Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) Procedures Manual

Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland (UNOCINI)

Scope of this chapter

Once a 'Child in Need' has been identified a UNOCINI will be commenced and this begins the assessment process, incorporating the Signs of Safety framework which is the chosen practice approach of children's social services in Northern Ireland.

Children/Young People subject to child protection processes will have a UNOCINI Child Protection Pathway.

Please refer to links below.

1. UNOCINI Process after a Referral is made to Children's Social Services

The following diagram outlines the UNOCINI process after a referral is made to Children's Social Services:

unocini_process

2. UNOCINI Guidance

3. Family Group Conference

Empowering Families: Regional Guidance on the Provision of Family Group Conferences in HSC Trusts Children and Young People Services

4. Further Information

Adult and Children's Services Joint Protocol: Responding to the Needs of Children whose Parents have Mental Health and/or Substance Misuse Issues.

Last Updated: January 12, 2026