Escalation Procedures

When working with practitioners from other agencies there will at times be difference of opinion or concerns about practitioners practice in relation to a child, young person, or family. Throughout our work the safety and wellbeing of the child/young person is the primary concern, and any disagreements must not obstruct this concern, and any disagreements must not obstruct this. 

If you feel that a practitioner or an agency is not acting in the best interests of the child, young person, or family, you have a responsibility to respectfully challenge the practitioner or agency and escalate that concern if resolution is not achieved.

All agencies are responsible for ensuring that their staff are supported and know how to appropriately escalate and resolve intra-agency and inter-agency concerns and challenges about a child or young person’s wellbeing and the response to their safeguarding needs.

This chapter was updated in November 2025.