Be misusing substances (alcohol or Have mental health issues that compromise parenting ability Persistently refuse to access on home visits Be a victim or a perpetrator of 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. Staff should also be aware of the potential for peer on peer abuse in that abuse can be perpetrated by children or young people in addition to adults. In relation to any of the signs and indicators described below, staff should ensure that they follow procedures set out in parts 4.0 and 8.0 of the main policy as detailed above. Recognising Physical Abuse Children will have accidental injuries. All injuries noted by staff should be responded to, regardless of whether the member of staff suspects it is an accidental injury. 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 child is presented for treatment Repeated presentation of minor injuries (which may represent a for help” and if ignored could “cry lead to a more serious injury) Family use of different doctors, urgent treatment centres (e.g. Walk-in centres) and A&E departments Reluctance to give information or mention previous injuries Absence from school (which may be used to hide injury from professionals) Depression and anxiety Aggression and violence Difficulties with relationships and socialising Trying to hide injuries (e.g. under clothing) reluctance to get changed for PE – Becoming distant or withdrawn Going missing from home Not wanting to go home from school Injuries to children should always be addressed immediately in order to prevent evidence from disappearing. This is particularly pertinent in the case of visible slap / scratch marks. Injuries caused by Physical Abuse Bruising On the cheeks, ears, palms, arms and feet On the back, buttocks, hips and backs of legs Any bruising to a non-mobile child Multiple bruising in clusters, usually on the upper arms or outer thighs
Be misusing substances (alcohol or Have mental health issues that compromise parenting ability Persistently refuse to access on home visits Be a victim or a perpetrator of 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. Staff should also be aware of the potential for peer on peer abuse in that abuse can be perpetrated by children or young people in addition to adults. In relation to any of the signs and indicators described below, staff should ensure that they follow procedures set out in parts 4.0 and 8.0 of the main policy as detailed above. Recognising Physical Abuse Children will have accidental injuries. All injuries noted by staff should be responded to, regardless of whether the member of staff suspects it is an accidental injury. 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 child is presented for treatment Repeated presentation of minor injuries (which may represent a “cry for help” and if ignored could lead to a more serious injury) Family use of different doctors, urgent treatment centres (e.g. Walk-in centres) and A&E departments Reluctance to give information or mention previous injuries Absence from school (which may be used to hide injury from professionals) Depression and anxiety Aggression and violence Difficulties with relationships and socialising Trying to hide injuries (e.g. under clothing) – reluctance to get changed for PE Becoming distant or withdrawn Going missing from home Not wanting to go home from school Injuries to children should always be addressed immediately in order to prevent evidence from disappearing. This is particularly pertinent in the case of visible slap / scratch marks. Injuries caused by Physical Abuse Bruising On the cheeks, ears, palms, arms and feet On the back, buttocks, hips and backs of legs Any bruising to a non-mobile child Multiple bruising in clusters, usually on the upper arms or outer thighs
safeguarding_and_child_protection_policy_tga_2018-19_tms.docx