CHILD PROTECTION

Training:

To improve awareness and increase knowledge and confidence in identifying, supporting and protecting disabled children and young people across Edinburgh.  The training highlights particular risks of harm, linking to existing policy, practice and procedures and where those practices can be improved.  This interactive full-day training is co-delivered by a range of professionals, including leads in child protection learning and development, speech and language therapy, disability social work, and paediatrics. The day offers an opportunity to hear and learn from this multi-disciplinary group and from fellow delegates.

Target Audience:

For all staff and volunteers considered in the ‘Specific’ or ‘Intensive’ workforce as per the National Framework Child Protection L&D in the city of Edinburgh who work with or who may work with disabled children and young people and their families, whether a disability has been diagnosed or not. This includes those who have a key role in all stages of intervention with the family and particularly those who work to the functions of the named person role. (For example, named health visitor, named educational contact).

Aims:

• Greater awareness of the specific vulnerabilities of disabled children and young people.
• Apply skills in engaging with children and young people with disabilities to support their voice being heard and represented.
• Discuss the practice themes from audits and/or ‘Learning Reviews’ where children with disabilities have been at greater risk due to their disability.
• Identify barriers to disclosure and detection of harm and abuse.
• Apply ways to minimise vulnerability and enable protection.

Content:

Types of harm and forms of abuse experienced by disabled children and young people

Forms of inclusive communication and tools to assist communication and understanding

Disability social work – role and supports available, risks, thresholds and interventions, and supporting multi-agency partners and services

Autism, intellectual disabilities and associated risks and vulnerabilities

Learning from Learning Reviews – interactive group activities

Understanding bruising and neglect

Questions and reflection