Scenario: James, Tom, Max - Cousin Tony

[MariaPorcaro]

Hi everyone,
I'm studying certificate III in Children Services and I need help with my first assignment

I am stuck on answering the last 2 questions please help, thankyou

(E) will the parents be notified? Why or why not.

(F) using a child focused approach explain how you will communicate with the child.

Scenario 1:
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 behavior 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 behavior. 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 accidentally 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.

Questions:
A. a) Following policy and procedures what is your immediate response?
b) List the indicators of harm.
c) List the risk 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?

[Lorina]

Your immediate response basically means what would you do then and there if you were faced in that situation. Maybe you can provide support and understanding saying something like:

"I can see you are feeling very angry right now but hurting others in not OK. Even if you feel that they did something wrong hurting doesn't make it right. Once you are ready, you can join the rest of us at lunch table and check if John is alright. I am here to help you if you need me".

I don't think it's necessary to make a report right away. There isn't enough substantial evidence to prove that he is being abused. However you can keep a note on his behaviour patterns and the bruise that has been noticed.

Yes you can tell the parents of the incident so they are aware of the behaviour being displayed at the centre with peers.

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina

[Lorina]

Indicators of harm are detailed in the scenario:

aggressive with all the children including his friends
yells at the child and attempts to punch him

For risk factors something like:

older cousin Tony has come to stay with them
James’s dad had accident and not work much
Tony staying to help so she (mum) can do night work

Hope this helps!

,
Lorina