Safeguarding Flashcards
What does the GDC expect?
all registrants to be aware of the procedures involved in raising concerns about the possible abuse or neglect of children and vulnerable adults.
What is child protection?
- Activity undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering, significant harm.
Who are ‘children in need’?
- Those who require additional support or services to achieve their full potential.
What is safeguarding children?
- Measures taken to minimise the risks of harm to children.
- This includes:
- protecting children from maltreatment
- preventing impairment of children’s health or development
- ensuring that children are growing up in a safe and caring environment
What is child abuse and neglect?
Anything which those entrusted with the care of children do, or fail to do, which damages their prospects of safe and healthy development into adulthood
What are 3 elements that must be present for child abuse?
- carer has some responsibility for that harm
- significant connection between carer’s responsibility for child and harm to child
- significant harm to child
What are the 3 national guidances for scotland?
- National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023
- Children and Young Peoples Act 2014 * Getting It Right for Every Child
(GIRFEC)
What are the components of GIRFEC?
- a named person who is a clear point of contact for children, young people and families to go to for support and advice. A named person can also connect families to a wider network of support and services so that they get the right help, at the right time, from the right people;
- a shared and holistic understanding of wellbeing and a single model of how this can be considered and supported; and,
- a single, shared and rights-based approach to planning for children and young people’s wellbeing where support across services is needed, co-ordinated by a lead professional.
What are the core elements for a child’s development in the wheel of wellbeing in GIRFEC?
Safe: Children should grow up feeling secure and free from abuse or neglect.
Healthy: Access to physical and mental healthcare, supporting healthy choices.
Achieving: Guidance in learning and skill development to build confidence and self-esteem.
Nurtured: Care in an environment that fosters physical and emotional security.
Active: Opportunities for play, recreation, and physical activity for healthy growth.
Respected: Inclusion in decisions affecting their lives, with support as needed.
Responsible: Encouragement to take active roles at home and in the community.
Included: Support to overcome inequalities and feel accepted in their family, school, and community.
When can information be shared?
- Information can be shared when safety is at risk, or where the benefits of sharing the information outweigh the public and individual’s interest in keeping info confidential.
- Good practice to get consent where possible and safe to do but not required
- Share what you need to and keep a note of what and why you have shared the info.
What are the UNCRC based on?
needs of the child
Why is the UK criticised due to UNCRC?
Protection Issues: Allowing “reasonable chastisement” as a defense for corporal punishment and lacking adequate child protection in penal settings.
Participation Gaps: Limited inclusion of disabled children and insufficient access to information for children’s rights.
Provision Shortcomings: High child poverty rates affecting children’s physical, mental, and social development.
What is the aetiology of child abuse?
Adult Factors: Issues like drug/alcohol misuse, mental illness, poverty, domestic violence, unrealistic parenting expectations, and a history of being abused.
Child Factors: Traits or circumstances, such as disabilities, unwanted pregnancy, or failing to meet parental expectations, that may increase vulnerability.
Community/Environmental Factors: Poor housing, social isolation, and community violence.
What are the 3 big concerns for parenting capacity?
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol misuse
- Mental health problems
Who are vulnerable children?
- Under 5s
- Irregular attenders
- Medical problems and disabilities
- ‘looked after’ children
