Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi all,

I am currently working on the "Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk" unit for my Cert III and am having some trouble with a few questions, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Question 1. When a child discloses abuse, what behaviors and reactions should you be aware of when responding to the child?
Answer: (I think )
However the educator may feel during a child’s disclosure, it is important for the educator, to remain calm and in control of their feelings, in order to reassure the child or young person that their safety is of the upmost importance and action will be taken to ensure they are protected.

Question 2. How can you ensure your knowledge of child protection issues and legislation is kept relevant and up to date?
Answer: (I think )
By reading new amendments to relevant legislation.

Question 3. How can you ensure you protect a person’s privacy when discussing delicate issues?
(I assume that "delicate issues" is referring to a child that is being abused or neglected)
Answer: (I think )
By not discuss the situation with others not directly involved in helping the child.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for any help given.

Kind regards,
Melanie.

Hi Lorina,

Thank you for that handbook it definitely helped a lot, i used the handbook and my student work book to come up with the following answers:

Question 1. When a child discloses abuse, what behaviors and reactions should you be aware of when responding to the child?
Answer: (I think )
However you may feel during a child’s disclosure, it is important for you, as an educator, to remain calm and in control of your feelings, in order to reassure the child or young person that their safety is of the upmost importance and action will be taken to ensure they are protected.
Your response to an abused child can often prove critical to how that child feels once the disclosure has been made.

Question 2. How can you ensure your knowledge of child protection issues and legislation is kept relevant and up to date?
Answer: (I think )
Child care educators should be conscious of the possible signs of child abuse/neglect and have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the procedures of reporting child protection issues. Children may be placed further at risk when the adults who care for them are aware of abuse and either handle the information incorrectly or do nothing about it.
Continued professional development and training ensures relevant skills and knowledge are maintained and kept up to date. By encouraging discussions about child protection at staff meetings, regularly checking relevant websites and reading any new amendments to relevant legislation the service can help educators understand and adhere to their legal responsibilities and competently handle child protection issues when they arise.


Question 3. How can you ensure you protect a person’s privacy when discussing delicate issues?
(I assume that "delicate issues" is referring to a child that is being abused or neglected)
Answer: (I think )
Confidentiality and privacy are important but should not override the safety of children or young people. Sharing information between Care and Protection Services and other agencies is essential to protect children and young people from experiencing abuse or neglect. If a child has disclosed abuse or neglect to you, you should not discuss the situation with others not directly involved with helping the child.

Thank you again for all your help.

Kind regards,
Melanie