Lesson 8.1 - Child Protection And GIRFEC Flashcards
What are the GIRFEC values?
See pages 4 and 5
What are the 8 indicators of wellbeing in which children and young people need to progress in order to do well now and in the future?
SHANARRI
Safe Health Achieved Nurtured Active Respected Responsible Included
You have be asked to comment on some aspects of shanarri when submitting a VPD.
In terms of child protection, what is the definition of a child?
Children Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 a child is a person: •Under 16 years of age; or •16 or 17 years of age and subject to a compulsory supervision order, or an interim compulsory supervison order.
When do mothers and fathers respectively have parental responsibility?
Mothers- automatically have it. But they can be taken away by a court order
Fathers- have these rights and responsibilities if:-
•He was married to the mother at conception or thereafter
•Has been given them by a court order,
•He has agreed rights and responsibilities with the mother and registered them through a legal process as defined by s4(1)(2) Children (Scotland) Act 1995
•Although not married to the mother at the time of birth or subsequently, he is recorded as the father on the birth certificate in respect of any birth registered on or after 4th May 2006
Also s4A allows for acquisition of parental responsibilities and parental rights by a second female parent with agreement of the mother
A MOTHER OR FATHER WITHOUT PATENTAL RIGHTS WHO REMOVES A CHILD UNDER 16 MAY COMMIT AN OFFENCE UNDER THIS LEGISLATION.
See 8.1 page 10 for info on adopted and seperated parents
What does s12 Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 create an offence for?
- Any person aged 16 years or over who has the parental responsibilities for the charge or care of a child or young person under 16 years, and:
- wilfully ill treats, neglects, abandons or exposes him/her in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health (including mental)
Likely to cause- doesnt have to acually cause, but has to be a likelyhood.
E.g. young child left in the house with knifes and other sharp objects within reach, likelyhood they could get the knifes and hurt themeselves. Prosecution must prove child is under 16. Advisable to seize birth certificates.
What police action would you take in child protection cases?
- Note how you were informed of the incident and gather relevant statements.
- Ensure the safety of the children of the house immediatly
- In cases of injury, the child should recieve immediate medical attention.
- Contact supervisor who will alert CID and PPU.
- Conact local social work department
- Note the conditions and attitides of those present, both adults and children
- What are the living conditions in the house
A specially trained officer should carry out the interview of the child. But dont be reluctant to ask the child what has happened when you get there.
How do you spot signs of abuse from parental and child reactions?
Parental •Relictance to discuss childs injuries •Inconsistence in explanation •Hostile towards and agency •Uncooperative with home visits •Stress related issued
Childs •Undue fear of adults •Irritability •Finger grip bruising •Disproportionate or repetitive bruising •Unexplained fractures •Bites, circular burns •Unusual bruise marks or welts
For child protection
ITS BETTER TO DO SOMETHING AND BE WRONG THAN NO NOTHING AND BE PROVED RIGHT
Under the Children (Equal protection from assault) (Scotland) Act 2019 physical punishment by a parent or person with charge or care of them is outlawed and known as common law assault with a child aggrivation.
What happens when an assault is minor in nature and there are no Child Protection Conserns?
Recorded police warning. Only for minor assaults on a child by a parent or person in charge or care of a child where:-
- there are no obvious risks or safety concerns in relation to children
- initial checks have been carried out at the locus
- identities have been confirmed and there are no other concerns
- where appropriate the parent/guardian of the child has been notified of the incident
Emergency powers
Section 56 of Childrens Hearing (Scotland) Act 2011 provides that a constable: ……
- may remove a child to a place of safety and keep the child there if
- the constable is satisfied that the child is being neglected or treated in such a way that they are likely to suffer significant harm; and
- removal is necessary to protect the child from harm; and
- it is not practicable in the circomstance for an application for a child protection order to be made to or considered by the sherrif.
A CHILD CAN BE TAKEN UNDER THIS ACT TO A PLACE OF SAFETY FOR 24 HOURS. DURING WHICH FURTHER PROTECTIVE MEASURES WILL BE SOUGHT.
AFTER REMOVAL OFFICER MUST INFORM THE PRINCIPLE REPORTER, SCOTTISH CHILDRENS REPORTER ADMINISTRATION.
What is an initial child protection case conference?(CPCC)
Where a child is identified as being at risk of significant harm social work will convene an ^^^^^
This will take place within 21 days of the origional concern or referral being raised to police or social work.
Those who attend can include anyone with any involvement with the child or any other relevant orginisation which has information relevant to the mattere being discussed.
The purpose is to decide jointly if a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm and if so there name should be added to the CHILD PROTECTION REGISTER. A a confidential list held by the local authority.
Unborn baby may also be put on the register from 28 weeks gestration
What is the child protection flagging system on VPD?
RED FLAT - indicates a child or young person is currently on the register.
BLUE FLAG - indicates a child or young person has been de- registered (this will be displayed for 6 months following de registration.
AMBER FLAG - Placed against the name of the mother of an unborn child where a decision has been made to place their name on the register.
