Maltreatment

Theories of Maltreatment Medical –linked to Bowlby’s theory of attachment, whereby lack of bonding can lead to a cycle of poor attachment with others Sociological-the environment and learnt experiences will impact on the child and his/her development Psychological- This is based on family status and relationships within that family Feminist- power enforced by different family members

Theoretical Models Exceptional context- needs are usually met but circumstances may lead to neglect. Rigid Context- Domineering parents who have high expectations. Children fearful of them. Deviant context-Abuse of power in a negative way e.g. Munchhausen by proxy. Chaotic context-inconsistency, lack of boundaries, children given responsibility beyond their years. The above make up the contextual model.

What prevents children telling……?

Our Duty of Care What is our duty of care in relation to safeguarding children and young people?

What happens if a disclosure is made? Who would you contact? How would you deal with the situation? How could you reassure the child?

Reporting & Documenting Information What information needs to documented if you have a concern or a disclosure has been made? What do you need to ensure when documenting evidence? Why is this important? Where could this information be used? Ensure it is factual, valid, current. Your information could be the first or final piece of the jigsaw puzzle!

Protecting Our Children As you watch the programme, look at the referral process and make connections of the stages. Consider the issues of the case: Case referral- who made the referral? Underlying issues relating to the family What are the positives aspects of the case? What are the negatives aspects of the case? What is getting in the way of the case achieving positive outcomes for all involved ? What strategies were put in place? Were they effective? If not, why not?

The Referral Process Step 1-Initial concern and referral. This could be from the child or young person themselves It could be a neighbour, friend or family member raising concerns It could be a professional becoming concerned The designated child protection officer within a setting would contact social services. Or these services could be contacted direct Police are not necessarily informed straight away unless it is a matter of emergency

Step 2-Initial inquiries and strategy ( usually within 24 hours of referral) This assessment will consider the issue in question. At this point a decision will be made of whether a Social Worker will be assigned to the case and/or whether police intervention is required. Using the Common Assessment Framework for England and Wales, the assessment process will look at the child and family as a whole, considering: the development and health needs of the child whether the parents can respond to those needs family history and anything else that affects family functioning from the immediate environment As a result the assessment process may identify intervention that may be required.

Step 2 continued- Strategy meeting Any concerns from the assessment that there is risk of likely or actual harm, key professionals will meet to plan future investigation. Four possible scenarios could be: No further action( although it doesn’t mean that concerns are ignored) Low key support will be put in place to support the family. The family needs to accept that support. The professional referring the case will be informed to monitor engagement and progress. Further enquiries will be made if a child protection issue is identified. Removal of the child into care service provision if he/she is deemed to be at high risk if left within the home/environment

If a child is deemed to be at high risk, the Social Worker applies to the court for an emergency court order. This is a swift but temporary response and a meeting need to be arranged asap. Usually the police will accompany the Social Worker to the premises to remove the child to a place of safety.( 72 hours) Also there is the option of an exclusion order whereby the child remains at home but the person who is of concern has to leave and not to come back to the premises. Emergency Actions

Child Protection Enquiries If there is child protection concern, a meeting will be arranged with all professionals involved with that family involved. Evidence will be assessed to date. A person will be assigned to work with the family and the child and to oversee the case.( Working together to safeguard children(2006) Based on the evidence the representative from the police force will determine if there is enough evidence to move the case forward. Police will only remain involved if they can actual link a crime to the case e.g. physical, sexual abuse and /or neglect.

Step 3- Investigation and assessment Following the initial meeting a full investigation will be held prior to the child protection conference. This is carried out following child protection legislation. It will consider: Facts rising to concerns The risk to the child Secure an interview or medical examination- this will determine criminal proceedings. All this information will be presented in the case conference and support the decision to develop a child protection plan. From 2009 England and Wales ceased to have local child protection registers.( Lindon, 2015)

Child in Need During the investigation and assessment period the child will be identified as ‘in need’ rather than ‘ at risk’. At this point service intervention will be offered to support the child and the family. However it is important that families want this support and committed to working with services/professionals allocated to them. Where possible parents and carers will be involved within this process ( unless detrimental to the proceedings)

Approach During this time professional need to remain non-judgmental, and fully aware of different childcare practices and diversity Follow relevant policies and procedures Fully assess the information prior to any further decisions or actions being taken

Non- Compliance If parents do not engage in the intervention provided, a Child Assessment Order will be obtained. This will identify non-compliance of the family and therefore the child will be deemed ‘at risk’. It does not necessarily mean the child will be removed from the home, unless family members were being obstructive.

Step 4- Child Protection Conference( case conference) Not all cases progress to this stage All professionals involved with the family will attend to share information. Who do you think would attend? Law and guidance throughout the UK firmly stress that parents should remain a part of the child protection process. ( Lindon, 2015.) Children and young people are invited but if they decline their views will be expressed via a professional who works closely with them. How do you think parents may feel during these meetings?

Family Group Conferences Used in support of the case conference, whereby the immediate team working with the family will meet to discuss strategies and support. Children and young people are invited but if they decline their views will be expressed via a professional who works closely with them.

Child Protection Plan This can be put in place prior to the baby being born if there are concerns of significant harm If incidents have already occurred that have impacted on the child. Issues where child safety has been ignored Failure to thrive A social worker will continually monitor this case and a tailor made care package designed. Family support services will be assigned to safeguard and monitor the child's welfare. This can be done on an individual or group basis.

Child Protection Review First review- ( 3months) Following review( 6 months) The review will assess if plan is still necessary. Testaments will be heard form child, family and professionals Can you think what will determine the child being removed from requiring the child protection plan?

Finally…… Guidance is clear that children should remain with their family unless there is clear evidence they can only be effectively protected elsewhere. ( Lindon, 2015)