Child Protection - Social Legislation - Lecture Slides, Slides of Introduction to Sociology

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Child Protection

Children Act 1989

• There is no single piece of legislation that covers child protection in the UK
• Children Act 1989 was introduced to reform and clarify the existing plethora of laws affecting children
• Paramountcy Principle : a child’s welfare is paramount when making any decisions about a child’s upbringing (Child First) although every effort should be made to preserve the child’s home and family links
• Parental responsibility which is defined as “the rights, duties, powers and responsibilities which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property”
• It sets out in detail what local authorities and the courts should do to protect the welfare of children

Child In Need (section 17)

• He/she is unlikely to achieve or maintain or have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision for him or her of services by the local authority OR
• His/her health is likely to be significantly impaired or further impaired without the provision for him of such services OR
• disabled

Types of Abuse (Harm)

• 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)

Exercise- Is this abuse?

Child’s Developmental Needs

• Health
• Education
• Emotional and Behavioural Development
• Identity
• Family and Social Relationships
• Social Presentation
• Selfcare skills

Parental Capacity

• Basic care
• Ensuring Safety
• Emotional warmth
• Stimulation
• Guidance and Boundaries
• Stability

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

Predisposing factors of child abuse and

neglect- parenting capacity

• Mental health
• Age
• Alcohol and drugs
• Single parents
• History of previous abuse
• Parent’s attitude/knowledge
• Family support

Toxic Trio

• Domestic Abuse
• Drug +/- alcohol abuse
• Mental Health problems (delusional behaviour

and non-compliance)

Sexual Offences Act (2003)

• Under 13’s cannot consent to sex
• 13-15 year olds can consent to sex as long as

appropriate age difference

Assess

• If you assess a child is in need (Section 17) then a referral to children’s social care should be discussed with the child and parents. If they consent then refer to the local authority children’s social care
• If a child is believed to be suffering from significant harm a referral should always be made to children’s social care
• If concerns about a child who is already known to children’s social care then the allocated social worker should be informed
• Professionals should seek to discuss any concerns with the child and family and where possible seek agreement to making referrals to children’s social care. This should only be done where such discussion and agreement will not place the child (or you) at significant risk of suffering significant harm

What happens when you decide to refer

• Once discussed with children’s social care an initial assessment by them should be completed within 10 days
• Within those 10 days at a strategy discussion if is thought that the child(ren) is at significant harm ie section 47 initiated then further evidence obtained and a child protection conference is held within 15 days