Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 136 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.31 Interacting factors: Risks which may be accentuated by some disabilities can combine with unrelated factors. Interacting factors may include: • a child’s dependency on support for communication, mobility, manual handling, intimate care, feeding and/or invasive health procedures • a child’s understanding of abusive behaviour and ability to resist • availability of sex education and support for understanding • a child’s experience of asserting choice • availability of a trusted person within or outside the family • availability of advocacy and communication • fear of abusers, of rejection or blame • additional vulnerability to online abuse • attachment history, including significant losses, disruptions and trauma • neglectful or abusive responses to the child relating to parent or carer needs or cultural attitudes 4.32 Harm may be accentuated by many intersecting contextual factors, including the impact of poverty and housing insecurity; lack of support for parents who have learning disabilities or physical or mental health problems; domestic abuse; parental substance use; family isolation from positive community relationships or professional support; immigration status anxieties; insecurities in relation to leave to remain in the country, access to funds and housing; and abusive, coercive control within the family or care setting. 4.33 Barriers to effective protection can occur at any stage in support and child protection processes: • when nobody listens to the child and those who know the child best • if the child’s communications and reactions are not understood • when there is a lack of curiosity, competence and confidence in exploring reasons for distress or signs of maltreatment • when there is a lack of practitioner awareness of the impact of neglect • when there are delays or fragmentation in the assessment and sharing of information, or the co‑ordination and planning of assessment and support 4.34 Some disabled children may behave harmfully to others. In some situations, a limited understanding (e.g. of boundaries) and reduced self-control may play a part in the interaction of reasons for this. 4.35 Training about the susceptibility of disabled children to abuse is essential in order to build confidence and awareness among those working with children. This includes staff such as bus drivers, care assistants, escorts and personal assistants. 4.36 All staff working with disabled children must have an awareness of child protection processes as described in Part 3 of this Guidance. They must understand and know how to respond when a child may be showing or telling about abuse. This entails a supportive approach which protects everyone closely involved – for example by considering siblings’ needs and experience.