Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi, I'm having a lot of trouble answering this question. I've looked through the handouts I've been given, read from the textbook and searched many different websites with no luck.

This is a 3-part question in relation to reporting child abuse, I have already answered the first two but I will provide the questions in case it may help.
11a) What is the full name of the state legislation that covers protecting children from abuse or neglect? Include an overview of this legislation in your response.
(Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997) - I'm in Tasmania.

b) Outline the service policy/procedure that relates to protecting children from abuse or neglect.

This is the question I need help with:
c) "List 5 principles that ensure that non-judgmental writing is achieved. "

The only information I have found that could help answer this question is what you need to include in your report. I have copied word-for-word the following information from my textbook:

Provide a clear description of the event, indicator or behaviour should be provided and the record should be dated and the time noted. All discussions with the child, their family and a supervisor should also be recorded. These records will help support a case of reasonable grounds for when it has been decided that a report is necessary.
1. The name of the person writing the report, the date and time
2. A brief outline of where the observation or disclosure took place and when, including what happened before and after
3. A clear indication of where the injury has been sustained (if physical)
4. A clear description of the injury including its size, colour, shape and other distinguishing features
5. A clear description of the child’s behaviour
6. A clear description of the conversation with the child

I'm not sure whether it really relates to the question or not but I haven't been able to find anything else. I would rewrite it in my own words, of course Does this seem right, or am I way off track?

I've been searching too and I haven't been able to find "5 principles" that they are asking for. I did find the following though... I'm not too sure how helpful it's going to be:

Issues To Consider When Making A Report

Objectivity means having an awareness of any potential biases that may relate to a child, young person, parent or caregiver’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, cultural/community child rearing practices, or socio-economic status.

Credibility is reliant on the report being impartial, factual and free of any possible interpretation or judgement of an individual’s values, morals or religious or cultural beliefs. Achieving credibility in reporting suspicions of child abuse and neglect is important to maximise opportunities for the safety, wellbeing and development of children or young people who have been harmed or are at risk of harm. Credibility relates to the quality of the information you have collected and which forms the basis of your reasonable suspicion. Relevant, professionally sound, and accurate data are critical elements of a credible report.

Professional boundaries are grounded within a clearly articulated ethical framework that comprises of four central principles:

1. beneficence (of always doing good for the patient)
2. non-maleficence (of avoiding doing harm)
3. respect for patient autonomy as a decision making individual
4. justice (treating everyone equally).

These boundaries must be central to your practice when you are working with children and young people who have experienced, or who are experiencing abuse and neglect. The involvement with, and consideration of the family and/or their carers may present you with professional dilemmas and challenges in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. It is important to know your professional and personal support systems and access them as required.

Despite your possible distress to a child or young person’s abusive experience, it is important your care, response, treatment and support remain within the parameters of your professional boundaries and responsibilities. Expressions of anger, pity, and outrage have no place in the provision of professional health care to the victims and possible perpetrators of child abuse and neglect.

Ref: Child Abuse and Neglect Education Module (page 19)

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina

Hi Lorina, thank you for your response.

The answer may be in the Policies and Procedures handbook which is in the classroom, that was used to answer question b. I'll answer it using the information you found until I have a chance to look at the handbook again and talk to the teacher about it.

Thanks again,
Malinda

I spoke to my teacher and she said what I had found was correct. Some of the questions are worded in a way that makes the answer very open to interpretation, glad to know I'm on the right track though!
Thank you for your help