An introduction to Safeguarding Children

1. 1 An introduction to Safeguarding Children Training for pharmacists

2. 2 Safeguarding Children All health care professionals, including those who do not have a role specifically related to child protection, have a duty to safeguard and support the welfare of children.

3. 3 Role of the pharmacist Identifying concerns about a child or young person and referring these to Childrens Social Care or the Police Responding to a request from Social Care for information about a child or their family Providing a professional pharmaceutical service to a child or family as part of an agreed child protection plan

4. 4 Child abuse A person may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm Children and young people may be abused in a family an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger

5. 5 Effect of child abuse All forms of cruelty are damaging The emotional impact can be harder to recover from than the physical effect Abuse can happen in any family but especially if there is Parental drug and alcohol misuse Domestic Abuse Parental mental ill health Parental Learning Disability

6. 6 Categories of abuse Physical abuse Sexual abuse Neglect Emotional abuse

7. 7 Physical abuse Physical abuse involves causing physical harm to a child or young person Hitting or shaking Throwing Burning or scalding Poisoning Drowning Suffocating Fabricated or induced illness

8. 8 Signs of Physical abuse - pharmacy staff Fabricated or induced illness Injuries for which pharmacy treatment is inappropriate Delay in presentation No clear history or conflicting/changing history Previous unexplained injuries Bruises which are Clustered On soft or unusual parts of the body Tattoo bruising Bruises as a result of defending themselves Not age appropriate

9. 9 Sexual abuse Age of consent for sexual activity in law is age 16 years. Sexual abuse involves Direct or indirect sexual contact with a child or young person Corrupting children by involving them in inappropriate sexual activities

10. 10 Sexual abuse Majority of cases are victims of a cautious approach by someone known to the child - grooming Abuse of power Can be perpetrated by Adults Children Young People Any gender Involves the use of Threats Bribes Emotional manipulation Exploitation

11. 11 Signs of sexual abuse � pharmacy staff Requests for treatment Injuries Sexually transmitted diseases Discharges Genital symptoms, often vague Urinary Tract Infections Contraception Pregnancy tests Disclosure

12. 12 Neglect Neglect is the persistent lack of care of a child. Failing to provide a child with Love Stimulation and opportunities for play or social activities A safe environment Nourishment Warmth Education Medical attention Clean clothing and hygiene Guidance and boundaries

13. 13 Neglect Neglect is usually Chronic The result of a culmination of factors Involving a long period of time Parent may have a learning disability or be a substance misuser or have mental health problems

14. 14 Signs of neglect - pharmacy staff Missed repeat essential prescriptions for a child Parents who are known substance misusers Observations regarding any children the adult is caring for. Signs of chaotic substance misuse in an adult who is caring for a child Children in the shop Dirty or hygiene problems Underweight/overweight Not attending school Behaviour problems Inappropriate clothing

15. 15 Emotional abuse Emotional abuse is repeatedly Rejecting a child Humiliating a child Denying the child their rights and a feeling of self worth High and inappropriate expectations Sustained repetitive and inappropriate parental responses which can harm and damage the child

16. 16 Emotional abuse Most complex form of abuse May be the most damaging form of abuse Constituent part of all other forms of abuse Has a potentially life long influence on the capacity to form successful relationships

17. 17 Signs of emotional abuse - pharmacy staff Domestic abuse Adult seeking treatment Disclosure Child Carer Parental mental health problems Exposure to self harm Exposure to parental mental health problems

18. 18 Reasons for concern A child tells you about a worry You see physical signs of abuse or neglect Someone else tells you about something they have seen or heard An adult or child tells you that they have hurt a child or are having difficulties with them You see worrying behaviour from a parent/carer towards a child You know something about an adult that causes you to be concerned about a child/children�s welfare A parent or carer tells you that they are having problems in meeting their child�s needs

19. 19 Identifying concerns Try to sort out in your mind why you are worried, based on: what you have seen what you have heard from others what has been said to you directly Try to be as clear as you can about why you are worried but do not be afraid to listen to your instinct that something just does not seem to be right.

20. 20 Information sharing. Even where sharing of confidential information is not authorised, you may lawfully share it if this can be justified in the public interest Protect children or other people from harm Promote the welfare of children Prevent crime or disorder The child has a right to be safe. Children may have tried to tell someone about the abuse but may not have been believed There may be more than one child who is being harmed. Your information may help to complete the picture of a child�s life Children should not be expected to take responsibility for protecting themselves or others

21. 21 List of children subject to child protection plan Don�t try to investigate this yourself. List of children who are the subject of a multi agency child protection plan held by Children and Young Peoples Social Care. Making an enquiry about whether a child has a child protection plan Verify your identity Share your concern Receive information Contact the child's allocated social worker Reassess the situation if there is no allocated social worker

22. 22 Making a referral Share your concerns with the parent or the young person if you feel this is safe. Contact Childrens Social Care or police if urgent Be prepared to share information with Social Care or the police Be prepared to be a part of multi agency child protection planning for a child. Seek advice if unsure from one of the Named or Designated Professionals

23. 23 Next steps Raise awareness Being there: children and young people having the general feeling that you are approachable Taking the time to listen and acting appropriately The investigation and management of a case of possible deliberate harm to a child must be approached in the same systematic and rigorous manner as would be appropriate to the investigation and management of any other potentially fatal disease.

24. 24 References Children Act 1989 and 2004 Working Together to Safeguard Children HM Govt 2006 What to do if you�re worried a child is being abused. HM Govt 2007 Information Sharing: Practitioners� guide. Integrated working to improve outcomes for children and young people. HM Govt 2007. Victoria Climbie Inquiry - www.victoria-climbie-inquiry.org.uk www.nspcc.org.uk Core info leaflets on bruising and burns and scalds