NCFE2-2008-session9
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Contents |
Learning Objectives
- Students will describe the basic warning signs of possible abuse
- Students will identify the correct response to a variety of potential abuse scenarios
- Students will discuss other possible explanations
Video - Protecting Children - Teacher's TV
School Matters - Protecting Children - Four True Stories
Pause video after each story and discuss issues raised.
Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
Kinds of Abuse
- Physical
- Emotional
- Neglect
- Sexual
Sources of abuse may include parents, siblings, other family members, family friends, baby-sitters, other adults the child has met outside the home.
Children may also be exposed or even subjected to substance abuse.
Possible warning signs
- A child who is often bruised or injured
- A child who is often very withdrawn
- A child who is often very dirty or smelly
- A child who is often hungry, or under or over-dressed for the time of year
- A child who is often left at home alone
- A child who is often left in unsafe situations, or without medical attention when they need it
- A child who is constantly ‘put down’, insulted, sworn at or humiliated
- A child who seems very afraid of particular adults, and reluctant to be alone with them
- A child who has unexplained changeable emotions, such as depression, anxiety or severe aggression
- A child who shows sexual knowledge or behaviour that is inappropriate for their age
- A child who is growing up in a home where there is domestic violence
- A child who is living with parents or carers who are involved in serious drug or alcohol abuse.
Any or all of these signs may have an acceptable explanation.
On the other hand, this list does not cover every possibility. You may see other things in the child's behaviour or circumstances that worry you.
The most important thing to remember is that if you have a gut feeling that something is not right, trust your judgement and take action.
Discussion Points
Working in 2 groups
If a child won't do PE why might this be an indicator of abuse?
What other explanations might there be?
What behaviour changes might be possible indicators?
Explain why being tearful, attention seeking or withdrawn alone is not enough to cause concern.
Inappropriate sexualised behaviour, touching or language - can there be innocent explanations?
Take Action
If you have any concerns you must
- Report it to your teacher. The teacher will decide if it needs to be taken further.
Often the school will monitor the situation. Records of behaviours including child's name dates and times may be kept.
Discussion
Case study
Greta is in year 2.
She has been a cheerful and helpful member of the class until the last two weeks.
- She has become quiet and withdrawn.
- She has started wetting herself and is slightly smelly.
- Her hair is not as tidy as usual.
- She cries and fusses at the end of the day.
In pairs - bullet points or mind map:
At least 5 possible causes might there be for this change
Discuss what would you do?
Dealing with disclosure
TAs develop strong bonds with children they work with and that can lead children to reveal abuse.
When a child tells:
If a child tells you exactly what has happened,try to remember that it has taken a lot of courage to get to this point. Your response is crucial. This child has chosen you as someone they trust.
NEVER PROMISE YOU WON"T TELL ANYONE ELSE
- Listen:
Abused children are often told they will not be believed. Show the child that you take their problem seriously. Tell the child that you believe him/her. If possible choose a place to talk where you will not be interrupted.
- Reassure the child:
They will often be frightened of what will happen after telling. Reassure the child they have done the right thing. Tell them they are not to blame.
- Empathise:
Don’t tell the child how they should feel. Don't use responses like "you must have felt angry". Let them tell you their feelings and just listen.
- Avoid asking questions
Feedback what they say (mirroring) if you need to respond. Don't try to find out who did it. Let them tell you. Don't be afraid of silences. Give them time.
Following a disclosure, you need to talk to the designated child protection member of staff and complete a written record. Use the child's own words where possible. Keep any drawings etc with the record. Tell your teacher briefly what has happened without going into details. Do this at once.
Be aware that the child may not be willing to repeat the disclosure to other members of staff.
Reminder
Listen carefully to what is said
Make notes of the details of the disclosure using the child’s words where possible
DO
Ask only open questions such as:
- How did that happen?
- What was happening at the time?
- Anything else you want to tell me?
DON'T
- Do not ask questions which may be considered as suggesting what might have happened, or who did it.
- Do not force the child to repeat what he/she said in front of another person
- Do not promise to keep the information secret: breaking a child’s confidence would be inappropriate, it is better to say that you might have to tell someone
Revision for the quiz
Sort yourselves into 2 teams
Feedback on Unit 2 Assignment
1-1 feedback.
Homework
- Read Handout One - it will help you with section 3 of your homework.
- Make sure you know the name of your school's designated Child Protection teacher and how to contact them
- Bring your choice of optional unit to next week's session.
Assignment 3
Due in January 20th 2009
Section 1
- A list of common childhood illnesses and their symptoms
- Brief description of treatments for minor injuries (include bumps, grazes, cuts and nose bleeds)
(Please do not copy this directly from a book! I will know and you will have to do it again.)
In a paragraph:
- Explain how you can safeguard children in your classroom.
Section 2
Record of an activity related to healthy and safe environment as defined by Every Child Matters (will be covered in January)
Section 3
In not more than 750 words, write a paragraph on each of the following:
- What do we mean by the term 'safeguarding'?
- What is the likely impact of abuse?
- What changes in children's behaviour might indicate abuse?
- Explain the role of parents/carers and professionals in keeping children safe.
End of Unit Quiz
There will also be an end of unit quiz on the 13th of January.
You will be in two teams and there will be a small prize for the winners
It will be your individual answers that will be used as part of your assessment for Unit 3
