This is a glossary of Child Protection terms.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ
A
Assessment of need - Evaluation of the child and family identifying areas of need, which may require additional support.
Assessment of Risk - Evaluation of possibility of child abuse occurring in the future.
C
Case Discussion (general concerns) - A case discussion is an inter agency meeting to share information and identify needs of the child (and family), and agree a plan of action to meet these needs.
Child - For the purpose of child protection procedures a child is defined as a young person under the age of 16 years or between 16-18 if he/she is the subject of a supervision requirement imposed by a Children’s Panel. Young people over 16 who are vulnerable and have a Record of Needs should also be considered under these procedures.
Child Abuse - Child Abuse is defined as where a child’s basic needs are not being met in a manner appropriate to his/her stage of development and he/she will be at risk of avoidable acts of omission or commission on the part of his/her parents, sibling(s), other relative(s) or a carer. To define an act of omission as abusive and/or presenting future risk a number of elements can be taken into account. These include demonstrable or predictable harm to the child that must have been avoidable because of action or inaction by the parent or other carers.
Child Assessment Order - A Child Assessment Order allows for a child to undergo a medical examination or assessment where this has been deemed necessary. (This does not supersede the child’s rights under the Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991. At all times the child’s welfare is paramount)
Child Protection Case Discussion - A Child Protection Case Discussion is an Inter agency meeting to share information where there are child protection concerns which need further clarification. Strengths within the family and the family’s capacity to co-operate with agencies should be discussed. Any support required should also be identified and a plan of intervention should be agreed which could include organising a child protection case conference.
Child Protection Order - A Child Protection Order may be granted on application to a Sheriff if conditions for making such an order exist. A Child Protection Order can allow for the removal of a child to a ‘place of safety’ or prevent removal of a child from their home or any other place in order to secure the safety and well being of the child. A Child Protection Order can last up to eight days.
Child Protection Plan - Agreed inter agency plan outlining in detail the arrangements for attempting to ensure the protection of the child and supports to the family.
Child Protection Register - A formal list of names of children where there are concerns about the possibility of future abuse and where a child protection plan has been agreed.
Core Group Meeting - Meeting of small group of inter agency staff with key involvement with the child and family who meet (with child and family) to review progress and make arrangements for implementing the child protection plan.
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E
Emergency Police Powers - Police have the power to remove a child to a place of safety for up to 24 hours where the conditions for making an application for a Child Protection Order exist.
Emotional Abuse - Failure to provide for the child’s basic emotional needs such as to have a severe effect on the behaviour and development of the child.
Exclusion Order - An Exclusion Order allows for a named person to be ejected or prevented from entering the child’s home. Conditions can also be attached to secure the child’s safety and well being.
I
Initial Child Protection Conference - An inter agency meeting to consider the safety and welfare of children who have been the subject of a child protection investigation. Consideration will be given to the appropriateness of registration and the formulation of a child protection plan. The parents and sometimes the child will also attend this meeting.
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J
Joint Investigative Interview - A Joint Investigative Interview is a formal planned interview with a child, carried out by staff trained and competent to conduct it, for the purposes of gaining the child’s account of events, (if any) which require investigation.
N
Non-organic Failure to Thrive - Children who significantly fail to reach normal growth and development milestones (i.e. physical growth, weight, motor, social and intellectual development) where physical and genetic reasons have been medically eliminated and a diagnosis of non-organic failure to thrive has been established.
P
Physical Injury - Actual or attempted physical injury to a child, including the administration of toxic substances, where there is knowledge, or reasonable suspicion, that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented.
Physical Neglect - This occurs when a child’s essential needs are not met and this is likely to cause impairment to physical health and development. Such needs include food, clothing, cleanliness, shelter and warmth. A lack of appropriate care, including deprivation of access to health care, may result in persistent or severe exposure, through negligence, to circumstances that endanger the child.
Planning Meeting - A Planning meeting (usually between social work and police) is usually held to plan a joint investigation – who does what, when and where is agreed.
Pre-Birth Child Protection Conference - An inter agency meeting which considers the risk of harm to an unborn child and future risk upon the child’s birth.
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R
Review Child Protection Conference - An interagency meeting which reviews the circumstances of a child whose name is on the Child Protection Register.
S
Sexual Abuse - Any child may be deemed to have been sexually abused when any person(s), by design or neglect exploits the child, directly or indirectly, with any activity intended to lead to the sexual arousal or other form of gratification of that person or any other person(s) including organised networks. This definition holds whether or not there has been genital contact and whether or not the child is said to have initiated or consented to the behaviour.
Significant Harm - Physical or mental injury or neglect, which seriously affects the welfare or development of the child.
T
Transfer Child Protection Conference - An inter agency meeting which considers arrangements to transfer cases of a child whose name is on the Child Protection Register where the family moves to another area.
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