Child Protection Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is child protection?
Activity taken to protect specific children who are suffering, or at risk of suffering
What is safeguarding children?
Minimising risk of harm to children
- Protect children from maltreatment
- Prevent impairment of childs health or development
- Ensure child growing up safe and caring environment
What laws are in place?
Children’s right
Article 19 - children should be protected from all forms of physical and mental abuse
Article 24 - children have right to health and facilities for tx
What are the 5Rs that make good practice guidance?
- Responsibility
- Recognise
- Respond
- Reorganise
- Resources
How can dentists recognise abuse?
Skilled examining head of neck - frequently site of injury in physical abuse
Children should attend dentist regularity
What may physical abuse involve?
Hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, suffocation, drowning or otherwise causing physical harm
How to recognise physical abuse?
Bruising, abrasions, lacerations, burns, bite marks, bone fractures, IO injuries
Look for: size, shape, pattern
Delay in presentation
Doesn’t fit explanation given
How to tell if accidental injury?
Involve bony prominence
Match history
In keeping w/ development of child
How to tell if injury abusive?
Injuries both sides of body Patterns to injury Don't fit explanation Delayed presentation Untreated injuries In triangle of safety
What is triangle of safety?
Ears, side of face, neck and top of shoulders
What pattern of bruising would make you suspicious?
Pinch marks, grip marks, slap marks, bite marks
In non-mobile infants
Large, multiple, clusters
How to tell if burns (scalds and burns) accidental or abusive?
Accidental scald e.g spill injury - irregular edge
Intentional scald e.g immersion - glove pattern
Accidental burn - single/ palm hand
Intentional burn - multiple burns
What could differential diagnosis of marks be?
Birth marks Infection e.g impetigo Unintentional injury Bleeding disorder Osteogeneisis imperfecta
What oral injuries are seen in abuse?
Remember accidental oral injuries common
Lips common site in abuse
Any oral-injury in non-mobile children concern
Torn frenum could be sign
What is definition of sexual abuse?
Forcing or enticing child or young person to take part in sexual activity
How to recognise sexual abuse?
Direct allegations Sexually transmitted disease Infections Pregnancy Emotional and behaviour signs - esp anxiety and depression
What is definition of emotional abuse?
Persistant emotional maltreatment of child to cause severe and persistent adverse effect on childs emotional development
How to recognise emotional abuse?
Poor growth - developmental delay Social immaturity Aggression or over friendly Attention difficulties Concerning child-parent interaction
What is neglect?
Persistent failure to meet childs basic physical and/or psychological needs
What are the different types of neglect?
- Physical - basic needs
- Educational
- Emotional
- Medical
What are the short and long term impact of neglect?
Short term: emotional health, social development, cognitive development, physical health
Long term: arrest, suicide attempt, depression
What is dental neglect?
Persistent failure to meet childs basic oral health needs
Features of concern for dental neglect?
Obvious dental disease
Impact on the child
Acceptable care has been offered
Toothache, crying, stopping playing, difficulty eating, absence school, repeats antibiotics, dental GA, lower body weight
How should you respond if concerned?
Speak to experience colleagues
If still concerned seek action immediately
- Talk child and parent - express concern
-Inform of intention to refer - seek consent to share info (unless puts child immediate risk)
KEEP FULL CLINICAL RECORDS