Safeguarding children
Advice correct as of October 2011
Doctors play a crucial role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. Surgery consultations, home visits, emergency department admissions and contact with other professionals who work with children help to build up a picture of a child’s situation. This factsheet is designed to help members know how to act and who to contact should they suspect children are at risk of, or are experiencing, harm.
What you should be aware of
The welfare of the child is of paramount importance
The Medical Council in A Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics states that: “you should be aware of the national Children First Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011), which state that the welfare of the child is of paramount importance.”
This sets out specific protocols for medical professionals, HSE social workers, Gardaí and other front-line staff in dealing with suspected abuse and neglect. You should also be aware of the Child Care Act (1991).
Watching out for the signs
All front-line staff must be alert to the potential signs of child abuse. If clinical uncertainty exists, GPs may need to discuss their concerns with professionals who are experienced in dealing with child abuse cases. In emergency departments, standardised record systems should be adopted in order to highlight repeated visits by children presenting with injuries.
Disclosing information
If you have any concerns regarding alleged or suspected sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect of children, you must report this to the HSE Children and Family Services department. Contact your local duty social worker.
Passing on information to others for the protection of the child may be a justifiable breach of confidentiality
- Child protection concerns should be supported by evidence that indicates the possibility of abuse or neglect.
- Observations should be accurately recorded and include dates, times, names, locations, context, and any other relevant information.
- A report can be made in person, by telephone, or in writing. The Standard Report Form should be used (and completed later if concerns are reported over the telephone).
- You should inform the child’s parents or guardians about your concerns, unless you feel this would place the child at an increased risk of significant harm.
- Taking into account the child’s age and understanding, children should be given the opportunity for their views to be held independently of parents/carers.
- In an emergency, if you cannot contact the HSE, you should contact the Gardaí directly.
- The Medical Council states that passing on information to others, eg, for the protection of the child may be a justifiable breach of confidentiality.
Adults who report past abuse
The Medical Council advises that where adult patients disclose abuse that took place during their childhood, you must assess the current risk to your patient or any other person (child or adult) who may be in contact with the alleged abuser. If you consider anyone to be at risk, you should report this to the appropriate authorities, preferably with your patient’s consent.
Working with others
If you consider anyone to be at risk, you should report this to the appropriate authorities, preferably with your patient’s consent.
Everyone who deals with children is responsible for safeguarding children. Sharing information with agencies, such as HSE Social Workers and the Gardaí is important – it can ensure children get the help that they need.
What if I am unsure?
The information that you hold might be the missing link – a risk might only become apparent when a number of people share their niggling concerns. If you are unsure whether or not to share information, seek advice from an experienced colleague, a designated doctor for child protection, or call MPS for advice.
Even if you raise a concern that later becomes groundless, you can justify your decision so long as you have acted on the basis of reasonable belief and through the appropriate channels. Your first concern should be the welfare of the children involved.
You must be able to justify any decision not to share concerns and it would be advisable to take advice prior to doing so. Any decisions and discussions which have taken place should be well documented.
Further information