You should also encourage children and young people to have open relationships with people so that they can share information. They also need to realise the difference between bad secrets and good secrets. Good secrets are usually only to be kept from one or two people, for example, presents for someone’s birthday. Bad secrets are usually those which are to be kept from everyone else except the people who are directly involved, for example, inappropriate pictures, words or touching. Children need people to confide in so that they can express their concerns and fears.
Children and young people need to be aware of their bodies, how they function and how to respect and keep them safe. As they grow older, they need to be aware of the emotions that might affect them as they mature. They should also be aware of the changes in their bodies and how these changes affect other people. As children and young people mature they are exposed to strong peer pressure and adult images in media. They should be aware of the dangers of early or inappropriate relationships and understand how to ensure their own safety.
In some cases, children and young people may also need to be aware of infections and diseases associated with abusive situations. This includes conditions affecting wounds and injuries but more often the transmission of diseases associated with sexual activity. There are a variety of sexually transmitted diseases including herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. These infections must be treated quickly as they can otherwise have long-term effects leading to infertility and other conditions.
Whenever possible, it is important to work closely with the parents and families of children and young people. In this way a sense of trust and respect can be encouraged, together with a feeling that everyone is working together for the good of the child.
When working with children and young people it is essential to develop supportive relationships. Everyone involved needs to trust you and be aware that you wish to establish good links with all involved. Parents and families may regard you as a role model and someone they can talk to regarding their child or young person. It is important that the child is at the center and that everyone works together for the well-being of the child or young person.
In many cases parents have vital information about the specific needs of their children and about any problems they may be trying to come to terms with. Assessments of a child’s needs must involve their parents in order to gain an accurate overall picture.
Parents must be aware of the importance of their contribution to the assessment process and they must feel valued. In some cases the parents share a responsibility for the situation but if the family is to be supported as a whole, then all contributions must be valued and parents’ feelings respected.
Parenting skills do not always come naturally to some people especially if they were raised in a family situation where those skills were lacking. There are many courses available on developing parenting skills although some people no not like to admit that they need help in this area. Those working with children and young people can help parents to improve parenting skills informally by developing meaningful relationships with them and spending time talking about children and young people.
Once a child has disclosed what is happening there are authorities and agencies that can protect and support them. The truth needs to be told, which means the child must be sensitively encouraged to talk about what has been happening to them. The information then has to be passed on to the relevant authorities so that the allegations can be investigated. The Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, as part of the local authority social services, will be involved as will the police who will lead the investigation.
Every Child Matters was concerned with all agencies working together as a multi-disciplinary workforce for the well-being of children and young people and this became part of the legislation in the Children Act 2004. After the devastating revelations of the Victoria Climbie case, it was felt to be vitally important that all agencies involved in cases such as this work together and keep each other informed. In this way it is hoped that the errors that occurred in that case will not be repeated. A wide range of professionals may be involved with children and young people who have been exploited or abused. It is vital that everyone working with a child or young person knows their roles and does so with integrity and sensitivity.
It is often difficult for children to disclose information as they may feel that no one will believe them. Again, it is essential that care workers believe what the child or young person is saying. It may be partial or full disclosure but the individual must never be made to feel insecure or that they are not believed. The child may feel dirty, useless and unloved and they must be shown unconditional acceptance, respect and love for them as an individual and for the courage they have demonstrated in disclosing.
Children and young people should be given strategies that will empower them in abusive and exploitative situations. Lessons or programmes, specifically and sensitively designed to address some of the issues related to abuse, are often used by settings and the individuals should be encouraged to understand that it is OK to say ‘no’ and to be aware of what is unacceptable or inappropriate behavior by others.
There will always be some impact on the child and on other members of the family because of the very nature of the situation but this will be more traumatic if the abuser is a member of the nuclear family. In cases where someone outside the family has abused the child or young person, then the family can be a source of strong and powerful support for them. There are support mechanisms available that can help families come to terms with abusive and exploitative situations.
It is vital that people do not fall into the trap of stereotyping. A family may be poor but that does not mean that they will be neglectful. It is important that any stereotyping is counteracted immediately or it will prove detrimental for the family and for the child or young person involved.
There are several ways in which the effects of abuse can be minimised.
Children and young people who have suffered abuse may have to suppress their natural feelings and keep their emotions blocked for a long time. They need the opportunity to express their feelings openly. They may feel a loss of control as some of the feelings which have been repressed are likely to be very strong and unusually powerful and, because of this, they will need a lot of support.
Children who are been abused will inevitably have a poor self-image and may need help in developing a more positive view of themselves. People often go through stages where they feel that they somehow deserve what has happened to them or that they have encouraged it or been the fault. They will need to be reassured that this is not the case and be supported through the difficult times and encouraged when they are feeling more positive.
Praise and encouragement are positive tools in the hands of dedicated people who work with children and young people. Children who have been through traumatic events need a great deal of positive reinforcement in order to rebuild their self-esteem and confidence. Many individuals feel used and unworthy of respect and it can take a long time to build up positive relationships and trust. Workers in this sector must have a sensitive and supportive nature as well as being calm and patient.
Play therapy is used both to diagnose and treat children and young people who have been through traumatic experiences. Using play therapy, they can live out their fears and express emotions in safe and secure environments with staff who are highly trained and who can support them at times of need.
Counselling is an important service that is provided for everyone involved in cases of abuse. There are specially trained personnel who are equipped to offer counselling specifically for the young.
There are several charities and voluntary organisations that help children and young people at risk. These may be the first point of contract for anyone who suffers abuse or who is aware of abusive situations. Organisations such as the NSPCC have specific campaigns to involve members of the public in trying to stop child abuse. Other organisations, such as ChildLine, provide telephone numbers for anyone seeking advice. They all have an important role to play in supporting the authorities and those in abusive situations. Community support networks have been set up to provide links with agencies, which can provide specific support for anyone with problems. They provide information about a wide range of services that may be beneficial for families with children and young people.
Bibliography
Stretch, B. Whitehouse, M. 2010. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE LEVEL 3 BTEC National. Pearson Education Limited. Essex