Scenario
You notice that Eric (4 years old) has been shifting in his seat all day. When you ask him what’s wrong, he tells you that he fell down and hurt his bottom. You take him to the nurse. Eric has strap-shaped welts and bruises on his bottom and his lower back in various stages of healing. When you question him about it again, he admits that he sometimes gets “spanked” by his father when he makes a mess in the house. He asks you not to call his father.
1) In the scenario, what injuries and/or behaviours are evident as signs of abuse?
Eric has strap-shaped welts and bruises on his bottom and lower back in various stages of healing. Eric also asks you not to call his father, which indicates that he might be afraid of him and the consequences.
2) After observing Eric’s injuries and/or behaviours what questions would you ask Eric?
- Do you make a mess often?
- What do you get spanked with?
- Does it happen to anyone else?
3) How would you respond to Eric in a professional way to provide emotional support?
4) What is the immediate professional action you would take to meet your duty of care responsibilities?
You will need to inform the director of the situation and take documentation.
5) How do you protect the rights of the child? In your answer refer to the requirements of industry regulations, legislations, duty of care and UN Rights of the Child requirements.
6) Using the information from the Eric scenario complete the following report:
RISK OF SIGNIFICANT HARM REPORT
Response must be written non-judgementally
Date of record: 6/12/16
Childs name: Eric
Gender: Male
Age: 4 years old
Cultural background:
Family’s Address:
Home phone or contact phone numbers:
Name of parents:
Any knowledge of disability or languages difficulties:
Recorded by:
Name of service:
Address of service:
Phone number of service:
Other educators involved in the reporting process:
Date of observation: 6/12/16
Observe/notes to support report:
Eric had been shifting in his seat all day, when asked what was wrong he said that he had fallen
off the slide and hurt his bottom. Upon further inspection Eric admitted that his father
sometimes 'spanked' Eric for making a mess in the house. Eric also asked for his father not to
be called.
Were any Physical injuries evident? If so, what was sighted?
Upon inspection strap-shaped welts and bruises were noticed on Eric's bottom and lower back
and they were also in different stages of healing.
Name of supervisor:_______________________________
Date of report to authorities:
Name of authority reported to:
Documentation has been stored: (in which confidential space?)
7) Who do YOU report this information to?
You would report this information to the director of the centre.
8) Who is responsible to make the report to the appropriate authority of risk of significant harm?
Everyone has the authority to report a situation like this, as being in this industry everyone is a mandatory reporter.
9) Describe how you would maintain privacy and confidentiality?
- By keeping yourself informed of all laws and regulations regarding the handling of personal information.
- Don't share information with people who don't need to it.
- Keep written information in a safe place.
- Don't gossip.
10) Why do educators maintain privacy and confidentiality?
Educators maintain privacy and confidentiality so that children and families aren't judged or hurt.
11) What is the short term impact of risk of harm?
- distrust of adults
- aggressive behaviour and other behavioural problems
12) What is the long term impact of risk of harm?
Children and young people may experience a range of emotional, psychological and physical problems as a result of being harmed, including:
- low self esteem
- increased fear, guilt and self blame
- depression
- suicidal thoughts and self harming
- anxiety disorders
- attachment disorders
- post traumatic stress disorder
- learning disorders, including poor language and cognitive development
- aggressive behaviour and other behavioural problems
- developmental delay, eating disorders and physical ailments
- delinquency and criminal behaviour including violent or aggressive behaviour
- drug and alcohol abuse and high-risk sexual behaviour
- permanent physical injuries or death
- difficulty forming relationships with other adults
- symptoms and behaviour that lead to them being singled out and victimised
The most serious effects are likely to occur when no one takes action to stop the harm and protect the child or young person.
13) What might happen if ‘risk of harm’ is not reported?
The child could be seriously injured or even die.
14) What is trauma informed care?
Trauma Informed Care is an organisational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognising, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Trauma Informed Care also emphasises physical, psychological and emotional safety for both consumers and providers, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
15) How could age, gender, disability and cultural or social context, affect a person’s view of abuse?
16) Describe some strategies you could use to develop relationships with parents.
17) Describe some strategies you could use to build nurturing bonds with children.
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