Everyone who works with children, i

Everyone who works with children, including teachers, GPs, other
medical professionals and the police, has a responsibility to keep
children safe and protect them from harm. Simply put, safeguarding
children is everyone’s responsibility. Children should be protected
from maltreatment and any impairment that may affect their health
and development. In addition, we all have to ensure that children
grow up with safe and effective care. At particular risk, and therefore
in particular need of safeguarding, are children who are disabled; who
have educational or other specific additional needs; and who bear
signs of child abuse, substance abuse, or domestic violence. Under the
Children Act 1989, local authorities are required to provide services
for children in need for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting
their welfare. Nurses are well-placed to identify children and young
people who may be at risk, and to act to safeguard them. Nurses
and other health professionals should be familiar with local referral
arrangements, usually to children’s social care.
Key words: Child welfare