Process of handling suspected abuse

Nota:

• An individual such as a teacher or parent is either approached by a child or is given significant evidence to arouse suspicion of abuse.

1. Accurate reporting

   Nota:

   • All details surrounding the abuse or suspicion must be thoroughly of documented and recorded. For example all reasons for suspicion of abuse must be noted and explained fully, all interactions between the child must be documented exactly as they unfold. There exact words must be taken and not twisted in any way or refined. They need to be listened to attentively and once all details have been taken and documented they then need to be secured in a safe place and only accessible to the relevant authorities. 
   1. Acceptance and confidentially of the situation

      Nota:

      • When documenting the details of the suspected victim it is absolutely vital to take all that the child says seriously and  accepting it as the truth no matter what is disclosed. It is also important not to rush the child and to continually reassure them and support them. 
      1. Follow procedures and confidentiality

         Nota:

         • It is important to follow the policies and procedures that are present within the setting in question. It is also paramount to respect and make clear the rules and boundaries of confidentiality and that the information being shared will have to be passed on for the good of the child. 
         1. Pass on the information

            Nota:

            • Once the information has been documented and the child in question has been comforted and is in no immediate harm then the information needs to be turned over to the relevant authorities. For example a teacher would report to the head of the establishment in order for a decision to be made as to whether or not the situation needs investigating. It is also important to debrief with either another member of staff or a professional in order to deal with your own emotions over what you've heard.
            1. Is an investigation needed?

               Nota:

               • Once the information is in the hands of relevant authorities and the necessary persons have been interviewed then a conclusion must be reached whether or not to investigate. Once the decision to conduct an investigation has been made then the relevant persons will be contacted and questioned and any immediate medical action should be taken for the child if needed.
               1. What action is needed?

                  Nota:

                  • After a investigation has been carried out then all the information will be looked at and a decision will be made on the appropriate action to take. Options such as taking the child into care or court ordered family plans will be considered in the investigation to what will be the best form of action with the best intrests of the child at heart.