Richmond's Safeguarding Children Partnership has reported significant progress in its efforts to protect vulnerable young people, according to its latest annual report.

The Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children's Partnership (KRSCP) highlighted advancements in key areas including responding to technology-facilitated harm, embedding anti-racist safeguarding approaches, and safeguarding unborn and newborn babies. The partnership, which brings together multi-agency partners such as the local authority, integrated care board, and police, has strengthened its collaborative efforts through various subgroups and initiatives.

A particular focus has been placed on improving the identification and support for young carers. The No Wrong Doors program has seen a significant increase in referrals from schools to the Richmond Carers Centre, rising from 0% to 35% since its inception. The program's success has led to its extension for a further year, aiming to cover 100% of schools in the borough.

Map showing proposed neighbourhoods and areas of relative deprivation in Richmond, with locations of health centres and children's centres marked.
Map showing proposed neighbourhoods and areas of relative deprivation in Richmond, with locations of health centres and children's centres marked.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 15 October 2026

The report also detailed efforts to embed an anti-racist safeguarding approach. The KRSCP has identified 'Embedding an Anti-Racist Safeguarding Approach' as a new strategic priority for 2026-2029. Actions include working across agencies to raise understanding of different communities and their specific needs, aiming to develop greater cultural competence among professionals. The partnership acknowledges that it is too early to tell how effective these approaches will be in reducing the disproportionate representation of Black heritage children in the child protection and youth justice systems, as this is a new priority. However, the report does note this disproportionate representation.

Progress has also been made in addressing neglect, with the launch of the Love & Care Child Neglect Toolkit and the introduction of Neglect Think Space sessions. The partnership has also strengthened its response to adolescent safeguarding and serious youth violence, with improved coordination between youth justice, violence reduction, and safeguarding adult partnerships.

A diagram illustrating the collaborative framework between Local Authority, Richmond Place, and SW London NHS, detailing key health and wellbeing initiatives and service areas.
A diagram illustrating the collaborative framework between Local Authority, Richmond Place, and SW London NHS, detailing key health and wellbeing initiatives and service areas.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 15 October 2026

The KRSCP's annual report for 2025-2026 underscores a commitment to continuous improvement. New strategic priorities for 2026-2029 have been informed by learning from local and national reviews. Specifically, the priority of 'Safeguarding Unborn and Newborn Babies' stems from local learning reviews concerning safer sleep and rapid reviews about how children are supported as unborn babies, as well as national reviews such as the one into Victoria Martin and protecting vulnerable babies. The partnership emphasized the importance of children's lived experiences in shaping safeguarding practices.

Organizational chart illustrating the structure of the Kingston and Richmond Health and Wellbeing Boards, their associated provider alliances, and neighbourhood delivery groups.
Organizational chart illustrating the structure of the Kingston and Richmond Health and Wellbeing Boards, their associated provider alliances, and neighbourhood delivery groups.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 15 October 2026

Further details on the partnership's work can be found in the Public reports pack.