and non-judgmental engagement; effective communication; confidentiality and discretion; continuity of personnel; consideration of support needs; and promoting children’s choice and control. These principles were found to be particularly important in sensitive processes such as Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews and responses to children reported missing.
The study concluded that a gap remains between existing safeguarding policy and the lived experiences of children and young people. It emphasised the importance of embedding children’s perspectives within policing practice, inspection, and service improvement, arguing that consistent application of child-centred principles is essential to effective safeguarding, trust-building, and better outcomes for vulnerable children.
Funding Details
HMIC - Children's Voices - A Participatory research projectAward
FundersAmounts
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary
135214 GBPSustainable Development Goals
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions