Unit 16 – Understand Safeguarding of Children and Young People (for those working in the adult sector)
Unit Ref : Y/602/2860
Learner : Nicholas Dutton

Leaning Outcome 1. Understand the policies, procedures and practices for safe working with children and young people
Assessment Criteria 1.1 Explain the policies and practices for safe working with children and young people
The main policies to be aware of when working with children and young people are –
Every Child Matters
Introduced in 2003, ECM provides a framework to help agencies work together with the aim of keeping children safe, healthy, enabling achievement, and making a positive contribution.
Protection of Children Act
Includes a child’s right to protection from abuse, right to express their views and be listened too, right to care and services if they are disabled
Defines harm as as ill-treatment (including sexual abuse and non-physical forms of ill-treatment) or the impairment of health (physical or mental) or development (physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural)
Children Act 2004
This act created a Children’s Commissioner for England, as well as appointing Directors of Children’s Services at local authority level. It also pushed local authorities to work together to ensure the wellbeing of children and improve safeguarding.
Working together to safeguard children 2006
These are guidelines that apply to all those working in education, health and social care as well as police and probation services. It covers topics such as the impact of child abuse, best practice procedures and what to do when there is suspected child abuse. It also covers the roles of the different bodies, such as Local Safeguarding Children Boards and other agencies and practitioners.

Assessment Criteria 2.1 Describe the possible signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours that may cause concern in the context of safeguarding
There are many signs that could indicate child abuse, however it is not always possible to be certain that a child is in a position of harm from these signs alone. It is often when a number of signs or symptoms show that investigations can be made.
Behavioural signs can include babies who are always crying, withdrawn children who do not interact with adults and who shrink away from social situations, children who express fear at certain adults, any children that show signs of depression, anxiety or uncontained anger. Also, the use of sexual language, and sexual knowledge beyond their years.
Physical symptoms include, dirty clothing, being inappropriately dressed for the weather. The main signs of physical abuse include often having cuts or bruises and frequent trips to hospital. Also, constant hunger may indicate malnourishment.
The NSPCC advises that: ‘The most important thing to remember is that if you have a gut feeling that something is not right, trust your judgement and take action’
Assessment Criteria 2.2 Describe the actions to take if a child or young person alleges harm or abuse in line with the policies and procedures of own setting
The first area of importance is to understand that the decision about what is best for the child should be made by someone who is trained to deal with the situations and has enough information about the child, for instance, a social worker. It is therefore