Safeguarding Children Training

Jackie MathersDesignated Nurse for Safeguarding Children

Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group31st March 2014

Aim of the session

To raise awareness that child

protection is everyone’s responsibility

There are 4 types of Child Abuse

• Physical abuse• Emotional abuse• Neglect• Sexual abuse

• When you take out your PENS to write something down check if you have any concerns about any children

What is the legal age of a Child?

• 0-18 years

and

• An unborn baby may also be protected under the children act 1989

When can you leave children alone?

• There is no legal age but

• Parents can be prosecuted for neglect if they leave a child unsupervised

“in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health”

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/helpandadvice/publications/leaflets/homealone_pdf_wdf36243.pdf

Is smacking or hitting a child illegal?

• No

But

• It is illegal to hit an animal

How could adult arguments affect children?

 – They become aggressive

– They become quiet and withdrawn

– They miss school

– They don’t see or hear it

When Can a Child Legally Consent to Sex?

• 16 years old

• Grey area between 13-16 years

• Grooming is an offence

• Watching or engaging in pornography is also part of sexual abuse

Support available for children and families

Child

protection

Children

in need

Children needing

support to meet their needs

Universal services for children

Scenarios 1• A District nurse was asked to visit a house

bound adult to take some blood.

• When she arrived there was no one in

• She heard a noise inside and looked through the letter box

• She saw a child tide by his leg to a table

Scenario 2 • You are supporting an adult who tells you they

are worried about the child next door.

• She is 7 years old and always at home.

• They have seen her eating breadcrumbs from the bird table in the garden.

Scenario 3• Some one you visit tells you they are worried

about the 3 year old next door.• There are always arguments and raised voices

next door.• Windows have been broken and after one of

these episodes the child had his arm in a plaster.

• You have never seen the police come to the house.

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused

• Know what you should do in you are concerned

• Listen to the child’s voice and your concerns

• Share your concerns with people who can make the child safe

• Keep sharing information if you are still concerned

Making a Referral

• Is it safe to talk to the parent/carer?• As a voluntary worker you can make an

anonymous referral if you are concerned• Contact

– NSPCC– Social Services– Police

• Include any information relating to the child and family

• Be specific about your concerns

Who can help if you are concerned a child is being harmed?

• NSPCC helpline- 0808 800 5000

• First Response- 0117 9036444

• Police/Crime stoppers (0800 555 111)

• Child Protection procedures (www.swcpp.org.uk )

Always share your concerns

First Responsephone: 0117 9036444

We are all responsible for the care and welfare of children

Call First Response Bristol if you are concerned about a child

If you need support with parenting or you think that your child needs some help from children’s services in Bristol, you can phone the First Response Bristol team on 0117 903 6444.

If you are concerned about a child that is not yours you should also contact First Response Bristol to share your concerns.

If the child is at immediate risk call the Police on 999. When our offices are closed call the Emergency Duty Team - 01454 615 165.

Put in slide of CP procedures

Safeguarding children’s standards are in all health contracts

• Having policies, and procedures that everyone follows

• The right level of training

• Safe recruitment process (DBS checks etc)

• Supporting all multi-agency work that protects children

• Following procedures when allegations are made against professionals

• Working with families and children

Useful links for safeguarding children

• South west child protection procedures- www.swcpp.org.uk

• Bristol First Response- http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/children-and-young-people/first-response-bristol-report-concerns-about-child-social-worker

• South Gloucestershire First Point-01454 866000 http://www.sgcyp.org/Safeguarding/SouthGloucestershireSafeguardingChildrenBoard/Whattodoifyouareconcernedaboutachild/tabid/80/Default.aspx

• NSPCC- 0808 800 5000 http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/worried-about-a-child/the-nspcc-helpline/how-to-contact-us/how-to-contact-us_wda89787.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK_GO_S_E_BND_Paid_Pure_KW&utm_term=sitelink_worried_about_a_child

• Crime stoppers (0800 555 111)

NSPCC web site• http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/leaflets/leaflets-list_wda83843.html - NSPCC leaflets

• http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/worried-about-a-child/are-you-worried-hub_wdh72939.html