Safeguarding

Question 1

What is safeguarding?

Answer 1

involves all aspects of ensuring the welfare of a child

Question 2

What is child protection?

Answer 2

the process of protecting a child that is at risk of or suffering harm

Question 3

What is the legal framework for child safeguarding?

Answer 3

Children Act 1989

Question 4

What is a child in need?

Answer 4

a child that is likely to need supportive services to maintain their health and development, or is disabled.

Question 5

What are possible signs of abuse in a child?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

How is a safeguarding concern managed?

Answer 6

• Person identifying concern is responsible for escalating it to safeguarding team or safeguarding lead
• Generally safeguarding cases are referred to children’s services (social services) who can investigate further and decide what action needs to be taken.
• Most cases involve children being removed from their parents
• If child in immediate danger, may be admitted to hospital
• Must maintain professional, open, honest, and trusting relationship with parents or carers is important (even if they are responsible for the abuse)

Question 7

What measures may eb put in place to support families of children with safeguarding concerns?

Answer 7

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)

CBT for children that have suffered trauma or sexual abuse