Office of Social Services - Standards
Introduction
Safety and Quality is at the heart of the work of the Department of
Health, Social Services and Public Safety and is central to all areas of health and social care. The
standards documents below have been produced under the auspices of the Office of Social Services to
further promote safety and quality in the arena of professional practice, interagency working, where
appropriate, and in the safe and effective delivery of children's and community care services.
Child Protection
The child protection standards are applicable to all public bodies,
organisations, professionals and persons who provide statutory services to children. They also establish
a framework of best practice in child protection for voluntary, community and independent sector organisations
and practitioners (including counsellors and therapists working in a private capacity) who work with
or have significant contact with children and young people. They should also help families and members
of the public understand how services work to protect children and the important contribution they themselves
can make to the safeguarding of children and young people.
- Standards for Child Protection Services (June 2008) (PDF 500 KB)
- Letter accompanying Review of Child Protection Standards (PDF 63KB)
Adult Social Care Support Services for Carers
Support for carers is a central policy objective for the Department.
These standards will complement other published standards with regard to practice and social care service
provision. They will be of use to Commissioners and Providers of social care support services for carers;
social care workers; regulatory and training providers and most importantly to carers and their representative
groups to inform them of what they can and should reasonably expect from social care support services
and from the organisations and practitioners commissioning and providing them.
- Standards for Adult Social Care Support Services for Carers (June 2008) (PDF 304 KB)
- Letter accompanying Adult Social Care Support Services Standards (PDF 61 KB)
Further information about standards
Further information can be accessed at Safety, Quality
and Standards.

