child abuse

Definition of child abuse Abuse is commonly recognised as any behaviour

towards a child that causes harm to that child in some way

A child is defined as some one up to the age of 18 under The Children Act 1989

Someone may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by knowingly not preventing harm (NSPCC 2000)

Definition of child abuse Children may be abused in the family, community,

institutional setting, or more rarely by a stranger Most children know the person abusing them There are four categories of abuse; physical,

emotional, sexual & neglect (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013)

Significant harm is how The Children Act views & determines whether there is any harm to a child

Abuse and neglect Are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody

may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm.

Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others (e.g. via the internet).

They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children.

types of abuse Physical Emotional (neglect/rejection/terrorisation) Neglect (failing to provide love, care, food or

physical circumstances that will allow a child to grow and develop normally. Intentionally exposing a child to any kind of danger)

Sexual Of note harm includes impairment suffered from

seeing or hearing ill treatment of another

5 important outcomes Essential to a child’s well being Staying safe (from abuse, accidents, bullying,

discrimination, crime and antisocial behaviour, having security, stability and being cared for)

Being healthy (physically, mentally, sexually) Enjoying and achieving (basically being stretched at

school) Making a positive contribution (developing self

confidence, choosing not to be involved in crime and bullying)

Achieving economic well-being (ready for life of work, but also being off the poverty line)

Assessment framework Where a child or young person is suffering or likely to

suffer significant harm, then the following considerations need to be made

1. assessment of child’s developmental needs 2. parent’s or caregiver’s capacity to meet these needs 3. wider family and environmental factors

child developmental needs Health Education Emotional and Behavioural

Development Identity Family and Social Relationships Social Presentation Self care skills

Parental capacity Basic care Ensuring Safety Emotional warmth Stimulation Guidance and Boundaries Stability

Family and environmental factors Community Resources Family’s Social Integration Employment Housing Wider Family Family History and Functioning

Predisposing factors of child abuse and neglect- child’s developmental needs

<1 year of age Mental or physical disability Behavioural problems Prematurity Developmental Delay Communication