Policing's role in safeguarding and child protection
- Debra Allnock(CoI),
- Bethan Taylor(Senior Research Fellow),
- Helen Beckett(PI)
Project: Research
Project status
Finished
Description
This project reports findings from a Youth Endowment Fund (YEF)-funded, multi-method study examining how police in England and Wales safeguard and protect children involved in violence. The study, conducted between September 2025 and March 2026, sought to define ‘best practice’ in safeguarding-led, child-centred policing; identify barriers and facilitators to such practice; examine inequities in police responses; and provide recommendations for policy and operational reform.
A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining a desk-based review of policy, inspection and research literature with primary empirical data. Data collection included a national force-level survey (20 forces), an Evidence-Based Policing survey of 528 officers and staff, interviews and focus groups with 64 professional stakeholders, four in-depth case studies, and consultations with youth advisory groups.
The project provides a robust evidence base for national guidance and reform, highlighting the need for whole-system alignment, improved data and accountability, and sustained investment in prevention. It offers a blueprint for embedding consistent, equitable safeguarding-led policing so that all children affected by violence receive a protective, rights-based response. The main project report will be published in early September 2026.
A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining a desk-based review of policy, inspection and research literature with primary empirical data. Data collection included a national force-level survey (20 forces), an Evidence-Based Policing survey of 528 officers and staff, interviews and focus groups with 64 professional stakeholders, four in-depth case studies, and consultations with youth advisory groups.
The project provides a robust evidence base for national guidance and reform, highlighting the need for whole-system alignment, improved data and accountability, and sustained investment in prevention. It offers a blueprint for embedding consistent, equitable safeguarding-led policing so that all children affected by violence receive a protective, rights-based response. The main project report will be published in early September 2026.
Layman's description
This project looked at how well the police in England and Wales protect children who are involved in violence—whether they have been harmed by others or are causing harm themselves.
We used a range of methods, including surveys of police forces and officers, interviews with professionals, detailed case studies, and discussions with young people. This helped us build a full picture of what is working well and where improvements are needed.
With the main project report due for publication in early September 2026, the project sets out clear principles for improvement, including treating every child as a child first, understanding their experiences, working across agencies, and addressing inequalities. The aim is to ensure that every child—no matter who they are or where they live—receives the protection, support and fair treatment they need.
We used a range of methods, including surveys of police forces and officers, interviews with professionals, detailed case studies, and discussions with young people. This helped us build a full picture of what is working well and where improvements are needed.
With the main project report due for publication in early September 2026, the project sets out clear principles for improvement, including treating every child as a child first, understanding their experiences, working across agencies, and addressing inequalities. The aim is to ensure that every child—no matter who they are or where they live—receives the protection, support and fair treatment they need.
Project Information
Project Type
ResearchProject Managed By
Project Collaborators
- External Project Lead
- University of Central Lancashire
Time Period
18/07/2025 – 31/03/2026Status
FinishedFunding Details
Policing's role in safeguarding and child protectionAward
FundersAmounts
Youth Endowment Fund
21037 GBPSustainable Development Goals
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions