Safeguarding Children in Health and Social Care

Overview

Child abuse is any action by another person – whether an adult or another child – that causes significant harm to a child. This harm can be physical, sexual or emotional. It can also involve a lack of love, care or attention since neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child as physical abuse.

Safeguarding children from abuse or neglect is everyone’s responsibility, and when a worker in health and social care encounters children during their day-to-day work, it’s part of their job to make sure that their wellbeing is safeguarded.

This course aims to ensure that the learner is able to recognise all forms of abuse and neglect, understands the effects of child abuse, and knows what action to take should they encounter it.

Course Contents:

• What is child abuse?
  Types of child abuse
  The physical, behavioural and psychological effects of child abuse
  Factors affecting the response to abuse
  The impact of a parent’s mental health on children’s wellbeing
  Children’s rights
  The responsibilities of workers in health and social care for child safeguarding
  Dealing with allegations of abuse
  Whistleblowing
  Internet and online social networking risks
  Safeguarding children legislation

Target Audience

Workers in health and social care who require an understanding of child safeguarding.