A parent or carer reporting symptoms and signs that are not
explained medically
■■Physical examination and results of investigations that do not
explain symptoms or signs reported by the parent or carer
■■The child having a poor response to prescribed medication
or other treatments
■■Acute symptoms that are exclusively observed by/in the
presence of the parent or carer ■■The parent or carer reporting new symptoms in different
children, following resolution of the child’s presenting
problems.
What to do if you suspect a child
is being abused or neglected
As a nurse, there are several steps you can take:
■■Discuss the case with your supervisor or a senior colleague
If your concerns remain, you could discuss them with a senior
colleague in another agency (e.g. social care) to develop a
wider understanding of the child’s needs and circumstances.
■■ In general, discuss your concerns with the child (in an
age-appropriate way) and parents or carer, and seek their
agreement to the referral—unless you judge that such a
discussion would place the child at an increased risk of
significant harm
■■ If you still have concerns, refer the child to children’s social
care. (Dawson, 2012)