Doctors’ responsibilities in child protection cases
June 2004
Conclusion
Doctors are, and are likely to remain, central to the provision of good care and support for vulnerable children and their families. The Climbié report drew attention both to the tragedy of child abuse, and to the complex, multi-agency response that is required to combat it. Where several different agencies or professionals share joint responsibility, however, it is clearly possible for vulnerable children to be overlooked. Where doctors have concerns about a child who may be at risk of abuse or neglect, it is essential that these concerns are acted upon, in accordance with the guidance in this note, or other local and national protocols. Where suspicions of abuse or neglect have been raised, doctors must ensure that their concerns, and the actions they have either taken, or intend to take, including any discussion with colleagues or professionals in other agencies are clearly recorded in the child or children’s medical record. Where doctors have raised concerns about a child with colleagues or with other agencies and no action is regarded as necessary, doctors must ensure that all individual concerns have been properly recognised and responded to.
When working with children who may be at risk of neglect or abuse, doctors should judge each case on its merits, taking into consideration the likely degree of risk to the child or children involved. Disclosure of information between professionals from different agencies should always take place within an established system and be subject to a recognised protocol. This guidance applies equally to both information about children who may be subject to abuse, a well as to information about third parties, such as adults who may pose a threat to a child.
There is, finally, a need for both further evidence based research and medical education and training in this field. Professionals working in this area should therefore try actively to encourage and promote these activities.