Recognizing
The term for intended, non-accidental physical injury or cruelty to a child.
What is physical abuse?
Do or Don't?
Keep a disclosure confidential.
DO keep disclosures confidential.
This keeps students safe, gives them trust in the adults at school and respects their privacy.
Report a child protection concern only to the DSL/DDSL. Do not talk about the situation with other staff members or students.
True of False? Only teachers and LSPAs must report child protection concerns.
FALSE: All staff are mandatory reporters and should report any concerns to the DSL or DDSL.
The following signs may indicate this kind of abuse:
Not receiving medical attention, poor hygiene, stealing food or school supplies, frequent absences, limited parent communication
What is neglect?
Do or Don't?
After a disclosure, you should stay calm and listen without judgment.
DO stay calm and listen without judgment.
The step to take after "Reporting" a concern.
What is "Recording?"
The following signs may indicate this kind of abuse: Sexual behavior/knowledge inappropriate for a child’s age, trouble walking or sitting, complaints of genital pain.
What is sexual abuse?
Do or Don't?
Promise to keep a child protection disclosure a secret.
DON'T.
Never keep secrets if you have a child protection concern. All school staff members are obligated to report any child protection concerns.
True or False?
Child protection concerns need to be reported to the DSL or DDSL within 48 hours.
FALSE.
You must report a child protection concern immediately.
True or False? Sexual abuse can occur without physically touching the victim.
TRUE.
Examples: Exposure to sexually explicit material, communicating sexually explicit messages
Do or Don't?
Gather details and ask leading questions when you have a child protection concern.
DON'T.
Gathering details and asking too many questions can cause problems.
For example:
-A younger child could have trouble recalling events accurately during the investigation.
-Asking questions about a disturbing situation could worsen or make it more difficult for the child to deal with.
The designated safeguarding lead/leads who should complete Safeguarding actions on CPOMS.
Who is the DSL or DDSL?
The following signs may indicate this kind of abuse: Social withdrawal, loss of interest/enthusiasm, uncontrollable crying, fear of adults, recurrent somatic symptoms (i.e. headaches, etc.), chronic anxiety
What is emotional/psychological abuse?
Do or Don't?
Before reporting, be sure to begin the investigation.
DON'T investigate.
Be sure to report to DSL/DDSL as soon as possible. They follow the protocol and have education, training, and experience with child protection reports.
Asking too many questions of the child, peers, or family members could backfire.
For example, if the person who did the abuse finds out about the investigation too soon, they could manipulate the child into silence.
These are the preferred mediums for sharing a safeguarding concern?
What is a face-to-face conversation?
Tell the DSL or DDSL in-person (or phone call), as soon as possible. Make sure that you received a response to any messages if you could not talk with them.