Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 10: CARING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE3 Understand the risks to children and young people of abusive and exploitativebehaviourRisk of abuse: eg within family, outside family, in care settingRisk of exploitation: eg from visual, written and electronic forms ofcommunication and mediaFamily functioning: eg family types, partnership arrangements, changing face ofthe family, social disadvantage, different concepts of discipline, abuse withinfamilies, cultural variationsPredisposing factors:- in relation to the abuser: eg substance abuse, lack of knowledge aboutchildren’s needs, lack of attachment, lack of role models, social problems,mental illness, personality- in relation to the child/young person: eg pre-maturity, disabilityTypes of abuse/neglect: abuse — physical, emotional, intellectual, sexual;neglect — physical, emotional, intellectual; bullying and harassmentIndicators of abuse: physical, eg bruising, burns, unexplained injuries, soreness,infections, underweight, poor personal hygiene, failure to thrive; behaviour, egwithdrawal, aggression, distress, rocking/head banging, hunger, reluctance to gohome, low self-esteem, developmental delayConsequences of abuse: emotional, social, physicalModels of abuse: medical, sociological, psychological, feministRecognition of abuse where children/young people cannot communicate: babiesand very young children, children with alternative forms of communication4 Know strategies to minimise the risk to children and young people of abusiveand exploitative behaviourStrategies with children/young people: person-centred approach; provide activesupport; importance of promoting empowerment, assertiveness, self confidence,self-esteem and resilience; sharing information and not keeping secrets; providinginformation to children according to their age, needs and abilities, eg how torespect their bodies and keep safe, transmission of diseaseWorking with parents and families: partnerships with parents and families,involving parents in the assessment of children’s needs, helping parents torecognise the value and significance of their contributions, encourage thedevelopment of parenting skillsProcedures where abuse is suspected or confirmed: policies of the setting; safeworking practices that protect children/young people and adults who work withthem; whistle blowing; lines of reporting, accurate reporting, security of records;sequence of events leading to registration on child protection registerBN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007145