Children and Young People Who May Be Risk of Self-Harm or Suicide Policy

Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership (BWSCP) is committed to identifying and supporting children and young people at the earliest opportunity when they experience challenges with their mental health. Timely and coordinated intervention is essential to promoting wellbeing, ensuring safety, and improving long term outcomes. Our approach is grounded in effective partnership working, with all agencies expected to contribute to a consistent, proactive, and child centred response.

This policy, created in 2026, applies to all professionals who work directly with children and young people and who may become aware of children and young people with suicidal thoughts, feelings, or intentions and self-harm behaviours. Its purpose is to ensure that the wider children’s workforce understands the required processes in Berkshire West when concerns arise regarding potential risk of suicide and self-harm with children and young people.  

It is not possible to cover every circumstance within this policy, and professionals should seek advice from their line managers and designated safeguarding leads as required.  This policy must be read in conjunction with the wider policies and guidance’s of Berkshire West safeguarding partnership policies and national guidance, which collectively outline our shared duties to protect and promote the welfare of all children and young people.

Important documents for professionals to use can be found below:

Children and Young People Who May Be Risk of Self-Harm or Suicide Policy

Record of Discharge Plan where there are Child Protection/Safeguarding concerns

Discharge Planning Meeting Template (Appendix 1)