Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi there,

I am a new student undertaking Cert III for Children Services, currently doing my assignment and need some help with the following scenario:

Robbie has arrived at the Centre at 8.30 am and he is falling asleep. Robbie is 4 years old and is living with his father since his mother moved out a month ago. He comes to the Centre 5 days a week from 8.30 till 5.30 while dad is at work. Robbie does not have any siblings. Robbie appears to be constantly tired and while lunch is served at the service/centre he usually falls asleep at the table before he eats very much.

What would you do immediately Robbie arrives?
Who would you report your concerns to and why?
How could you support this family?
How can you gather more information?

any assistance will be graetly appreciated

saba

Following are my responses, please someone look at them and guide me;

What would you do immediately Robbie arrives?
I would receive Robby and put him to sleep so that he can take necessary rest. I’ll talk to Robby’s father if happy to discuss the matter immediately or to have a meeting with him at a mutually convenient time but as soon as possible.

Who would you report your concerns to and why?
Robbie is in a situation where he is subject to emotional neglect and maltreatment (though unintentionally, and beong a victim of circumstances). This matter must be reported to the manager of childcare centre and if needed and/or appropriate, to Child Protection and Family Services – Department of Human Services

How could you support this family?Robby is facing emotional crisis, lack of care, etc…
Robby’s father is doing job, he has to juggle between work and fatherly responsibilities, he simply will not have enough time to care for Robby, he is also a victim of family breakdown and may be going through emotional roller coaster anf himself needs some form of help.

In view of above, the immediate and long-term effects of physical and/or emotional harm on Robby would be devastating for him, his family and the community. The timely intervention of child protection procedures can significantly diminish the harm, and encourage physical, psychological and emotional healing to Robby and his family. Many community based organizations play significant roles in providing support to families and protection to children at risk of harm .Whilst the vast majority of children are adequately cared for and nurtured by their families, the person or persons responsible for the care and protection of a child, may be either unable or unwilling to protect them from significant harm. When this happens, the state must take up the responsibility through its statutory Child Protection system.

How can you gather more information?More information will be gathered by interviewing both Robby and his father and if needed and possible by interviewing Robby’s mother by adopting following process;

Stay calm, be alert (not alarmed) – will assure R what is happening is not bad and can be redressed
Proceed carefully and ask pen ended questions
Reassure R that he is doing right thing by making disclosure
Be supportive, let R know he is safe and will be taken care off
Obtain only the relevant information
Tell R what is going to happen next (be realistic, don’t make unachievable commitments)
Make your report to Child Protection Agency/System
Make and maintain records of child disclosure