The difference between a child or young person 'at risk's 'in need'

Question 1

What is defined as a child at risk?

Answer 1

One who is vulnerable to abuse or harm. The abuse may be happening (or may not be) or it may be at risk of happening for different reasons.

Question 2

What is defined as a child in need?

Answer 2

A person under 18 who needs extra support to improve their opportunities. This may be given through the local authority due to a child’s medical or physical need such as being a looked after child (LAC)

Question 3

What are the two documents that give detailed information about how staff should meet their responsibilities under legislation?

Answer 3

1. Keeping children safe in education
2. What to do if you are worried a child is being abused - advice for practitioners.

They state that if a member of staff have any concerns about a child they should act on them immediately following the settings safeguarding policy. This will involve reporting to the DSL and giving as much information as possible