Safeguarding babies and young children : a guide for early years professionals

1 Issues in safeguarding babies and young children from abuse; 2 The rights of children; 3 The baby and young child as the focus for safeguarding; 4 Acting ethically: developing ethical practices in safeguarding contexts; 5 The development of community involvement; 7 Providing support for 'at risk' babies and young children; 8 Assessment and referral: passing on concerns; 9 Teamwork and safeguarding; 10 Working with the parents and carers of an abused baby or young child; 11 What might happen after the case has been referred: mapping the potential impact of intervention; 12 Conclusions: reflections on considerations for developing future practice and detailed requirements of effective intervention.

This practical and challenging book focuses on the relationship that early years professionals have with babies, young children and their families/carers. Powell and Uppal reprioritize practice in safeguarding and child protection, and emphasise the importance of focussing on the skills needed to work successfully in this arena. The book recognises the main principles that underpin effective safeguarding practices and explores the application of a range of key tools that will facilitate a sense of empowerment for practitioners dealing with safeguarding issues. The authors emphasize the importance of preventative interventions as a positive means of impacting on the lives of children and their families. They do this through such processes as the Common Assessment Framework, as well as maintaining the need within the system for responses to be made to urgent concerns that are closely related to safeguarding and child protection processes. With practical case studies throughout, the book helps you: Understand what your responsibilities are Decide what appropriate action should be taken Develop a means of coping with this sensitive area Make sense of current policies and procedures This book is essential reading for all early years students and professionals who wish to explore and rehearse various safeguarding situations in preparation for practice"