Must be regarded as indicators of the possibility of significant harm Justifies the need for careful assessment and discussion with designated / named / lead person, manager, (or in the absence of all those individuals, an experienced colleague) May require consultation with and / or referral to Children’s Services The absence of such indicators does not mean that abuse or neglect has not occurred. In an abusive relationship the child may: Appear frightened of the parent/s Act in a way that is inappropriate to her/his age and development (though full account needs to be taken of different patterns of development and different ethnic groups) The parent or carer may: Persistently avoid child health promotion services and treatment of the child’s episodic illnesses Have unrealistic expectations of the child Frequently complain the child and may fail to provide attention or praise (high criticism/low warmth environment) Be absent or misusing substances Persistently refuse to allow access on home visits Be involved in domestic abuse Staff should be aware of the potential risk to children when individuals, previously known or suspected to have abused children, move into the household. Recognising Physical Abuse The following are often regarded as indicators of concern: An explanation which is inconsistent with an injury Several different explanations provided for an injury Unexplained delay in seeking treatment The parents/carers are uninterested or undisturbed by an accident or injury Parents are absent without good reason when their child is presented for treatment Repeated presentation of injuries (which may represent a for help” “cry and if ignored could lead to a more serious injury) Family use of different doctors and A&E departments Reluctance to give information or mention previous injuries
Must be regarded as indicators of the possibility of significant harm Justifies the need for careful assessment and discussion with designated / named / lead person, manager, (or in the absence of all those individuals, an experienced colleague) May require consultation with and / or referral to Children’s Services The absence of such indicators does not mean that abuse or neglect has not occurred. In an abusive relationship the child may: Appear frightened of the parent/s Act in a way that is inappropriate to her/his age and development (though full account needs to be taken of different patterns of development and different ethnic groups) The parent or carer may: Persistently avoid child health promotion services and treatment of the child’s episodic illnesses Have unrealistic expectations of the child Frequently complain the child and may fail to provide attention or praise (high criticism/low warmth environment) Be absent or misusing substances Persistently refuse to allow access on home visits Be involved in domestic abuse Staff should be aware of the potential risk to children when individuals, previously known or suspected to have abused children, move into the household. Recognising Physical Abuse The following are often regarded as indicators of concern: An explanation which is inconsistent with an injury Several different explanations provided for an injury Unexplained delay in seeking treatment The parents/carers are uninterested or undisturbed by an accident or injury Parents are absent without good reason when their child is presented for treatment Repeated presentation of injuries (which may represent a “cry for help” and if ignored could lead to a more serious injury) Family use of different doctors and A&E departments Reluctance to give information or mention previous injuries