Safeguarding Children
Training
Jackie Mathers
Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children
Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group
31st March 2014
Aim of the session
To raise awareness that child
protection is everyone’s
responsibility
There are 4 types of
Child Abuse
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Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Neglect
Sexual abuse
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When you take out your PENS to write
something down check if you have any
concerns about any children
What is the legal age of a Child?
• 0-18 years
and
• An unborn baby may also be protected
under the children act 1989
When can you leave children
alone?
• There is no legal age
but
• Parents can be prosecuted for neglect if
they leave a child unsupervised
“in a manner likely to cause unnecessary
suffering or injury to health”
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/helpandadvice/publications/leaflets/homealone_pdf_wdf36243.pdf
Is smacking or hitting a child
illegal?
• No
But
• It is illegal to hit an animal
How could adult arguments affect
children?
– They become aggressive
– They become quiet and withdrawn
– They miss school
– They don’t see or hear it
When Can a Child Legally
Consent to Sex?
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16 years old
Grey area between 13-16 years
Grooming is an offence
Watching or engaging in pornography is
also part of sexual abuse
Support available for children
and families
Child
protection
Children
in need
Children needing
support to meet their needs
Universal services for
children
Scenarios 1
• A District nurse was asked to visit a house
bound adult to take some blood.
• When she arrived there was no one in
• She heard a noise inside and looked through the
letter box
• She saw a child tide by his leg to a table
Scenario 2
• You are supporting an adult who tells you they
are worried about the child next door.
• She is 7 years old and always at home.
• They have seen her eating breadcrumbs from
the bird table in the garden.
Scenario 3
• Some one you visit tells you they are worried
about the 3 year old next door.
• There are always arguments and raised voices
next door.
• Windows have been broken and after one of
these episodes the child had his arm in a
plaster.
• You have never seen the police come to the
house.
What to do if you’re worried a child
is being abused
• Know what you should do in you are concerned
• Listen to the child’s voice and your concerns
• Share your concerns with people who can make
the child safe
• Keep sharing information if you are still
concerned
Making a Referral
• Is it safe to talk to the parent/carer?
• As a voluntary worker you can make an
anonymous referral if you are concerned
• Contact
– NSPCC
– Social Services
– Police
• Include any information relating to the child and family
• Be specific about your concerns
Who can help if you are concerned a
child is being harmed?
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NSPCC helpline- 0808 800 5000
First Response- 0117 9036444
Police/Crime stoppers (0800 555 111)
Child Protection procedures
(www.swcpp.org.uk )
Always share your concerns
First Response
phone: 0117 9036444
We are all responsible for the care and welfare of children
Call First Response Bristol if you are concerned about a child
If you need support with parenting or you think that your child needs some help
from children’s services in Bristol, you can phone the First Response Bristol
team on 0117 903 6444.
If you are concerned about a child that is not yours you should also
contact First Response Bristol to share your concerns.
If the child is at immediate risk call the Police on 999. When our offices are
closed call the Emergency Duty Team - 01454 615 165.
Put in slide of CP procedures
Safeguarding children’s standards are
in all health contracts
• Having policies, and procedures that everyone follows
• The right level of training
• Safe recruitment process (DBS checks etc)
• Supporting all multi-agency work that protects children
• Following procedures when allegations are made against
professionals
• Working with families and children
Useful links for safeguarding
children
• South west child protection procedureswww.swcpp.org.uk
• Bristol First Response- http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/children-and-youngpeople/first-response-bristol-report-concerns-about-child-social-worker
• South Gloucestershire First Point-01454 866000
http://www.sgcyp.org/Safeguarding/SouthGloucestershireSafeguardingChildrenBoard/Whattodoify
ouareconcernedaboutachild/tabid/80/Default.aspx
• NSPCC- 0808 800 5000 http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-andadvice/worried-about-a-child/the-nspcc-helpline/how-to-contact-us/how-to-contactus_wda89787.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK_GO_S_E_BND_
Paid_Pure_KW&utm_term=sitelink_worried_about_a_child
• Crime stoppers (0800 555 111)
NSPCC web site
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http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/leaflets/leaflets-list_wda83843.html - NSPCC leaflets
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http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/worried-about-a-child/are-you-worriedhub_wdh72939.html