Contextual safeguarding recognizes that young persons may be exposed to harm in extrafamilial contexts which are not considered by traditional safeguarding approaches. A deep understanding of the safeguarding context allows for the identification of the underlying causes of harm to the learners (and other persons) within the institution. It also recognises the value of partnerships and the involvement of all stakeholders in safeguarding actions. This can be visualised as forming onion layers of protection around the learners as illustrated in the figure below.

These extra-familial contexts are often regulated by the state as well as institutional laws and policies. They are also influenced by individual agency and behavioural tendencies. Often, the institutional policies are stricter than the state laws.