WHAT IS ABUSE? Child Protection Guidelines Ramsgrange Community School February 27 th 2013 “Child abuse occurs when the behaviour of someone in a position of greater power than a child or young person abuses that power and causes harm to that child or young person.” [Our Children, Our Church, page 41, 7.2]

Alert to possibility of abuse Report reasonable concerns suspicions to Health Board/ Gardai Code of Behaviour & Anti-bullying policy Adopt Child Protection Guidelines Duty of Care towards children

DEFINITION & RECOGNITION OF CHILD ABUSE “child” means a person under the age of 18 years who has not married. This abuse can be categorised as follows: NEGLECT EMOTIONAL ABUSE PHYSICAL ABUSE SEXUAL ABUSE How can you begin to recognise abuse? CONSIDER POSSIBILITY OBSERVE SIGNS OF ABUSE RECORD INFORMATION

Reasonable Grounds for Concern specific indication from the child that (s)he was abused; an account by a person who saw the child being abused; evidence, such as an injury or behaviour which is consistent with abuse and unlikely to be caused another way; an injury or behaviour which is consistent both with abuse and with an innocent explanation but where there are corroborative indicators supporting the concern that it may be a case of abuse. An example of this would be a pattern of injuries, an implausible explanation, other indications of abuse e.g. dysfunctional behaviour; consistent indication, over a period of time, that a child is suffering from emotional or physical neglect Aspects of the child’s behaviour Consistent signs of neglect over a period of time Children First:

Neglect Neglect Where the child suffers significant harm or impairment of development by being deprived of; food clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to affection from adults, medical care. Children First:3.2.1.

Indicators of Neglect With the people around you identify what you would see as the primary behavioural & physical indicators of neglect. Behavioural Indicators Exposed to danger; lack of age appropriate supervision Over protection- extreme control Low self esteem Child as parent(parentified) Caring for younger siblings Accident prone Poor hygiene - lack of self care Untreated illnesses Physical Indicators Tiredness, listlessness Hunger Dental issues Dirty/smelly Bed wetting/soiled Failure to thrive Learning difficulties Lack of provision of health care Age inappropriate appearance - dress/style

Emotional Abuse When a child’s need for affection, approval, consistency and security are not met. Emotional abuse is normally to be found in the relationship between a care-giver and a child. Children First:3.3.1.

Indicators of Emotional Abuse With the people around you identify what you would see as the primary behavioural & physical indicators of emotional abuse. Physical Indicators Sudden speech disorders Eating disorders Self harm Wetting and soiling Signs of mutilation Attention seeking behaviour Frequent vomiting Behavioural Indicators Mood change e.g. depression, failure to communicate Rocking, thumb sucking Fear of change Chronic runaway Poor peer relationships/isolation Truancy Delinquency

Physical Abuse Any form of non-accidental injury or injury which results from wilful or neglectful failure to protect a child. Children First 3.4.1

Indicators of Physical Abuse With the people around you identify what you would see as the primary behavioural & physical indicators of physical abuse. Physical Indicators Scratches Bite marks or welts Bruises in places difficult to mark e.g. behind ears, groin etc Burns, especially cigarette burns Under nourishment Untreated injuries Behavioural Indicators Self mutilation tendencies Poor concentration/learning Chronic runaway Aggressive or withdrawn Fear of returning home Undue fear of adults Bullying/being a victim

Sexual Abuse When a child is used by another person for his/her gratification or sexual arousal or for that of others. Children First:3.5.1.

Indicators of Sexual Abuse Physical Indicators Soreness, bleeding, itching in the genital or anal area STIs Pregnancy Genital injury Eating disorders Stomach pains or headaches Pain on urination Bruises on inner thighs or buttocks Behavioural Indicators Inappropriate language, sexual knowledge for age group Chronic depression/low self- esteem Inappropriate sexual behaviour Substance/drug abuse Self harm

Why Children Don’t Tell ? Fear of abuser Fear of the consequence Fear of being disbelieved Guilt Taboo subject Abuse has been normalised Bribes Language

Why Children Do Tell ? Meet a person they can trust Begin to learn what is normal Become aware of their suffering Pain too great To prevent it happening to siblings and/or others

How should you deal with a disclosure? DON’T Panic Promise to keep secrets Ask leading questions Make the child repeat the story unnecessarily Delay Start to investigate Do Stay calm Listen Believe Reassure Record in writing Discuss Report

Responsibilities (3.1) We must provide students with highest standard of care All school personnel are well placed to observe behavioural changes/signs of abuse BOM must appoint a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) & Deputy DLP DLP is Principal

Recording Disclosure (3.5) Note what you have seen/observed Describe/sketch physical injuries Record what child said, use child’s words Avoid conjecture/supposition Sign/ date/ give to DLP (who retains in secure location)

Protecting yourself Two parents/guardians supervise study Do not isolate yourself in any situation with a child e.g. Car Classroom Corridor Not responsible for managing behaviour. Note if a child leaves early and ensure they have prior permission.

PROTECTION FOR PERSONS REPORTING CHILD ABUSE ACT 1998 PROVIDES PROTECTION TO ANYONE MAKING A REPORT OF CHILD ABUSE “REASONABLY & IN GOOD FAITH” TO A “DESIGNATED OFFICER” FROM CIVIL LIABILITY AND PENALISATION BY EMPLOYERS FINE FOR FALSE REPORTING GARDAI HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE

Alert to possibility of abuse Report reasonable concerns suspicions to Health Board/ Gardai Code of Behaviour & Anti-bullying policy Adopt Child Protection Guidelines Duty of Care towards children