CHCCS400C Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework
Knowledge: Beginner
Question: Discuss with a peer, your trainer or your supervisor how you, as an educator, would manage the abuse of a child or a family member who attends an education and care service. Would the strategies you use be different if you became aware of a colleague suffering abuse? Write the step-by-step processes you would follow for different situations.
I'm just a little bit unsure as to my legal and ethical responsibilities in regards to managing the abuse of a family member of a child attending the service, and a colleague. I'm a little unsure of what can be reported in my state (Western Australia), and I was hoping someone could help me clear this up.
With the family member, I would offer them information such as pamphlets about abuse, as well as information on places the person can go to get help, such as shelters, counselling services, etc. Would this be stepping outside of my role as an educator?
Also, if the child is witnessing the abuse, this could be causing them psychological harm. In WA, should this be reported, and should I inform the family member that it will be reported?
In regards to the colleague, again, I would offer support and information, but what else should I do? If I physically witnessed the abuse of course I would call the police. In the case of hearsay I would suggest that the colleague call the relevant authorities, but legally, should I call the authorities myself and force the issue?
If anyone can provide any relevant information for me, or point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
Eli
CHCCS400C - Scenario: Family Member and Colleague Suffering Abuse
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cheekysquirrel
- Newbie
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- Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2015 4:29 am
Re: CHCCS400C - Scenario: Family Member and Colleague Suffering Abuse
Hi Eli,
It's a little tough isn't it. Since you're not dealing with child abuse but with mature people. You are not legally responsible to "report" to the police and it's hard to decide what to do. Most victims are very scared to do anything as they fear of the repercussions of what would happen, so they just put up with it. The best thing to do is offer re-assurance and be there in full support. It's going to be very frightening for the victim especially if they have no one to turn to so you need to provide them both with information of what will happen once they report the abuse and where they could go etc.
You can call the police if you have witnessed or observed any type of abuse on anyone. Since you have formed a relationship with the colleague you probably be able to support them more in giving them the confidence of reporting their abuse to the police. You could also help them stay some where safe while the police are investigating or they are afraid of going back home. Since you are with them throughout the day, they may open up to you about what is happening which you can also document in case you are needed for court proceedings as an emotional support.
As for the family member you could let them know that you are aware of the abuse and let them know of any services to contact for additional help. You could also provide support and information, encourage them to contact a help line or the police and re-assure them that their child safety is paramount and putting the child in a safe environment should be the main priority.
Hope this gives you an idea,
,
Lorina
It's a little tough isn't it. Since you're not dealing with child abuse but with mature people. You are not legally responsible to "report" to the police and it's hard to decide what to do. Most victims are very scared to do anything as they fear of the repercussions of what would happen, so they just put up with it. The best thing to do is offer re-assurance and be there in full support. It's going to be very frightening for the victim especially if they have no one to turn to so you need to provide them both with information of what will happen once they report the abuse and where they could go etc.
You can call the police if you have witnessed or observed any type of abuse on anyone. Since you have formed a relationship with the colleague you probably be able to support them more in giving them the confidence of reporting their abuse to the police. You could also help them stay some where safe while the police are investigating or they are afraid of going back home. Since you are with them throughout the day, they may open up to you about what is happening which you can also document in case you are needed for court proceedings as an emotional support.
As for the family member you could let them know that you are aware of the abuse and let them know of any services to contact for additional help. You could also provide support and information, encourage them to contact a help line or the police and re-assure them that their child safety is paramount and putting the child in a safe environment should be the main priority.
Hope this gives you an idea,
,Lorina
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Re: CHCCS400C - Scenario: Family Member and Colleague Suffering Abuse
For more information:
Family and Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Outreach Program
Centrelink Crisis Payment
Hope this helps,
,
Lorina
Family and Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Outreach Program
Centrelink Crisis Payment
Hope this helps,
,Lorina
Check out our Resources: Articles | Activities | Printables & Worksheets | EYLF Templates
Childcare Documentation App: Appsessment - Childcare App
Child News: Child Weekly
Childcare Documentation App: Appsessment - Childcare App
Child News: Child Weekly
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cheekysquirrel
- Newbie
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2015 4:29 am
Re: CHCCS400C - Scenario: Family Member and Colleague Suffering Abuse
Thanks very much for that information, Lorina! This is what I've got purely in regards to the family member and the colleague:
"In the case of a family member of a child being abused, I would listen to the person and offer support and information. I would not judge the person being abused. If the family member indicates that the child is also being abused, I would explain that I do have to report it. However if the child is not being abused, I would still ask if the family member would like me to contact the authorities. I would offer them information including the contact details of the Domestic Violence Advocacy and Support Services, counselling services for abuse victims, refuges in the area such as the Pat Giles Centre or the Byanda Women’s Refuge, and information about the Family Violence Service. I would be sure to keep a close eye on the child so as to act promptly if they also show signs of being abused. If I needed more advice, I would speak to my supervisor or someone from an outside agency, while trying to maintain confidentiality so long as it is legal for me to do so.
In the case of a colleague being abused my actions would be similar to my actions in regards to the family member. I would offer support and would not judge, and would offer the same information. Again, I would offer to contact the authorities. If the colleague is a friend I would make sure they know they can call me. During work I may keep an eye on the colleague to make sure his or her situation is not affecting his or her work."
In the case of the family member, I have not offered my phone number as I feel that may be stepping outside of my job role. I feel that a colleague that is also a friend would already have my phone number and therefore it is not stepping outside of my role. The question does not state the gender of the family member or the colleague, so I tried to make it as gender neutral as I could, but it turns out it's very difficult to find resources for men over 18 that are being abused.
"In the case of a family member of a child being abused, I would listen to the person and offer support and information. I would not judge the person being abused. If the family member indicates that the child is also being abused, I would explain that I do have to report it. However if the child is not being abused, I would still ask if the family member would like me to contact the authorities. I would offer them information including the contact details of the Domestic Violence Advocacy and Support Services, counselling services for abuse victims, refuges in the area such as the Pat Giles Centre or the Byanda Women’s Refuge, and information about the Family Violence Service. I would be sure to keep a close eye on the child so as to act promptly if they also show signs of being abused. If I needed more advice, I would speak to my supervisor or someone from an outside agency, while trying to maintain confidentiality so long as it is legal for me to do so.
In the case of a colleague being abused my actions would be similar to my actions in regards to the family member. I would offer support and would not judge, and would offer the same information. Again, I would offer to contact the authorities. If the colleague is a friend I would make sure they know they can call me. During work I may keep an eye on the colleague to make sure his or her situation is not affecting his or her work."
In the case of the family member, I have not offered my phone number as I feel that may be stepping outside of my job role. I feel that a colleague that is also a friend would already have my phone number and therefore it is not stepping outside of my role. The question does not state the gender of the family member or the colleague, so I tried to make it as gender neutral as I could, but it turns out it's very difficult to find resources for men over 18 that are being abused.
