Safeguarding Flashcards
What does safeguarding involve?
Safeguarding involves all aspects of ensuring the welfare of a child. Child protection involves the process of protecting a child that is at risk of or suffering harm.
The legal framework for child safeguarding is the Children Act 1989. A child is need refers to a child that is likely to need supportive services to maintain their health and development, or is disabled.
What types of abuse are?
Physical Emotional Sexual Neglect Financial Identity
What are the risk factors for abuse?
Domestic violence Previously abused parent Mental health problems Emotional volatility in the household Social, psychological or economic stress Disability in the child Learning disability in the parents Alcohol misuse Substance misuse Non-engagement with services
What are some signs that may indicate ongoing abuse?
It is worth keeping safeguarding in mind when seeing any child. There are certain signs that should make you consider whether there could be safeguarding issues. This is not an exhaustive list. If in doubt always talk to a senior or someone experienced with safeguarding.
Change in behaviour or extreme emotional states
Dissociative disorders (feeling separated from their thoughts or identity)
Bullying, self harm or suicidal behaviours
Unusually sexualised behaviours
Unusual behaviour during examination
Poor hygiene
Poor physical or emotional development
Missing appointments or not complying with treatments
How are safeguarding concerns managed?
All NHS organisations should have a safeguarding team or safeguarding lead that should be available to assist with safeguarding concerns. Once a safeguarding concern is identified the person that identifies it is responsible for escalating it to someone that can take action on it. It is generally not the role of the doctor or nurse to investigate or manage the concern, but it is their responsibility to refer or pass this on to someone trained and in a position to investigate further and take action.
Generally safeguarding cases are referred to children’s services (social services) who can investigate further and decide what action needs to be taken. Most safeguarding cases don’t involve children being removed from their parents. Usually social services are able to put in extra support and services and follow up over time. If the child is in immediate danger the police may need to be involved. If they are acutely unwell or need a place of safety they should be admitted to hospital.
Maintaining a professional, open, honest and trusting relationship with parents or carers is important, even when they are responsible for the abuse. This will make all aspects of any investigation and management easier, and lead to better outcomes.
There are a number of measures that can be arranged by appropriate professionals to help support families of children with safeguarding concerns:
Home visit programmes to support parents
Parenting programmes to help parents develop parenting skills and manage their child’s behaviour
Attachment-based interventions to help parents bond and nurture their child
Child–parent psychotherapy
Parent–child interaction therapy
Multi-systemic therapy for child abuse and neglect (MST-CAN)
Cognitive behavioural therapy for children that have suffered trauma or sexual abuse
