Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 135 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.22 ‘Disabled children’ is a broad term which may be applied to children with a broad range of physical, emotional, developmental, learning, communication and healthcare needs. The term is applicable when these needs have a substantial and long-term impact on a child’s ability to engage fully in normal day-to-day activities. Some children (and some adults) are affected by disabilities and developmental delays that have never been assessed or diagnosed. 4.23 Most parents of disabled children provide safe and loving homes. Their expertise, commitment, willingness to work in partnership, motivation and hope are potentially strong protective factors. 4.24 However , children with communication impairments, behavioural disorders, learning disabilities and sensory impairments may be additionally vulnerable to abuse and neglect. 4.25 Disabled children have an equal right to be safe. Structures, processes and attitudes may open or close doors to safety. Effective protection requires extra preparation and consideration of the impact of any disability for a child within child protection processes. 4.26 The experience of each child must be central. Their voice and feelings must be heard when people make decisions that involve them. Some disabled children require specific assistance and communication support so that they can share their experience and participate. This must be provided. Some children have profound difficulties in communicating their experience and require special consideration to ensure attunement to their experience, and attention to ensure their wellbeing and safety. Principles of inclusive communication apply. 4.27 Rights and support: Disabled children and children affected by the disability of another family member are entitled to support as a child ‘in need’ as defined in section 93(4) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 for the purpose of meeting requirements under Part 2 of that Act to safeguard and promote their welfare etc. The Equality Act 2010, the UNCRC (Articles 2 and 23) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities h elp to reinforce and promote the rights of disabled children. 4.28 Protecting disabled children is a shared responsibility for all involved, requiring close collaboration between education and health as well as specialist practitioners, those leading child protection investigation, and parents or carers and advocacy services, as relevant in each situation. 4.29 Incidence of abuse of disabled children is likely to be under-reported. Some people may find it hard to believe that disabled children are at risk of abuse. 4.30 Invisibility of abuse is more likely when children are afraid, isolated or do not understand what is happening, and also when those around are not responsive to their distress. Distressed reactions do not necessarily relate to disability. Direct communication with children is essential when there are concerns. Supportive relationships with practitioners who know the child are protective.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA4NTgz