Maintain the safety, security and welfare of children and young people at risk of offending

URN: SFJGC13
Business Sectors (Suites): Resettlement of Offenders,Youth Justice
Developed by: Skills for Justice
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about maintaining the physical safety, security and general welfare of children and young people at risk of offending or reoffending.  
 
It applies equally to children and young people within secure care and other environments.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. explain your role and responsibilities in maintaining the safety, security and welfare of children and young people
  2. explain the support available to children and young people and how this can be accessed in line with organisational policies and procedures
  3. promote the importance of safety, security and welfare, to children and young people in ways that meet their needs
  4. provide children and young people with advice and offer them suitable strategies about how to keep themselves safe, in line with their needs and circumstances
  5. liaise with other organisations to maintain the safety, security and welfare of children and young people  
  6. communicate at a pace appropriate to the child or young person and encourage questions to check understanding
  7. maintain confidentiality in line with legislative and organisational policies and procedures
  8. liaise with relevant others and keep them updated regarding the safety and welfare of children and young people  
  9. obtain and review information available about children and young people including their circumstances and the outcomes of assessments
  10. monitor the activities and interactions of children and young people to identify any safety, security and welfare issues
  11. explore any indications of difficulties within required timescales and with sensitivity and whilst respecting the needs of the child or young person involved
  12. maintain interactions and strategies to support children and young people who are at risk of harm from others, from themselves, or to others
  13. intervene in conflicts and abusive situations between children and young people to maintain safety, security and welfare, in line with your organisation's procedures, and your own welfare
  14. respond to safety, security and welfare needs of children and young people in line with their circumstances and your organisation’s requirements and resources
  15. provide appropriate guidance and support to children and young people who have victimised or have abused others
  16. involve children and young people in reviewing their own, and others' safety, security and welfare, and use this to inform plans towards maintaining this
  17. agree any changes to existing plans with all involved
  18. maintain up to date and accurate records about the safety security and welfare of individuals and the associated actions taken

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. relevant legislation and, organisational policies and procedures that apply to your own organisation for the work being undertaken 
  2. how to communicate with children and young people and how to adapt accordingly
  3. the importance of adhering to professional codes or standards of practice 
  4. policies and procedures including child protection and safeguarding requirements
  5. the importance of building and maintaining relationships when supporting children and young people
  6. additional support needs in children and young people
  7. child development including physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and communication skills
  8. how to promote diversity, equality and inclusion through work with children and young people  
  9. the role of your organisation and its services, and how they relate to other organisations relevant to maintaining the safety, security and welfare of children and young people
  10. the effect of parenting and families on children and young people in relation to their ability to form other relationships
  11. the impact of the broader social environment on children and young people including areas of material deprivation, crime and the fear of crime, poor housing, and poverty
  12. strategies to encourage children and young people to recognise and take responsibility for their own behaviour and their obligations to others
  13. the importance of your behaviour as a positive role model to reinforce pro-social behaviours
  14. indications that children and young people may be having difficulties, including covert activities which affect their safety and welfare
  15. types of interventions and strategies which may be used to support
  16. children and young people including the actions that they can take to keep themselves safe
  17. where to seek advice on up-to-date practice relating to neurodivergence
  18. how to apply trauma informed and strengths-based practice in your area of work
  19. the impact of trauma on children and young people and how to ensure your practice takes this into consideration  
  20. how to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns
  21. how to intervene effectively in conflicts and abusive situations between children and young people
  22. the effect that being in a secure environment can have on children and young people
  23. the principles of effective equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice
  24. the principles of restorative justice
  25. your role and responsibilities and who to seek assistance and advice from when necessary

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2030

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Justice

Original URN

SFJGC13

Relevant Occupations

Youth Justice Manager, Youth Justice Officer, Youth Justice Practitioner, Youth Offending Team Manager, Youth Offending Team Officer, Youth Offending Team Officers, Youth Offending Team Worker, Youth Workers

SOC Code


Keywords

Security; welfare; safety; trauma