The child’s best interests must be the overriding consideration in making any such decision, including in the cases of underage sexual activity on which detailed guidance is given below. The cross-government guidance, Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers (2008) provides advice on these issues. Any decision on whether or not to share information must be properly documented. Decisions in this area should be made by, or with the advice of, people with suitable competence in child protection work such as named or designated professionals or senior managers.
