Child Protection in the Emergency Department xxxxxxx consultant

Child Protection in the Emergency Department xxxxxxx [consultant paediatrician] March 2010

Of the 12 million children in the UK • 7% suffer serious physical abuse at the hands of carers and family • 25% experience violence or abuse in the home • Each week at least 2 children die following abuse and neglect NSPCC 2000

All those who come in to contact with children and families … ……Have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children Department of Health 2003

What will be covered in this session • Advice on essential knowledge & learning • Update on events of past year • Summary of the key documents – Competences for Health Care Staff – Working Together to Safeguard Children – Laming Progress Report – NICE guidance ‘When to Suspect Child Maltreatment’ – What to do if you are concerned ….

What will not be covered in this talk • Policies and Procedures • Referral process • CYPS management • An update – but not a full Level 2 training

• Sets out Statutory Guidance on roles and responsibilities: • Details how doctors should: – Identify possibly abuse (in all its forms) and include in the differential diagnosis – Contribute to a growing picture of concern – Identify children with a Child Protection Plan – or if concerns are held by other professionals – Recognise when an adult’s problems may impact on a child – Know when to refer – Maintain skills & regular training – Communication is key

When to suspect child maltreatment

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse

Typical sites for Accidental Injuries

Sites suspicious for Non. Accidental Injury

Sexual Abuse • What would lead you to – Consider? – Suspect?

Sexual Abuse

Neglect • What would lead you to – Consider? – Suspect?

Neglect

Emotional, Behavioural, Interpersonal & Social Functioning • What other factors might prompt you to consider child maltreatment?

Emotional, Behavioural, Interpersonal & Social Functioning

Parent Child Interactions

Clinical Presentations • Are there types of presentation that may lead you to consider maltreatment • For example that suggest Fabricated or Induced Illness?

Clinical Presentations

• 18 Cards • Free to access and distribute (Google: BMA child protection) • Useful to have readily accessible in the department.

Further Training options • RD&E Level 2 training • ALSG Response and Recognition • LSCB Level 3 Multi-Agency Training