n often be more difficult 20 to judge, however action should still be taken, and you should report concerns in line with safeguarding policies and procedures. Everyone should be aware of the potential for children to be sexually or criminally exploited for money, power, or status, including child-on-child abuse, and practitioners should adopt an open and inquiring mind about the potential underlying reasons for behaviour changes in children of all ages. There will be occasions when children do not realise or recognise that they are being abused or exploited. Where to report concerns about a child’s safety If a practitioner has concerns about a child’s safety, they should share the information with local authority children’s services in line with local procedures. Concerns about any child, including children who may already have a social worker, should be shared. Every organisation or agency should have clear guidance on how and when to do this. Reporting concerns through a multi-agency referral for social care intervention may not always be the most suitable course of action. If the practitioner considers it to be a low- level concern, it may be more appropriate to report through the local early help process.26 Security of information must always be considered and should be proportionate to the sensitivity of the information being shared and the circumstances of the concern. 26 Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk) -Section 1, Page 44 21 Annex A: Data Protection The meaning of data protection Data protection law ensures the fair and proportionate use of information about people. It helps to build trust between people, organisations and businesses, and makes sure that people trust you to use and share their data fairl