Local Safeguarding Children Case Study

Current legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures within Northern Ireland affecting the safeguarding of children and young people.

Serious case reviews are called by the local safeguarding children’s board when a child dies and abuse and neglect are known or suspected to be a factor in the death. They will involve the local authority children’s service and the police, as well as health, education

Child Protection aims at prevention and reactions in relation to exploitation, violence, and abuse against children. Children obtain protection against activities such as sexual exploitation, labor, trafficking, and harmful traditional practices. Most children are vulnerable to these abuses hence require much protection for full growth and development.

Section 47 states that Local Authorities have a 'duty to investigate' if there are any allegations of a child suffering or if there would be a reasonable cause to suspect any child suffering or if a professional thought it was likely a child was going to come to any harm. Section 17 states services to 'safeguard and promote the welfare of the child' particularly if the child is known to be in need of care.

In order to ensure the safety of the children and young people in our care there are a number of policies, procedures and practices that must be adhered to.

At Grove primary school, we have a qualified first aider in all settings although most of the staff in nursery and reception are also first aid trained. All the first aiders are listed on a notice on the doors of the rooms and near the first aid equipment located in the room for everyone to see should they require help. If a child or young person has an accident at the setting and requires first aid, then the relevant qualified person will use the settings first aid kit which is easily accessible and regularly checked and kept up to date and stocked making sure there is always available equipment to be used. When an accident

* Analysing the child’s and families need’s and the level of risk or harm the child may be suffering

- carry out medical examinations/observations of a child thought to be at risk of abuse.

1.1 Outline current legislation, guidelines, policies and procedure within own UK Home Nation affecting the safeguarding of children and young people.

As can be seen there are many different organisations involved when there is any suspicion that a child may have been abused or actually harmed.

If any professional becomes concerned that a child might be at risk of abuse, be it physical, sexual, emotional or neglect, it is their legal duty to pass on such concerns to the appropriate professionals who can assess if and what action should be taken. In cases where it will not put the child at greater risk or danger, the parents / carers of the child will be informed that such action has been taken.

Social Services role is to investigate and support children who are at risk. Safeguarding the welfare of those that are more vulnerable, usually within the home environment.

Lord lemmings report on the death of Victoria Climbie brought into force the children act 2004 which requires all local authorities across England and Wales to set up a local safeguarding children board. This states that each area should promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people. LSCB replaced the Area Child Protection Committees and stated all agencies should work together to protect children. An assessment is carried out annually to make sure all agencies are working to promote safeguarding and welfare of children. EVERY CHILD MATTERS.

Serious case reviews are undertaken when a child or young person dies where abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the death. Serious care reviews are set up to see what lessons can be learnt from the death about the way in which local professionals and organisations work separately and together to help safeguard and promote the welfare of the children and young people. It is also set up to improve how they can work better together to ensure nothing like that happened again.

Children and young people are vulnerable in nature. As their journey of life is in initial stages of development. They lack experience to understand and handle certain situations. Their lives can be severely affected by the risk, danger and fear from unknown or from people who are considered closest. If they are not taken care during their childhood, they may suffer from difficult young age and adulthood.