Child AbuseBy Tutor Joanne EllisonTiwtor Joanne Ellison

In 2003 25,700 children were on child protection register

(source - social services dept of health report 2003)

What is child abuse?

• What is the definition of a child?

• Could you give a definition of abuse?

The different types of abuse

Physical

Emotional

Sexual

Neglect

Bullying

Activity

• In your groups can you write down the • Signs• Symptoms • Behavioural signs of child abuse.

Child Abuse

• This is a very sensitive subject and some adults feel very uncomfortable talking about it. Other adults can jump to the wrong conclusions without getting all the facts. It is your job as an EYW to look out for different types of abuse. Sometimes the first signs that you observe are not physical but a change in the child’s behaviour.

Child abuse

• EYW needs good observation skills• Understand the normal development patterns

of a child• To understand your role and responsibility

when child abuse is suspected• The NOS require ‘all adults working with

children are able to put practice and procedures into place’

Children Act 1989

• This Act places the duty of care on the LEA to work with Social services acting on the behalf of children.

• It places the welfare of the child first• All adults working with children need to be CRB• The Wales Child Protection Procedures were

amended in 2004.• Look at the other sheet for more information

Confidentiality & Data Protection Act

• This Act is a piece of legislation that is designed to prevent confidential information and personal information being passed on without a person’s consent. This includes paper and electronic information.

• All information in your setting must be confidential and passing on information is in breach of the Act.

Data Protection Act

• Parents will often give you confidential information on the basis that it will be helpful to you when working with their child. They do so trusting the information will not be passed on to other and become a source of gossip.

• When the trust has been broken not only is it against the law but can have catastrophic problems for the family

• BUT When can confidentiality be broken?

Activity

• How is the Data Protection Act done in your setting

• Why is it important to get parents consent when passing on information?

• Where is the information stored in your setting and who has access to it?

Disclosures

• Avoid making premature judgements• Don’t promise the child anything• Keep calm• Report it to you head/ supervisor• Make notes times, dates things said• Listen with out judgements• Your supervisor will report it to LEA, social

services, CSSIW.• Follow the policy of your setting

The procedures of reporting

• You report it to your • Head/line manager/CPO• They will contact LEA they have Area Child

Protection Committee (ACPC)• Social Services• Police • Health Services• CSSIW • NSPCC