Child Protection Act of 1989

Current legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, including e-safety.

Child Protection Act of 1989

To ensure a child's safety, this law specifies the roles that both parents and professionals must play. Two major parts of this law are particularly concerned with safeguarding children, (Yar, M, 2019).

Section 47.

If someone is suffering or is at risk of suffering serious injury, the Local Authority is obligated to conduct an investigation under Section 47.

Section 17

Services to protect and advance the well-being of vulnerable children in the community are mandated by Section 17.

The Child Act of 2004.

Every child is protected by the law under this statute. The prerequisites for are as follows:

1. Services will coordinate with one another to provide a unified offering to users.
2. A "shared" evaluation of children's requirements.
3. A central repository of data that can be used to improve children's safety and well-being.
4. Provide help for troubled parents.

Safeguarding policies and procedures:

The health and safety of students is paramount, so schools should implement a number of measures to this end. The staff's obligations are spelled out here for everyone's benefit and protection. The duties and procedures that employees must adhere to are outlined in this. One or more policies may be combined to form a single health and safety policy, but all of the following issues must be addressed, (Executive, N. I, 2021).

1. Protection and reporting protocols.
2. E-safety.
3. Any form of bullying, including cyberbullying.

Safeguarding (or child protection) policies in childcare facilities should include the following provisions:

1. The name of the setting, the services it offers to children and families, and the name of the setting's designated child protection officer.
2. A summary of the primary laws that apply to that region of the United Kingdom, with an emphasis on child protection.
3. Everyone in the environment has a role to play in maintaining safety and avoiding incidents of abuse and neglect, (Executive, N. I, 2021).
4. Other policies, such as those addressing equitable opportunity, behaviour, and parental involvement, complement the safeguarding commitment.
5. Each member of the faculty, the board of governors, and the volunteer force should get up-to-date safeguarding education.
6. To ensure that the safety measures in place are effective, an accurate risk assessment must be conducted.

The policy's day-to-day implementation should be spelled out in detail in the accompanying procedure. Practitioners' roles as individuals and as members of a team, as well as those of the setting's authorised child protection officer, should be spelled out in detail. Clarity on the following should be included in the procedures:

1. The duty to address concerns raised by everyone in a timely and satisfactory manner.
2. A concise explanation of the symptoms that should raise red flags for medical professionals, along with a link to the appropriate set of guidelines, (Executive, N. I, 2021).
3. The procedures to follow in the event of concerns, as well as the limits of a familiar practitioner's or the designated child protection officer's position.
4. Contact information for local resources (such as emergency personnel) and other relevant information related to the service.
5.  Detailed instructions on what to do if a child or teen reports being abused.

Guidance

The Department of Education supplies local governments, including schools, with guidelines. Each school should use this as a starting point for crafting its own set of regulations. For example:

Cooperative efforts to protect children are encouraged, and this document details the responsibilities of various groups and how they might best collaborate to keep kids safe.

Indicators of child abuse and what to do if you suspect abuse (2006), this advice is for individuals who work with children and want to keep them safe and help them thrive. It examines the steps that should be taken by all people who are working with children, (Yar, M, 2019).

Roles of different agencies involved in safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.

In order to ensure the safety and well-being of children and teenagers, a wide variety of agencies become involved. Agencies like:

Social Services

The purpose of their presence is to provide the child and the environment with assistance. Any allegations of wrongdoing on the part of caregivers, children, or the facility can be investigated by social services. Additionally, they are responsible for leading the Child Protection Conference, acting when a kid or young person is in apparent or suspected immediate danger, meeting and interviewing the child and any relevant family members, and liaising with and gathering important information about the child and their circumstances from other agencies associated with the child, (Vosz et al, 2020).

Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU)

There is a special police team that can look into allegations of child abuse and maybe make an arrest. If illegal activity is suspected, it is up to the CPIU to determine whether or not it has occurred and then to launch the proper criminal investigation. Evidence from Social Services and other groups with a vested interest in the youth's welfare must also be gathered. CPIU staff are required to appear at any court session to deliver testimony when a crime has been committed against a child or young person and take immediate action, which may include removing the kid from harm or removing the perpetrator, (Ewenson et al, 2021).

Health Visitors

Healthcare professionals are frequently the first to see the outward signs of abuse. It is their legal obligation to report any suspicions of abuse to Social Services. A health visitor should conduct a thorough medical examination or observation on any child or young person who is being abused or who has been abused.

The Police.

Anyone who is accused of abusing a kid is subject to an investigation, an interrogation, and an arrest by the police. In most cases, they will request that the CPIU conduct an independent inquiry and report back to Social Services. In order to keep kids safe, police collaborate with child welfare agencies, (Vosz et al, 2020).

NSPCC.

The NSPCC accepts information on an anonymous basis. NSPCC has a responsibility to share information with Social Services. The NSPCC is the only organisation of its kind with the authority to intervene when children are being abused or are suspected of being abused. For those who are concerned about a child or who may be in danger themselves, the NSPCC has a 24-hour helpline. The National Society to Protect Children from Abuse (NSPCA) regularly distributes educational materials and advertisements to the public.

Identify the characteristics of different types of child abuse.

Despite the complexity of the issue, the child protection system often classifies cases of abuse into four broad categories:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect

Frequently, children experience multiple forms of maltreatment. When a child is sexually abused, for instance, the abuser may also use fear and devaluation to control the victim.

Bullying

Bullying is also considered an abusive practise. The effects of bullying can be devastating, and the experience of the victim is always upsetting. There is never a time when bullying should be ignored. When it comes to bullying, children and teenagers are most likely to report experiencing emotional bullying, despite the fact that this type of bullying might be harder to see. Bullying is not limited to the school setting but may happen anywhere. When one person or a group behaves hostilely toward another, we call that bullying, (Seddighi et al, 2021).

• Those of an emotional nature, such as calling someone names, ignoring them, stealing their belongings, publicly embarrassing them, spreading rumours against them, or making fun of them.
• Physical acts or threats to use physical force, including but not limited to: pushing, kicking, striking, pinching, or choking.
• Insults or gestures based on race are racist.
• Sexual, including but not limited to lewd words or gestures, sexual innuendo, or homophobic slurs,(Ewenson et al, 2021).

Cyber — bullying

The term ".cyber — bullying" is a relatively new form of bullying that has gained prominence in recent years. Five percent of children experienced cyberbullying in 2008, according to studies. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including harassment based on race or sexual orientation. Communication occurs mostly via electronic means, such as email, text, and phone. Social networking platforms are another medium for the dissemination of personal data. Sharing personal photos is one example of this. When kids and teens engage in this kind of bullying, they may not realise the full extent of the damage they're causing to themselves. Because there is nowhere for the bullied child to go, this form of bullying can be especially upsetting. Their home is even breached by it, (Cantón-Cortés et al, 2020).

Self-harm

When children intentionally damage themselves, it is called self-harm. Cutting, burning, ripping out hair, or bashing one's skull are all methods used by such people. Self-harm is frequently a secondary symptom of more severe forms of maltreatment. Signs of self-harm or a child's own disclosure that they intend to harm themselves warrant the same response as if the child were being physically assaulted by another, (Seddighi et al, 2021).

Describe the risks and possible consequences for children and young people using the internet, mobile phones and other technology.

Risks when using the internet

The internet can expose users to the risk of sexual or emotional abuse. Studies have identified the following as the greatest threats to children:

• By disclosing private information about themselves.
• Accidentally discovering inappropriate content when searching for seemingly innocuous terms,(Cantón-Cortés et al, 2020).

Consequences of sharing, personal information

The use of social networking sites and online journals among young people is on the rise. There is a recommended minimum age of 12, but users as young as 9 have been found to be successful. A child's identity can be easily established by the information they post about themselves online. Some have pictures, phone numbers, and addresses all in one convenient package. The result is that adults who want to take advantage of them can easily:

• Grooming is the process of establishing contact with a minor with the goal of eventually seeing them in person.
• Promote sexually-themed conversations among children.
• Using the internet to share upsetting photos.

Risks of accessing inappropriate information

Searching for information, youngsters face a significant danger of coming across pornographic or otherwise improper content. Filtering technologies that block access to inappropriate content online are a necessity in the classroom. Young people and children should never use school computers without adult supervision, (Punukollu et al, 2019).

There is a growing list of potential dangers and negative outcomes, and it doesn't matter how careful teachers and parents are. It is crucial that kids know the dangers they face and how to stay safe. Additionally, they need to know where to go to lodge complaints. Every school should have a policy in place to protect students and instruct them on safe online practises.

Describe actions to take in response to evidence or concerns that a child has been abused, harmed (including self-harm) or bullied, or may be at risk of harm, abuse or bullying.

It is not unexpected that schools have a large obligation to monitor for symptoms of child abuse given that students spend over half of their waking hours there. According to the NSPCC's 2002 research, 1 in 6 children have been seriously abused at some point in their lives. A sizable percentage of the kids who need help have been abused, and that number is only expected to grow. As a teaching or learning support assistant, you develop meaningful connections with students. You may frequently engage in one-on-one or small-group work with the kids. The TA or LSA may be the one the student feels most comfortable opening up to when the rest of the class is out of earshot, (Punukollu et al, 2019). You must be aware of the signs that a child is being abused and the steps to take if you suspect that they are victims. It's important to be cautious and not assume anything, but it's also important to pay attention to detail. Kid abuse and bullying can manifest in a variety of ways, some of which are visible to adults and others which the abused or bullied child may disclose voluntarily. You should also consider how you would react if a child were to hint at or reveal this to you.

Always

1. Inform your management or the person assigned to you if you have any concerns regarding potential symptoms or behavioural changes.
2. Take the child's disclosures seriously; it takes a lot of guts for a kid to come out and tell an adult about abuse, and kids almost never lie about it.
3. If a youngster confides in you that they are being abused or have been abused, it is important to reassure them that they are not at fault.
4. Tell the kid that you'll have to tell an adult.
5. Keep a journal or diary of your observations and conversations, but be sure to safeguard its contents.

Never

1. Reassure the kid that whatever you learn will remain confidential
2. To inquire further or to pose any inquiries.
3. Make an expression of surprise.
4. Make assumptions for the sake of the kids.

Remember

1. You are not expected to draw any conclusions, but rather to only relay information.
2. According to the Education Reform Act of 2002, you must file a formal complaint if you have any serious issues.
3. If you need help, you can reach out to your assigned child protection officer, your tutor, or one of the other available organisations for assistance.

Describe the actions to take in response to concerns that a colleague may be:

Working organisations have a major obligation to hire people who are suitable to work with children. When you first applied for a position working with children, you would have been required to fill out a form disclosing any criminal records you may have. It is still possible for abuse to occur in schools, even if the aforementioned precautions have been taken. The term for this kind of behaviour is "institutional abuse."

Failing to comply with safeguarding procedures

All employees are responsible for following all relevant protocols. Children are vulnerable to harm or abuse if school policies are not followed, thus any suspicions should be reported to the school's designated safeguarding officer or the school's principal, (Seddighi et al, 2021).

Harming, abusing or bullying a child or young person

If there are any suspicions that a child is being abused by a co-worker, you must act in the same way whether the offender is the child's parents, a relative, or a complete stranger. The section above describes the actions. That the principal needs to be notified promptly. If the abuser is the head teacher, you need to report your concerns to the person in charge of child safety or to the Education Authority immediately. Despite the difficulty of the situations, the child must always come first and take precedence. Additionally, it's crucial to never bring up other people's problems, (Ewenson et al, 2021).

Describe the principles and boundaries of confidentiality, and when to share information.

The bounds of confidentiality are in place to protect the privacy of the data pertaining to children, parents, caregivers, and staff members. The safety and confidentiality of the records of the children and staff, which contain personal information, is the responsibility of every employee. Other organisations and people shouldn't be given access to this information unless it is absolutely necessary. If a child's safety depends on releasing personal information, that disclosure should only be made with the child's permission. This means that it should be shared only with those who have a serious interest in the safety of children and a valid need to know the information. All electronic files should be encrypted and protected with a password. Pictures of children and their parents' contact information should not be kept on mobile phones. Schools, nurseries, and other early childhood facilities have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of the children and staff. Unfortunately, children can be harmed when unsuitable people work in child care. An example of this is the case of Vanessa George, a nursery worker who sent paedophiles explicit images she had taken of infants while changing their diapers. If the nursery's guidelines regarding cell phones and personal care had been followed, this wouldn't have happened, (Punukollu et al, 2019).

Task 02

Identify signs of ill health in children and young people.

Describe the actions to take when children and young people are ill or suffer minor injury

If a kid becomes unwell at school, the school's response will vary depending on the kind and severity of the disease. The personnel will be guided by established policies and procedures.

It is the policy of the school where I am doing my placement to immediately notify the parents or guardians by phone or text message if a student begins to exhibit any signs of illness during the school day. The school nurse's primary responsibility is the health and well-being of the students, therefore she'll be keeping a tight eye on them, (Namisango et al, 2019).

School policy states that if a sick kid is deemed healthy enough to return to school before the full course of medication has been taken, the parent should consult with their primary care physician to see whether or not a "three times daily do." can be given.

1. First, in the morning before heading off to class.
2. Second, right after classes are over.
3. The third time is right before bed.

Some situations call for a written report and the clearing of a specific area. The TA should notify the appropriate adult so that the student can be taken to the medical room, where he or she can receive assistance in peace and quiet away from the rest of the classroom. Children should stay home from school for the full 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Every school, both on site and on field trips, should have a sufficient number of trained first-aiders. Knowing where the first aid supplies are located and who the designated first aiders are is crucial, even if you are not a first aider. Lists of first Meters' names are frequently posted beside first aid kits around campus. First aid should not be given by anyone who is not trained to do it, (Ewenson et al, 2021).

Don't freak out if an accident happens and you aren't trained in first aid. In the event that you are the only responsible adult nearby, it is crucial that you act appropriately until assistance arrives. Talk to the first aid person in charge and see if you can calm down the other students who might be around the injured kid. When help finally arrives, make sure to give a succinct account of what transpired.

If a coworker is tending to the injured individual, your presence can help ensure the injured person's privacy while they receive care. A gathering of onlookers is not beneficial to the injured party.

A hit on the head can be treated with cold compression or an ice pack, and most cuts and scrapes can be disinfected with water and a medical wipe, and if necessary, a plaster can be put, all without the child having to go home. If the injury is serious, the parent or guardian will be notified right away, (Seddighi et al, 2021).

Any incident resulting in injury or medical attention must be documented in a journal of this kind. Two copies will be made: one for the school's records, and one for the student's parents or guardians to keep.

Describe the actions to take in response to emergency situations:

Even with the best preparation accidents and emergencies can occur. It is important to know what should be done in such situations.

Fire

Many situations can necessitate the evacuation of a school, and fire is one of them. A fire evacuation plan is part of the school's health and safety policy, which must be in place. Everyone, but especially new students and staff, should familiarise themselves with the school's fire process, including how to sound the alarm and who to notify if they find a fire, (Namisango et al, 2019).

After the alarm has been activated, everyone must immediately leave the premises without stopping to gather their possessions. The group's leader will then contact the authorities by calling the national emergency number. Various points around the building will have direct access to the building's designated emergency exits, ensuring a quick and easy departure in the event of an emergency. Leave these areas and report to the appointed assembly site for a roll call. The purpose of this is to make sure no one is left behind in the event of a fire and to let the fire department know whether everyone has left the building safely. Visitors must sign in and out at the front office each time they enter or leave the building. In the case of an evacuation, this list will be used to verify everyone's whereabouts for the roll call. Evacuation plans for people with disabilities, whether they be children or adults, should be well known in case of an emergency. If you operate on a higher floor, for instance, it's crucial that you know how to securely evacuate a wheelchair user in the event of an emergency, (Yar, M, 2019).

Workers need to be aware of where fire extinguishers and fire blankets are kept, but only those with the proper training should use them. Putting out a fire with the wrong sort of extinguisher can actually make the situation worse. Children should be kept calm and encouraged to stroll instead of run during the evacuation procedure to prevent injuries. When everyone has left the building and arrived at the designated meeting spot, any concerns that arose during the evacuation must be reported to a senior member. Part-time workers, lunchtime supervisors, kitchen staff, early morning &afterschool club supervisors, and students should all participate in regular fire drills held at various times throughout the day.

Security incidents

A comparable approach to that used in the event of a fire should be implemented in the event that an intruder is discovered within the school grounds. Schools use a variety of methods, such as a visitors log book and a visitors badge system, to ensure that all individuals present in the school have been properly identified and accounted for. It is imperative that faculty and staff challenge any unknown visitors to the school immediately, even if it is as easy as asking whether they need assistance, (Seddighi et al, 2021).

Employees on playground duty who observe anything out of the ordinary should immediately notify their superiors and stay with the youngsters until backup arrives. During a lockdown, no one is allowed to enter or leave the building. All students and staff will be taken to the designated safe area, which is typically the school gymnasium due to its ample size. Teachers and students alike will hunker down under desks if they are unable to leave their classrooms. Once everyone has been accounted for, the appointed leaders will conduct a roll call. There will be a call made to the authorities. They will stay in this position until further notice.

Missing children and young people

Fortunately, it is extremely rare for children to go missing, especially if staff adheres to school policies and procedures, such as keeping children under constant supervision, calling a register in the morning and again in the afternoon, after lunch; calling a register for am and pm on off-site visits; periodically checking the group for whom you are responsible, and keeping an eye on children who are being supervised by parent helpers and headclerks. In the extremely improbable event that a student goes missing, all staff members should know what to do. If a student is missing from school, someone should immediately sound the alarm, alert the teacher, and then notify the principal. Be aware of your obligations and act in accordance with the school's regulations. After checking the attendance register to determine which student or students are absent, the surrounding area should be thoroughly searched while the remaining pupils are kept under close supervision in a centralised location. Maintain composure to reassure the class as a whole and wait for direction from the teacher in charge, (Ewenson et al, 2021).

Medical emergency

There should always be enough trained first aid personnel on hand throughout school hours and during any off-campus activities or field trips. All employees need to be aware of who to contact if a medical emergency arises. Do not attempt to administer first aid or treat a casualty unless you have received proper training. Do not freak out if you are the only adult around and you are not trained in first aid. Put out a call for assistance and get in touch with a first responder or 911 if necessary, (Executive, N. I, 2021). Make sure to reassure the casualty and any other students who may be there until aid arrives by following the proper protocol. Make sure that you and they are not put in harm's way while they are still processing what they have seen. When help finally arrives, make sure to give a succinct but detailed account of what happened. Assist in securing the area and giving the injured individual some privacy if a coworker or paramedic is tending to them. People tend to congregate around an injured person, which is dangerous for the injured person and the one trying to help them.

In the event of an accident, the parents will be contacted and requested to come pick up their child or accompany the paramedics to the hospital. In the aftermath of each incident, a report must be drafted and the occurrence noted in the accident log book.

References

Cantón-Cortés et al. (2020). Child sexual abuse and suicidal ideation: The differential role of attachment and emotional security in the family system. . International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(9), 3163.

Ewenson et al. (2021). Protecting human rights in youth detention: listening to the voices of children and young people in detention. Australian Journal of Human Rights, 27(1), 97-119.

Executive, N. I. (2021). Keeping children and young people safe.

Namisango et al. (2019). Symptoms and concerns among children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions: . a systematic review highlighting meaningful health outcomes. The Patient-Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, 12(1), 15-55.

Punukollu et al. (2019). Use of mobile apps and technologies in child and adolescent mental health: a systematic review. . Evidence-based mental health, 22(4), 161-166.

Seddighi et al. (2021). Child abuse in natural disasters and conflicts: . A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 22(1), 176-185.

Vosz et al. (2020). Enabling young people‘s participation in residential care decisionmaking.

Yar, M. (2019). Protecting children from internet pornography? A critical assessment of statutory age verification and its enforcement in the UK. Policing: . An International Journal.