Child Protection Medical Assessments - Information for Children

Why does my child need a child protection medical assessment?

If safeguarding concerns are raised about a child, often people are concerned about a child’s general health and wellbeing, as well as physical harm. Professionals may decide that a medical assessment is required. This is called a child protection medical assessment. Sometimes parents may accompany the child to the assessment.

Consent

We try to ensure that either parents or the person with legal responsibility comes to the appointment. The person with legal responsibility for the child will be asked for consent to undertake the medical assessment. We will ask for consent documents to be signed before the examination takes place.

What will happen at the assessment?

You will arrive into the waiting area and your child will have their height and weight checked. The doctor will ask some questions about your child’s health. For example; birth history, immunisations and development as well as any recent injuries. You can discuss any concerns you might have about your child’s health.

The doctor will carry out a detailed examination of your child, assessing your child’s growth, teeth, heart and skin. If there are any marks, injuries or bruises these will be documented carefully.

Photography

The doctor may feel that it’s important to take photographs of any marks or injuries seen. This will be fully explained at the time. The photographs will be taken by the doctor carrying out the examination and these photographs will be stored securely with the child’s medical records.

What happens after the examination?

The doctor will discuss the examination with your social worker. They will discuss whether your child requires any further investigations or referral to other services. The doctor will write a report, which is sent to your GP and social worker. It may also be sent to your health visitor, school nurse and the local hospital.

Who is this assessment for?

Where safeguarding concerns have been raised and a safeguarding medical has been requested, usually as part of a strategy meeting, we will see children for a medical assessment. This service is for children over the age of 1 year with injuries that do not need immediate medical attention and children with neglect. To request a child protection medical for a child, please call the safeguarding number: 01223 218097.

If there are concerns that the child’s injuries need urgent medical care or if the child is under 1 year these should be referred to your local acute paediatric hospital immediately. Please contact the switchboard and ask to speak to the Paediatric Consultant on call.

If this is a medical emergency, please call 999. If there are concerns about sexual abuse, you should contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Contact details: The Elms SARC- 0800 1935434.

Consent

Before the examination takes place, we must have consent for the examination from the person with legal responsibility for the child. Please ensure that the child is accompanied by someone that can give consent. This may be the parent or designated social worker depending on the individual case. The medical assessment cannot take place without consent.

We may also ask for consent to take photographs of any relevant findings for medical records and peer review.

If the child is old enough, they may also be asked to consent alongside the person with legal responsibility. A social worker will be expected to accompany the child to the medical assessment and may be asked for information about the case.

The parent may attend if you feel this is appropriate. If an interpreter is required, it is essential that you inform us beforehand.

What will happen at the assessment?

You will arrive into the waiting area and the child will have their height and weight checked. The doctor will take a history from the person accompanying the child and will access the child’s electronic record for past medical information. The doctor will then examine the child. If there are any marks or bruises these will be documented carefully and photographed. We endeavour to have a chaperone present for the medical examination.

Photography

The doctor may feel that it is important to take photographs of any marks or injuries seen. This will be fully explained at the time. The photographs will be taken by the doctor carrying out the examination. The photographs may be used for peer review and teaching/training purposes only and will not be sent as part of the report. They form part of the child’s medical record, but they are not suitable for evidence in court.

What happens after the examination?

The doctor will discuss any concerns from the examination with the parents if appropriate and you, as their social worker. They will discuss whether the child requires any further investigations or referral to other services. The doctor will write a report, which will be sent to you in addition to the GP, Health Visitor/ School Nurse and local acute hospital..