Unit 516 Essay

Submitted By nelly21982
Words: 1174
Pages: 5

1.1 Explain the policies, procedures and practices for safe working with children and young people.

CMG have a daycentre for children so we have a child protection policy in place. The policy follows government guidance on child protection. Listen, do not interview or ask questions – just reassure child or person sharing the concern. This is contained primarily in a set of guidance available for reference in each service accommodating children. These are:

Working Together Under the Children Act 1989 (DFE 2010)
Working Together to Safeguard Children – A guide to inter – agency working to promote the welfare of children (March 2010)

By following government guidance CMG are committed to good inter – agency co – operation and fully support the sentiments and actions in “Working Together”.

In addition to this CMG also keep a copy of procedural Handbook produced by the Child Protection Committee local to the service, which will cover more aspects than are needed in the CMG’s procedure.

The Registered Manager for each service is designated as having responsibility for liaising with Social Services Departments and other relevant agencies over cases of child abuse, the Regional Director will take on this responsibility in the absence of the Registered Manager.

The policy applies to all children i.e. under 18 years. CMG also support young adults over 18, and in the case of those people the CMG Adult Safeguarding Procedure will apply. The legal position differs for adults and other legislation such as the Mental Health Act, as well as common law, gives adults’ protection that is similar to that given to children under the Children’s Act.

2.1 Describe the possible signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours that may cause concern in the context of safeguarding.

Physical Abuse:

Most Children pick up bruises as part of every day life, most accidental bruises are seen over the more bony areas of the body and the explanation is consistent with the bruise/injury. Some children will have bruises that appear to be more inflicted rather than accidental.

The common signs of Physical abuse are:

Unexplained bruising, marks or injuries on any part of the body.
Multiple bruises – in clusters, often on the upper harm, outside of thigh.
Cigarette burns
Human bite marks
Broken bones
Scalds, with upward splash marks
Multiple burns with a clearly demarcated edge.

Children will usually display a change in behaviour surrounding any type of abuse, the common changes are:

Fear of parents being approached for an explanation
Aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts
Flinching when approached or touched
Reluctant to get changed, for example in hot weather
Depression
Withdrawn behaviour
Running away from home

Emotional Abuse:

Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify as there is often no physical signs, there may be a developmental delay due to a failure to thrive and grow, this will only usually become apparent if the child puts weight on in different circumstances, for example if the child is away from their parents or carer for a period of time.

The behaviour changes in a child who maybe suffering from emotional abuse may include:

Neurotic behaviour e.g. sulking, hair twisting, rocking
Being unable to play
Fear of making mistakes
Sudden speech disorders
Self – harm
Fear of parent being approached regarding their behaviour
Developmental delay in emotional progress

Sexual Abuse:

Usually in cases of sexual abuse it is the Childs behaviour that may be cause for concern, and this may include:

Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour
Fear of being left alone with a specific person or group of people
Having nightmares
Running away from home
Sexual knowledge which is beyond their age or developmental level
Sexual drawings
Bedwetting
Eating problems
Self – harm or mutilation, sometimes leading to suicide attempts
Saying they have secrets
Substance or drug abuse
Unexplained sources of money
Acting in a sexual