Copy of Safeguarding

Once your concerns have been referred to the children social carers they decide on the next course of action within one working day. An initial assessment is required; this can take up anytime between one and seven working days. During the initial assessment the social carer workers with the child, the family and any practitioners involved to decide whether the child is actually or likely to suffer significant harm.

Initial Assessment

The initial assessment will be undertaken in accordance with the assessment framework, any information that is collected through the assessment will be analysed in connection to the three domains of the assessment framework,

1) The child’s developmental needs

2) Parenting capacity

3) Family and environmental factors

Safeguarding

Over the last century there has been a considerable change in attitude towards children. Children now have more rights and are inevitably more protected within the law. It is vast difference to 1875 when Mary Ellen was cruelly beaten by her guardians, but there was no child care/protection legislation to help her.

However child abuse is still a big issue today, many children still live in fear and need protection from adults who do not treat them properly or who cause them harm. Within the past 10 years child abuse has become immensely documented within the media, making more people aware of the seriousness of the issue. New laws are been updated and put in place regularly to help protect children and to make sure that they get treated fairly.

Child abuse is a very complex subject which has been categorised into four main types; physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.

Physical abuse - Contact with the child to cause them deliberate harm i.e. hitting, kicking or shaking etc.

Sexual abuse - Forcing a child under the age of 16 to take part in any sexual activities i.e. rape, exposure or oral sex etc.

Emotional abuse - Deliberately, repeatedly hurting a child’s feelings diminishing the child’s self-esteem i.e. name-calling, humiliation and ridiculing etc.

Neglect - To desert a child physically i.e. lack of food, not being bathed or washed and clothes not being washed etc.

Characteristics of Child abuse

So now we understand the meaning of child abuse and the four main categories. Next is the hard part, how do we identify children who are being abused?

This is particularly hard as the characteristics are to be used only as a guide, and should be used with caution as there may be a reasonable explanation.

Each form of abuse has a different effects on the child, and therefore there a variety of differences both physically and mentally in the characteristics/indicators when observing and identifying an abused child.

Theories

Child abuse is so complex that numerous theories have been created, all differing in the explanation as to why adults abuse children. I have chosen to analyse four of the main theories, noting any similarities/differences, why they fail to explain and why as a professional practitioner it is important to have some knowledge on these theories. The four main theories i have chosen are; Sociological, feminist, attachment and family dysfunction.

Sociological

The Sociological theory looks outside of the family as the root cause of child abuse, believing that the explanation as to why adults abuse children is due to the stresses the society/environment has on them. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, social isolation or poor housing are all factors which create a stressful environment. It is believed that adults who are more stressed are more likely to take their frustration out on their own children within the privacy of their own home, as there is a reduced chance of a police involvement then assaulting a member of the public outside of the family unit.

After analysing the Sociological theory I feel that there is some gaps in the theory, things that it fails to explain. Sociological theory does not explain why wealthy parents would abuse their children as the stresses of the environment would not affect them or their mood. This theory also ignores any psychological stresses that the parent may experience while bringing up their children.

Feminist

The Feminist theory looks towards male dominance as the root cause of child abuse. From a young age males are socialised to believe they are more powerful than females this then inevitably results in them being treated as the dominant sex. Some of these young males grow up controlling their women and children using violence, implementing that they are in control and they have all the power. Men also use the belief that they have an overwhelming sex drive as a justification to assert their sexual desires on children or women. Feminist however argue that the male sex is not the dominant sex, but it is the way the male children are raised that causes them to believe they are the superior sex, for example two babies one a little girl and the other a little boy, it is very obvious that each child is treated very differently, the little girl is handled very carefully and gently however the little boy is handled with not as much care and played with in a rougher manner.

After analysing the Feminist theory I feel that there is some gaps in the theory, things that it fails to explain. Feminist theory does not explain why women would abuse their children only explaining the reasons behind males and child abuse. I also feel that this theory is the only theory which explains sexual abuse due to their overwhelming sex drive

Attachment

The attachment theory looks the lack of a mother’s instinctual bonding with her child as the root cause of child abuse. If a mother had a bad experience growing up i.e. poor attachment with her parents than it is more likely that the mother will find it hard to bond with her own child. The child will be abused due to the mother having unrealistic expectations of the child and the child not being able to accomplish them. This works in connection John Bowlby’s theory, Attachment styles states that “John Bowlby devoted extensive research to the concept of attachment, describing it as a "lasting psychological connectedness between human beings" (Bowlby, 1969, p. 194). Bowlby shared the psychoanalytic view that early experiences in childhood have an important influence on development and behaviour later in life. Our early attachment styles are established in childhood through the infant/caregiver relationship.”

After analysing the Attachment theory I feel that there is some gaps in the theory, things that it fails to explain. Attachment theory does not explain why men would abuse their children only explaining the reason as to why women would abuse their children. This theory also fails to explain why women who have a good attachment to the parents and have had a happy and positive childhood would abuse their children.

Family dysfunction

Family dysfunction theory looks towards the problems within the family unit and the way they function with each other. The child is used as a “scapegoat” and the blame is placed on the child for all the problems within the family, resulting in the child being abused. The family are then allowed to carry on functioning as all fault is landed on the child.

After analysing the Family dysfunction theory I feel that there is some gaps in the theory, things that it fails to explain. Family dysfunction does not explain why any of their parents would sexual abuse their children, only explain why physical, emotional or neglect might happen.

In addition, understanding the different theories provides you with a motive as to why the abuse is taking place. Having this knowledge enables you to acknowledge how/what went wrong, helping you to provide relevant support for the family.

Underpinning the Children Act 1989 legislation “it is in the best interest of the children to work with their families.” Most abused children when asked what they want is to stay with their parents but however for the abuse to stop. It is therefore in the best interests of the child to try and offer supports i.e. such as counselling or meetings to stop the abuse while allowing the child to stay with their parents with sufficient supervision.

Importance of Child Abuse theories

Understanding the theories of child abuse is vital for a professional practitioner.

Personally I feel that by having some knowledge of the theories gives you a wider range of perspectives. Child abuse is a very complicated and complex subject that should be treated with the upmost care and in a very professional manner. Child abuse is a very serious allegation and therefore you want as much evidence to support your claim as possible to prevent any distress to the child or family. Theories is one of the many avenues that should be used when worried about the welfare of a child, they should be used in conjunction with things such as indicators to support your claim.

As a practitioner you have the ideal opportunity to spot any children who are being abused. Professional practitioners need to be aware of the indicators of abuse and report any concerns, you should work alongside parents however in regards to any serious concern of child abuse the child’s rights over ride the parents, as stated in The Children Act “Child’s welfare is paramount.” Communication with parents involving abuse depends on whether you fear it may cause the child further harm, therefore you need to know when to be concerned and when to act on that concern. The theories provide you with a range of perspectives and reflective tool to make you more professional within your role and allow for possible solutions to be explored.

In addition, it is important that you look at each child’s circumstances to help identify whether there is any need for intervention. A professional and objective approach is vital and it is also important we ignore stereotypes keeping an open mind is key while dealing with facts and not jumping to conclusions. The guidelines that practitioners must follow are clear and any suggestion of child abuse must be reported through the correct channels i.e. the selected child protection officer.

The theories start to make you think outside the box, certain situations and scenario’s start to get you questioning, for example a mother and child in the playground, child is desperate to get the mothers attention, however the mother ignores him and keeps pushing him away. Instantly i think of the attachment theory, however this alone is not sufficient enough to say this woman is abusing her child. I would then observe the child’s behaviour looking out for anything indicating abuse. I feel that learning about the theories have provided me with the more confidence when trying to spot an abused child.

Other current polices and practices such as the assessment framework triangle demonstrate the significance of each theory, the three subheadings all link to the indicators of child abuse for example family and environmental factors, housing connects to the Sociological theory etc. This can therefore also be used in conjunction with the theories to help stop abuse.

It is important that you remember that the theories are very useful but however do not portray the full picture and should be used only as a segment of your allegation. If you fear a child is being abused then you need to discuss matters with your manger , as practitioner it is imperative that you are aware of the physical and behavioural indicators.

2. How to deal with disclosure.

Knowing how damaging child abuse is for children, it is up to the adults around them to take responsibility for stopping it. Practitioners place the interests of children at the heart of their work, therefore as you have direct contact with children, you must be able to identify children who are vulnerable, and at risk of harm or abuse. A child’s welfare is paramount, regardless of whether you feel sympathy for the parent or carer. You must always act on a child’s behalf if you have concerns.

We may become aware of possible abuse in various ways. We may see it happening, we may suspect it happening (indicators) or it may be reported to you directly by the child affected.

Disclosure is a word which has numerous meanings, however in connection to child abuse it has a very specific meaning, to reveal, tell or show about abuse.

Social workers will talk about two types of disclosure:

1) Direct disclosure – the child has directly told you about being abuse “a child has disclosed.”

2) Indirect disclosure – you suspect abuse through various indicators which suggest that the child has been abused.

• Correct body language, this includes maintaining eye contact with the child, nodding appropriately and interrupting the child when they are talking. Remember 55% of other people’s perception of what you say is from your body language incomparision of 7% of your words.

• Be patient with silence and give the child time to think.

• Sit at 90⁰ angle, this is good practise as it prevents the child feeling like they are being formal questioned and becoming uncomfortable.

• Accept what the child is telling you, despite however difficult it may be.

• Keep questions to a minimum this then allows a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. Many child abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested during questioning. Only ask questions to clarify, reflective questions for example the child says “I felt scared” the professional then says “you felt scared?” It shows you have listened to exactly what the child has said and are clearly listening, letting the child lead the conversation and are not putting words into the child’s mouths. Children, especially children being abused want to please the adults around them and therefore might say something that they think the adults want to hear.

Direct disclosure, children are often very cautious when disclosing abuse, for any adult it will be hard and emotional to hear a child disclosing abuse however it is so important that if you find yourself in this situation that you respond appropriately. You should:

• Stay calm, to prevent upsetting or frightening the child.

• Reassure the child that they are not to blame and that they were right to tell you.

• Listen to the child, showing them that you are taking what they are saying seriously... Remember not listening could result in you missing out on the one opportunity when the child is going to tell you something important i.e. abuse.

• Do not interrogate, let the child talk as little or as much as they want this is to prevent the child feeling uncomfortable and as though they are under investigation.

• Inform the child that you have to inform other people about what they have told you. Tell the child that this is to prevent the abuse from continuing. Do not promise that you will keep it a secret, as it is a promise you will have to break and by doing so will inevitably break the child’s trust.

• Record all information, make sure that you record contemporaneously this means writing down any evidence immediately or as soon as possible to ensure that all the information is valid and reliable. In your recording you should detain yourself to the facts and do not include your own opinions.

• Report the incident to the designated member of staff as soon as possible.

It is your duty and responsibility to report suspected child abuse as set out in section 68 of the Child and Family Services Act: “A person who believes on reasonable grounds that a child is or may be in need of protection shall forthwith report the belief and information upon which is based to a children’s aid society.”

3. What to do with your concerns.

All your suspicions and allegations must be reported appropriately. Pride and Joy expect all members of staff to discuss any concerns they may have about the welfare of any of the children in their care immediately with the designated member of staff. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with children social care workers who are responsible for child protection. Children social carers have a legal responsibility under The Children Act 1989 to investigate all children protection referrals by talking to the child and family, gathering information from other people who know the child and making inquires alongside the police. You as practitioners are not child protection experts and therefore it is not your responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place.

Once you have told your designated member of staff about your worries and concerns, it is then the responsibility of the designated member of staff to make the referral to a child protection agency. This normally takes place in the form of a telephone call, you may be asked into sit in this call to help with any questions asked.

The next stage will involve the practitioner filling out a form on the LSCB website. This form has to be filled and handed in within 48 hours. Children’s social care should acknowledge your written referral within one working day. The children social workers then have up to 7 days to carry out an initial assessment, where they are able to assess the situation. They will carry out this assessment by working alongside the children, family and the parents if possible to obtain as much information on the chid as possible. As stated previously The Children Act 1989 section 47 states that social workers have a legal obligation to investigate any concerns of child abuse, this is known as a child protection enquiry.