Safeguarding Flashcards
What are the categories of abuse seen in children?
Physical - physical harm to child
Emotional - emotional ill-treatment resulting in harm to emotional development
Neglect - persistent failure to meet needs of child
Sexual - forcing or enticing child into sexual activity
Almost all cases have crossover
What are the main risk factors for abuse?
Previous history of abuse Domestic abuse Mental health issues Drug or alcohol abuse Housing or finance problems Children within care, asylum seekers or travellers
What is the toxic trio associated with abuse?
Domestic abuse
Mental ill-health
Substance misuse
If present worry!
What things would make you worry a child may be being abused? (V long list)
Inconsistent stories Genital injury Pregnancy or STI <13yo Sexualised behaviour Unresponsive or negative towards child Inappropriate threats Reported change in behaviour Extreme emotional response Female genital mutilation Fractures of different ages Retinal haemorrhage Suspicious burns, scalds, bites, bruising Injuries to non-mobile baby Poor hygiene/dirty clothes Fail to get medical help Fail to thrive
If you are concerned a child may be being abused, what does this mean?
Abuse is one possible differential for the alerting feature
What would you do if you are concerned a child may be being abused?
Look for other alerting features Past A&E attendance Discuss concerns with safeguarding lead - arrange review Gather info from other services - school Contact local child social service
What does it mean if you suspect child abuse?
High level of concern but no proof
What should you do if you suspect child abuse?
Refer to social services
Follow local guidelines
Contact Police and NSPCC
What is important when gaining consent from a child to talk about abuse?
Explain the importance and benefit of sharing information
Don’t promise confidentiality
Get advice from safeguarding lead or GMC
What is the standing with regards to confidentiality with children?
Information can be shared without consent if it is justified in the public interest, or required by law, or judged to be in the best interest of the child (if they don’t have the maturity to reach the decision themselves)
