Understand_How_to_Respond_to_Evidence_or_Concerns_That_a_Child_or_Person_Has_Been_Abused_of_Harmed_

Safeguarding Children Understand how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child or person has been abused of harmed' • A description of the possible signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours that may cause concern in the context of safeguarding. When working with children and young people we have a duty to protect them from harm. This could be from being physically, emotionally, sexually abused or even being neglected. If a child is suffering from abuse or neglect this may be demonstrated through what they say (direct or indirect disclosure) or changes in their appearance, behaviour, body language or the way they play. The child could experience more than one abuse. If a child is being sexually abused they may also suffer from emotional abuse. In the next few paragraphs I will be looking at the physical and behavioural indicator a child may present with that could be a call for concern. Physical abuse is the physical injury or maltreatment of a child under the age of eighteen. This is usually carried out by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened. For example types of physical abuse a child could experience; being beaten with a belt, shoe, or other object. Also being bitten, broken bones, being burned with matches or cigarettes. A child could experience being hit kicked, and deprived of food and drink, having their hair pulled, being scalded with water that is too hot also shaking, shoving, or slapping. When then child is experiences physical abuse, this may be indicated by the child’s behaviour as it may alter and become more aggressive and they may have a fear of physical contact or become clingy. They may also refuse to get undress out of soiled or dirty clothes due to fear of injuries being detected. Family or those in close proximity to the child could be the cause of the harm the child endures however may falsify explanations as to why the child has injuries. The child may also be afraid of being in the company of that person. Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is pressurised, forced or tricked into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with an adult or young person. This can include kissing, touching of the young person's genitals or breasts, intercourse or oral sex. Boys and girls can both be abused by Men and woman. A child as young as four months can be abused. The majority of children that are abused know their abuser as they could be a family member or family friend or a person who is in a position of trust such as a carer or teacher. An indication if a child has/is being sexually abused is they may show physical signs of itching or pain in the general area. The child may have problems going to the toilet, pain when passing a stool or urinating. The child may have bite or scratch marks around genital and anal areas. The child may suffer from a transmitted infection or discharge in genital area. The Childs play may also be affected, for example they may play with toys or objects in a sexual way The child’s behaviour may also change they may be overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual way inappropriate to the child's age. The child may become insecure or clingy. They may have a lack of appetite and lack of self worth. The child may have fear or lack of trust in someone they may know and/or a fear of certain places. The child may also have out bursts of anger. Emotional abuse can be undermining a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth by ignoring them, giving degrading punishments, or constantly threatening or humiliating them. This also can occur when a child is being threatened or be verbally attacked and shouted at. If a child is being emotional abused they may become disruptive in the class and not want to take part in class or group activities. They may also have tendency to have inappropriate verbal out bursts. A child’s behaviour can be negative and they can be shy. They may also be self destructive and overly demanding. There are few physical signs of being emotionally abused but some children may rock back and forth or even bite themselves and others. The child may also become overly demanding explain a bit more i.e for example. If a child is being neglected it means that the child is not receiving enough care and attention. The child may be malnourished, unclean and hungry. The child may have bad dental hygiene (WHY'). The child may be living in a dangerous and dysfunctional environment or be subjected to being around drugs and high volumes of alcohol. The child may also not receive the love and attention they need. If a child is being neglected they may be wary of adults. They may be unable to play with other children. The child may have a short concentration span and underachieve. The child may also become the bully and be aggressive toward other children or may be the one that is getting bullied due to low self of esteem. The child could be frequently sick due to neglect, poor personal hygiene and poor diet. If a child is showing signs of being physical, sexual, emotion abused it is likely they could be experiencing an array of abuse, and not only the first sign that is detected. It is important to not ignore the signs as we have a duty of care for the children from harm and abuse. • Describe the actions to take if a child or young person alleges harm or abuse in line with policies and procedures In the event of a child disclosing directly or indirectly that are being abused or harmed. The play worker would sit down and take the time to listen to what the child has to say ensuring not to influence the outcome either through the way we speak to the child or ask any leading questions. The child would be asked there concerns so that we would know the best way to help them. The child will be reassured that they have done the right thing and that your here to help A written report is done with the exact words spoken by the child. The safe guard person and the manager are made aware of the concern and the date and signed report is put into the child’s personal file. The incident is reported to the local authority of children’s social care department. The parent is usually the first point of contact and will be contacted the same time as the department unless the parent is the likely abuser and the investigating officer will then contact the parents. If a child allergies that a member of staff or volunteer has abused them, we would recorded the details of any such alleged incident. We then refer any complaint immediately to the local authority social care department, to investigate. We also report such alleged incident to Ofsted and what measures we have to taken. We also co-operate with the investigation carried out by the children’s social care department. Where the management committee and children’s social care agree is it appropriate in the circumstances, the chair person will suspend the member of staff on full pay, of the volunteer for the duration of the investigation. This is not an indication of admission that the alleged incident has taken place, but it is to protect staff, children and other families throughout the investigation. If the member of staff has be proven of misconduct relating to a child, the independent barring board administration are notified and their name can be put on the protection of children and vulnerable.