LA016775 - Tony, James and Max

[Berecca31]

James is 4yrs old and attends the local education and care service Monday to Friday. James has a younger brother Tom who is 2yrs old and stays at home and an older brother Max 10yrs who attends the local school .James has always been a pleasant boy with many friends but recently his behaviour has changed. He is aggressive with all the children including his friends. You have asked his family if they know of any reason why James is behaving this way. They explain that an older cousin Tony has come to stay with them but he loves James and cannot see how this would have a negative effect on his behaviour. Mum who is from Iran and speaks limited English said “money very tight since James’s dad had accident and not work much, so Tony staying to help so she can do night work and try and bring in some more money.”
Today James is at the lunch table when another child accidently spills water over James. James yells at the child and attempts to punch him. You stop James and ask him to get his bag so you can assist him to change into dry clothes whilst another educator ensures the other child is ok. James gets his bag but states very clearly he does not want your help. You respect this but standby near the bathroom to ensure he is safe. As you check to see if James is ok you notice as he pulls his shorts down some large bruising on his thigh.

a) What is your immediate response?

b) List the indicators of harm.

c) List the rick factors.

d) Will you make a report? Why or why not?

e) Will the parent be notified? Explain why or why not.

f) Using a child focused approach explain how you will communicate with the child.



I am basically stuck on a), d) and f)

a) Would my immediate response be talking to the child about his behaviour and that is not ok to hit his friends etc etc?

d) I'm no sure if there is enough evidence to make a report as the child has not disclosed how he got the bruise? But if there is suspicions don't you have to? ... I might be over thinking it.

f) I have a total blank on this? my notes don't really have much information about how to approach this kind of situation.

Any help would be great thanks! I have searched this topic on her and have found some helpful hints but nothing I can find answers the questions I've asked.

[Lorina]

This is a popular scenario here on the forum...

See if the following helps:

Mandatory Reporting

,
Lorina