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What you will learn in this session 1.The nature of child abuse 2.Common terminology in child safeguarding, such as ‘looked after child’ 3.The signs of child abuse 4.Local policies and procedures for safeguarding children 5.What to do if you suspect child abuse 6.What to do if you face barriers in escalating a case of suspected child abuse 7.The risks associated with the internet and online social networking

Child safeguarding  ‘The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.’ (Working together to safeguard children, 2006)

Why is this important?  7% of children are physically abused by carers  11% of children are sexually abused by people known but unrelated to them  6% of children are seriously neglected at home  80 children a year are murdered in England & Wales  Babies are four times more likely to die a violent death than the average person  Over a quarter recorded rapes are of children NSPCC, 2004 This is an example slide - make sure data is up to date before use. Delete THIS box.

The nature of child abuse  A person may abuse or neglect a child by  Inflicting harm  Failing to prevent or protect the child from harm  The abuser may be an adult or adults…or another child or children  Children usually know their abuser(s)  Abuse can happen in the family, institutions or the community

Types of abuse  Physical  Emotional  Neglect  Sexual

Physical abuse  Causing physical harm to a child, including:  Hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning and suffocating  Fabricating symptoms or deliberately inducing illness

There is a degree of emotional abuse in all abuse, although it may occur alone. Emotional abuse  Persistent emotional maltreatment  Making a child think that they are worthless  Preventing a child from expressing their views  Imposing inappropriate expectations  Children witnessing ill-treatment of another  Serious bullying  Causing children to feel constantly frightened  Exploitation or corruption of children

A persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs Neglect  Neglect may involve failing to:  Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter  Protect a child from harm  Ensure adequate supervision  Provide appropriate medical care  Respond to a child’s basic emotional needs

Sexual abuse  Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what is happening  It includes:  Assault by penetration or non-penetrative acts  Non-contact activities such as looking at sexual images or watching sexual activities  Sexual exploitation  Encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways  Grooming a child in preparation for abuse

Risks from the internet and social networking  Commercial  Aggressive  Cyber-bullying  Sexual  Values-based  “30% of 7-12 year olds and 11% of year olds say that no one has spoken to them about staying safe online.” (Ofcom, 2009)

Culture  Forced marriage  So-called honour-based violence  Female genital mutilation  Risk taking behaviour  Gang and gun culture  Religious activities

What to do if a child discloses abuse  Stay calm and be reassuring  Find a quiet place to talk  Listen, but don’t press for information  Reassure, but don’t make false promises  Do not destroy any evidence of abuse  Don’t promise to keep the information secret  Explain what you’ll do next  Report the incident

Signs and symptoms  Sudden changes in behaviour  Changes in school performance  Unexplained injuries or burns  Masking activity by parents/carers  Withdrawal  Unexplained fears  Aggression to self or others  Running away  Regressive behaviour  Depression/anxiety  Wetting, day and night  Need constant reassurance

Add local procedures to main text box and delete THIS box. What to do if you suspect child abuse  It is your duty to recognise and respond appropriately to concerns regarding abuse  Seek advice and support [refer to local procedures]  Take appropriate action by making a referral

What to record  Accurately detail what you saw and / or heard  Record details straight away  Times, dates, people  Report exact words used  Distinguish between fact and opinion  Date and sign the record  Follow local procedures for information sharing and records management

Insert specific local details in main text box and delete THIS box. What happens after a referral?  You may be contacted for further information.  You should get feedback from your referral.  Don’t be afraid to challenge a lack of activity.  Inform your line manager.  Contact [insert relevant details]

Local policies & procedures Insert specific trust policies in main text box and delete THIS box.

Who to contact Insert local contact details in main text box and delete THIS box.

Your responsibilities  Recognise child abuse  Respond appropriately  Follow the correct policies and procedures  Refer correctly and as appropriate  Seek advice  Access child protection training relevant to your area/role

THANK YOU Any Questions? Insert trainer’s name, telephone number and here Replace text in above box with trainer’s name and contact details. Delete THIS box