Scenario: Barry - Bruising On Back, Things and Upper Torso

[jessla]

Hello,
on my assignment with this question my assessor gave me feedback and I'm not quite sure what she means, or how to answer it the way she wants me to, could someone please help me. This is my second attempt. Thanks
Question:
You are assisting a 3-year-old boy, Barry, with toileting when you notice bruising on his thighs. When asked what happened, Barry looks at the ground. On taking a closer look, you see that bruising also appears on his back and upper torso. The bruises are of different colour, some are yellow and brown, where others are more red and purple. It seems they are similar in shape and size. What would you do and why?

My original answer:
In this situation the red and purple bruising would be more recent and the yellow and brown bruises would be older bruises. As they are of similar size this may indicate that Barry has been abused over a longer period of time. I would document what I have seen and would tell the supervisor/ director and then file a report with the children’s protective services. I would make Barry feel safe and not lead on any suspicion to further protect him from more abuse. Under my duty of care, by law I must report any suspicion that I have of child abuse to protect children, I must make him feel safe and cared for.

my assessors feedback:
This is very general way of giving answer , You have to consider following points in the case study :
In this case study the child does not want to talk.

How do can be respectful of his silence?

Do you think by bringing other staff member the child could be uncomfortable or no?

Are you supposed to ask so many question from the child?

Do you think the child will trust you after this?

By talking to the parents are you bridging confidentiality or no?

After talking to parents do you think that the child might be in more danger or no?

[Lorina]

With the bruising it doesn't necessarily mean that the child is being abused. He could have fallen down, fell of a bike etc. So, you would need to document the bruises that you have seen on Barry, the size, shape, colour. You could even take photos to document the bruising and keep it in Barry's file. You should discuss your concerns with the director and let them know that you have seen bruising on Barry and have made a record in his file for future reference which can be used as evidence if needed in the future etc.

,
Lorina

[jessla]

Thank you Lorina