Sharing information and not keeping secrets:
In order for children to possess the ability to share information with others children and young people must be encouraged to develop open relationships with adults. Children should also be taught the difference from good and bad secrets. A good secret is commonly kept away from a couple of people whereas a bad secret is kept away from everyone part from those who are involved directly, an example of a good secret is a surprise party or a gift an example of a bad secret is touching, words or kissing that is not appropriate. In order for children to express their concerns and fears, children will need people to confide in.
Due to this the child will be able to identify abuse for themselves and know it is wrong of which then they can tell someone else and action can be taken before the perpetrator can act again and this is how abuse is minimised.
Providing Information to children according to their age, needs and abilities
How to respect own bodies, keep them safe and understand how they function must be made aware to children and young people. Due to maturing, children must also be aware of how their feelings, emotions and bodies change and how this affects others. Great peer pressure and images of adult nature maybe exposed to children and younger people as they go through this maturing process. Dangers of early relationships must be made clear to them as well ass understanding how to keep themselves safe for example if they were engaging in sexual activity and not using a condom, risks of infections and diseases occur such as herpes, syphilis, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea of which some may lead to infertility or worse death. There are also other risks of wounds and injuries which may occur in abusive and exploitative situations. These would be long term depending on the injury or infection sustained for example if a young person had sex without using a condom he or she may have caught a infection which in later life found to lead to infertility this is a long term effect because it is permanent and the individual has to live with it.
Helping Parents to recognise the significance and value of their contributions;
Parents must feel valued in their contribution to the assessment process and must be made aware of how important and significant it is. Responsibility must be shared for of a situation in some cases but if support is provided to the family as a whole then they can all contribute. Value and respect must be given to the feelings of the parents.
Closer open relationships may develop with this for example if a member of the family that isn’t so close or open to the abused victim say the father will have a chance to start again with him and develop a more open relationship. I believe this can be both long term and short term.
Encouraging the development of parenting skills:
Parenting skills doesn’t come easy to everyone especially if there was a lack of it while the parents were raised. There are courses in parenting skills however the problem is most people don not like to admit there is a problem in this area.
By developing relationships that are meaningful and spending some quality family time with children, parenting skills can be improved.
An example of this is if a course was running at a local college of which a stressed out mother who feels she can not communicate with her daughter attends and finds out that she should take up a hobby which both the daughter and the mother attend and enjoy and in result they communicate better.
Support for children and young people who disclose
Support and protection will be provided to the child after he/she has disclosed what is happening by local authorities and agencies.
The child must be sensitively encouraged to tell the truth and not pushed into it. In order for allegations to be investigated information must be passed on to authorities that are of relevance, for example social services or police officers.
Empowering children and young people
Strategies must be provided to children and young people in abusive and exploitative situations in order to empower them.
Children must be made aware of by taught sessions that it is ok to say ‘no’ and identify what is appropriate and what isn’t.
Unconditional Acceptance for child/young person
No matter what the child has disclosed, it is crucial they are accepted, they already will feel they are to blame in some way or another or feel they brought up the situation themselves due to their actions or behaviours. ‘’ the term unconditional response is used to convey a message that whatever has happened, and in whatever way, that child or young person is a valued person without blame and will be supported and accepted whatever happens.’’ (Stretch, Whitehouse (2007) Health and Social Care Book 2). This quote describes the meaning of unconditional acceptance. This also explains why children should be totally accepted after disclosing information.
Awareness of the potential impact on the child/young person and other family members;
If the perpetrator was a member of the nuclear family this would be all so more traumatic and due to the nature of the situation some degree of impact will hit the child and members of the family.
However if the perpetrator was from outside the family members may provide a great deal of support for the abused victim.
Whole family or individual counselling or play therapies for young children are support mechanisms in place which aid families to cope with what has happened.
Counteracting possible stereotyping:
Stereotyping is crucial that people don’t fall into it. Just because a family is poor doesn’t mean to say they are neglectful. It may prove to be detrimental for child and family if stereotyping occurs.
Sources of information and support
Benefits of a multi-professional, multi-disciplinary approach
Every child matters became part of the Children Act 2004 legislation due to its worries for the well being of all children and young people, working together in a multi-disciplinary approach with all agencies.
It became compulsory for all agencies to work together and inform each other after the tragic Victoria Climbie case so hopefully the mistakes wouldn’t be repeated again.
Common Assessment Framework
Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2004) is a common assessment framework that makes sure that all agencies are working together in informing each other about the details on cases that are under assessment and review. Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2004) this act also ensures that involvement occurs through all parties that are interested and throughout the process kept informed.
Co-operation with other professionals
All professionals must be involved or informed on the assessment of the child, this is crucial. In order for all information that is relevant to be gathered interviews, case conferences or meetings may take place this is o everyone is kept informed and also so that decisions are made regarding the child and to benefit him/her.
Sharing Information
Codes of confidentiality must be made aware to all professional but this is a pro of working in a multi-disciplinary team. However it isn’t unusual for information to be passed that it of the sensitive nature between professionals as long as it is concerning the welfare of the child.
Boundaries of confidentiality
The boundaries of confidentiality are dictated by legislation in abusive and exploitative behaviour cases. It is crucial that the policy of confidentiality is strictly adhered to event through the constraints if this policy is broken the professional who broke it may be questioned.
Other professional involved
Their may be numerous professionals who may have been exploited or abused may work with children and young people. Integrity and sensitivity must be part of these professionals approach towards working with children and young people.
Community support networks
Networks of community support has been created in order to set up a link with agencies in order for support to be provided for anyone who needs it or if they have any problems or difficulties. A wide range of expertise is provided in the information which benefits families, young people and children.
Actions to alleviate the effects of abuse
Encouraging expression of feeling
For a lengthy period of time, emotions may have been blocked and natural feelings have been overridden by children and young people who have been abused. An opportunity for feeling to be expressed is needed by these children and young people. A lot of support will be needed due to the repressed feelings being unusually strong and powerful. This may give them family a chance to together express feelings and emotions and let everything out together which will make them a stronger unit.
Improving Self-Image
A poor self image is inevitable once a child has been abused, the child will need to develop a new view of their selves which is more positive by being reassured that it isn’t their fault and providing support and encouragement in order to feel more positive again because the child will feel he/she is at blame. This will build the child’s confidence and if something was to occur again they will feel more confident in telling someone else about it.
Building self-esteem and confidence
People who work with children have positive tools which are praise and encouragement. This along with a lot of positive reinforcement will build up self-esteem and confidence. Children who have through events that are traumatic will feel used and unworthy of respect, positive relationships and trust may take a really long time to build up again. Workers must have nature that is sensitive and supportive and must remain calm and patient in stressful situations.
This will reduce abuse because high self-esteem and confidence he or she will feel they are able to tell someone again if something was to happen other than previously staying quiet.
Play therapy
This is used to treat and diagnose children who have been through experience that are traumatic in their lives. With highly trained staff who have provide support in times of need are there with the children in a safe and secure environment of which the children let out their fears, concerns and express emotions.
Counselling
This is involved in all cases of abuse and is a crucial service. There are specific services provided by personnel that are specially trained for young children.
The role of voluntary organisations
In order to aid children and young people that are risk of abuse, numerous organisations and charities have been set up. This maybe the first step a individual suffering abuse takes or is aware of. Members of the public that aid in trying to prevent child abuse are present in campaigns run by the organisation NSPCC. Childline is another organisation that provides advice through the telephone for anyone seeking it. These organisations take up crucial roles authority support and those in abusive situations.
An example of this maybe if a child was too scared to inform his / her families carers of abuse they are suffering or if they were the ones abusing their child, he/she can phone up child line which can then take appropriate action.
