There are different forms of child abuse. These include neglect, sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Neglect Child neglect is the continued failure by a parent or caregiver to provide a child with the basic things needed for his or her proper growth and development, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care and adequate supervision. Sexual abuseSexual abuse is when someone involves a child or young person in a sexual activity by using their power over them or taking advantage of their trust. Often children are bribed or threatened physically and psychologically to make them participate in the activity. Physical abusePhysical abuse is a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child caused by a parent, caregiver or any other person. ·It includes but is not limited to injuries which are caused by excessive discipline, severe beatings or shakings, cigarette burns, attempted strangulation and female genital mutilation. ·Injuries include bruising, lacerations or welts, burns, fractures or dislocation of joints.
·Hitting a child around the head or neck and/or using a stick, belt or other object to discipline or punishing a child (in a non-trivial way) is a crime. Psychological abuse or harmSerious psychological harm can occur where the behaviour of their parent or caregiver damages the confidence and self-esteem of the child or young person, resulting in serious emotional deprivation or trauma.Why some people might not intervene or want to report suspected child abuse. People might not report child abuse for few reasons: ·You're shocked and frightened by what you see or what you hear.
·You doubt yourself and think you are the one who is overreacting. ·You think "It's not my child so it's none of my business, I shouldn't judge others." ·You think "If I make a report I won't be able to remain anonymous." ·You think, "Only professionals can handle this.
"If an educator forms a belief on reasonable grounds that a child is being abused they should inform their director and make a report to Child Protection. If an educator has general concerns for the wellbeing of the child, but has assessed that the child is not in immediate risk of harm, a referral to Child FIRST should be made. The responsibility for investigating an allegation of child abuse rests solely with Child Protection and/or Victoria Police.• The service has policies and procedures in place to guide staff members and family day carers through the process of forming a reasonable belief and making a decision to report.
• Disclosures of sexual or physical abuse or probable non-accidental injuries must always be taken seriously. Staff members of licensed children’s services and family day carers should respond to such disclosures quickly by making a report to Child Protection. Observations of concerning indicators (Refer to Appendix 2), probable non-accidental injuries or disclosures of sexual or physical abuse should be documented on the child’s accident, injury, trauma and illness record.• If a licensed children’s service indicates to a children’s services adviser or authorised officer that a child is in need of protection, that person will encourage the licensed children’s service to make a report to Child Protection.
To ensure that a report is made, the children’s services adviser or authorised officer will also make a report to Child Protection• If the educator is unsure whether the circumstances require a report to Child Protection they should refer to the policies of the licensed children’s service and call either Child Protection or Child FIRST to discuss the most appropriate course of action.• In order to make an informed assessment of concerns, Child Protection or Child FIRST may need to discuss the matter directly with the person in charge of the licensed children’s serviceChildren like to have a place that is their space. Their space can be a variety of things. It can be a room, pillow, blanket or a certain spot in their house. I like to use this within my room at wallaby childcare where the children can find a space and some toys that they are playing with and use this space to play if they do not want to be interrupted with other children grabbing toys from them. This space is also good because the children children feel safe and feel like they has space for themselves.
Children at any time may share their space if they feel safe with this friend or educator.By teaching the kids “Personal Space” this allows them boundaries in life of whom they will allow into their “Personal Space” and who they will not allow in their space especially from people who make them feel uncomfortable or someone who feels dangerous to them. This is why it is so important for children to have their “Personal Space” to be respected. By having a space this allows the child to go in and out of their space at any time. Their space is not to be used as a bad thing but a tool for them to use it when they want their boundaries to be respected and they want to feel safe.
I tell the kids that if someone steps into their space, they are to tell them, “Stop please” This gives them the feeling of being in control of their personal space and feeling safe and if someone wants to come into their space then that someone needs to get the child’s permission.This is also important when it comes to a child’s body. Their bodies are their personal space too and their bodies need to be respected and no child or adult is allowed to hit, push, bite, or touch them in any way that can bring any harm to them or make them feel uncomfortable. When we are in our homes, we only allow people who share the same values as you do and will respect your home. When you go out and about you want people to respect your personal space as well, it’s the same for children.
