the key aspects of supporting pupils where abuse is suspected

Child protection It’s a sad fact that some children and young people are badly let down or treated by the adults around them. The statistics for abuse make for difficult reading and the consequences of abuse for many children and young people last a lifetime. It is therefore the responsibility of all adults working with children to understand their role in relation to child protection.

It is also important that everyone understand and follows the policies and procedures in place to protect children and young people. Over the years there have been a number of highly publicised cases where failure to report or follow up concerns has resulted in avoidable deaths of children. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Baby _P http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/20 02/victoria_climbie_inquiry/default.stm

Strangers abuse children? Very rare Abuse occurs in poor families? This is a stereotype. Dangerous because it can mean children in more affluent homes are not thought to be at risk.

Abuse occurs in lone-parent families? as child abuse occurs across the social and income spectrum, it is unfair to assume that children from lone parent families will be abused. Only men abuse children? Statistically, more men do abuse, though it doesn’t mean women don’t.

We’ll be looking at... Different types of abuse Signs and symptoms Supporting pupils where abuse is suspected

Different Types of Abuse Physical Sexual Emotional Neglect Bullying & Harassment

Signs and symptoms Discuss in groups what do you think might signs or symptoms that a child may be the victim of abuse?

Responding to a child’s disclosure of abuse Sometimes children will seek out the support of adults to prevent abuse from continuing. In other cases, children may unintentionally say something significant to you. The term ‘disclosure’ has been used to describe these types of events; however, this term is now used less frequently in course because the defendant’s solicitors can then infer that adults have encouraged or led the child to make a claim.

The latest guidance from the Department of Health warns adults working with children to be aware that the way in which they respond to a child who they suspect has been abused can affect the later outcomes. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandst atistics/Lettersandcirculars/LocalAuthorityCi rculars/AllLocalAuthority/DH_4003423

What to do if child tells you about abuse There are some simple but essential rules to follow if a child tells you about abuse or says something that is of concern. Do’s & Don’ts. Work with other professionals. Whistle blowing.

Recording and reporting signs of abuse http://www.schoolsworld.tv/node/2537