Keeping Children safe from harm

Munro (2003) states child abuse is treating a child in a way that is harmful or morally wrong however, goes on to explain it is hard to find a universal agreement of the definition of child abuse. NSPCC (2010) further explains child abuse as maltreatment of a child. This can be done directly by inflicting harm or indirectly by failing to prevent harm from happening. Abuse can be perpetrated by an adult or another child. Working Together to Safeguard Children (2013) states that it’s the responsibility of everyone who works with children to make sure that a child is safeguarded and their welfare promoted. The Purpose of this essay is firstly to discuss risk factors posed to Simone and Sasha through the scenario provided and highlight ways a professional should assess whether a child is suffering from an abusive or neglectful situation. Secondly the appropriate action that needs to be taken, and the support that needs to be given, and what services will be involved with the family in order to prevent a family brake down while safeguarding and protecting the children’s welfare, will also be discussed. Lastly this essay will draw on current legislation, guidance and procedures that promote multi– agency working in order to effectively safeguard and promote children’s welfare.

In order to assess whether Simone and Sasha are children in need or are suffering or likely to suffer harm a professional needs to assess any risk factors posed to the children. For Instance Simone’s and Sasha’s mother Anna had them at an early age, Friel et al (2012) describes a young parents as a male or female between the ages of 13 -25, as Anna is 22 she can be defined as a young mother. Osofsky et al 1993, cited by Hendessi and Dodwell 2002 states younger ...

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...ut the children at further risk especially Sasha as she is at an age where it is easy for her to be hidden from services. The common assessment framework is a useful tool for professionals to assess and evaluate the risk factors posed to a child which may lead to them suffering harm. Taking into account the family circumstances, the likely course of action would be to initiate s.47 of the Children’s act 1989. A strategy meeting will be organized involving professional and services most involved with the family, roles of each professional would be discussed within the meeting and the next appropriate step of action for the family. If it is decided the children are still likely to suffer harm a child protection conference would be organised, the conference will enable the correct intervention to be provided to the family in order to minimize the risk to the children.