Types And Signs Of AbuseOne of the most important aspects of a childminder’s job is to ensure that the children in their care are safe at all times. It is your duty to ensure that your premises, both inside and out, are free from any potential dangers and that you practice safe methods. There may, however, be times when you suspect that a child is being exposed to danger and ill-treatment when they are away from your setting and if this is the case you must act on your suspicions.
In order to be able to effectively ascertain whether or not a child is being mistreated it is important that you have a basic knowledge of the types and signs of abuse and that you are aware of the procedures you must follow if you suspect that a child is being abused.
There is no set pattern for child abuse. It can happen to any child in any family structure. Abuse does not discriminate. It does not occur just in poor families or single parent families but in ‘respectable’ families and to children who appear to come from loving, affluent homes.
If you decide to extend your training qualifications and go on to complete the Certificate In Childminding Practice and NVQ 3 in Children’s Care,
Learning and Development you will cover, in detail, aspects of child abuse. However if you do not go on to complete these qualifications, you must still be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with child abuse.
Neglect
This is when a child does not receive the appropriate care required for them to grow and develop. Neglect can come in a variety of ways, for example the child may be deprived of sufficient food, adequate clothing or medical care. A neglected child is not necessarily unloved. It may be that the child’s parents have issues of their own and these problems may be preventing them from caring for their child adequately.
Signs Of Neglect
- inappropriately dressed for the weather conditions
- dirty with poor skin conditions, matted unclean hair, and persistent nappy rash in a baby
- the child telling you that they are often left alone, perhaps in charge of siblings
- parents who are often unable to be reached and who persistently fail to keep appointments with health visitors, teachers, etc.
Physical Abuse
This is caused by an adult injuring a child through hitting, shaking, burning, using excessive force or poisoning.
Signs Of Physical Abuse
- frequent, unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts and grazes
- lack of interest in surroundings and activities, becoming withdrawn
- showing aggression towards others
Sexual Abuse
This is when a child is used by an adult for their own sexual gratification. Sexual abuse can vary; it can include rape and involving children in pornography. Most cases of sexual abuse towards children are carried out by an adult who is known to the child.
Signs Of Sexual Abuse
- non-accidental bruises and scratches, particularly around the buttocks and genital area
- bloodstains and discharge in underwear
- difficulty in going to the toilet, frequent ‘accidents’
- difficulty walking or sitting down
- frequent infections of the genitals
- showing signs of distress
- becoming clingy and withdrawn
- inappropriate use of language and abnormal sexual behaviour
- showing signs of comfort behaviour such as rocking or needing a comforter such as a dummy which are inappropriate for the age of the child
- exposing themselves inappropriately
- play which is of an inappropriate sexual nature
- drawings or paintings of a sexual nature
- unusual fascination with sexual behaviour
- lack of appetite, unable to settle.