The Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) has published its Annual Report for 2025–26, providing a comprehensive assessment of how local safeguarding arrangements are working to protect and support children and young people across the borough.

The report highlights a year of continued progress despite significant challenges, including rising demand, workforce pressures and increasing complexity in the lives of children and families. It demonstrates how partners across Children's Social Care, Health, Police, Education, Youth Justice, Family Hubs and the voluntary sector have worked together to strengthen safeguarding practice and improve outcomes for children.

Key achievements highlighted in the report include:

• Improved multi-agency working within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

• Reduced numbers of long-term Child Protection Plans

• Historically low youth custody rates

• Stronger recognition and response to child sexual abuse, exploitation and contextual harm

• Enhanced workforce development through expanded safeguarding training

• Greater involvement of children and young people in shaping services and strategic decision-making

  
  

The report also reflects honestly on areas where further improvement is needed, including housing instability, workforce capacity, data quality and ensuring learning can be more clearly evidenced through improved outcomes for children and families.

A key message throughout the report is the Partnership's commitment to moving beyond measuring activity and focusing instead on understanding the difference safeguarding arrangements make to children's lives.

The Annual Report includes reflections from the Delegated Safeguarding Partners, findings from independent scrutiny, examples of impact across partner agencies, learning from reviews and audits, and the Partnership's priorities for 2026–27.

We would like to thank all partners, practitioners, community organisations, volunteers, children, young people and families who have contributed to safeguarding activity throughout the year.