Clinical Scenarios

1) I am concerned that the child is in imminent danger. Contact the police on 999.
 

2) If a child is seriously ill or injured. You need to immediately refer the child to hospital and inform the children’s social care team.
 

3) If you think that a non-mobile baby has a bruise. You will need to make an urgent referral to the local children’s social care team who will arrange for the child to be reviewed by a paediatrician. See the protocol bruising in Children who are not independently mobile.
 

4) If I’m not sure about a mark on a mobile child and I’d like someone else to take a look. In the first instance, you could speak to a senior colleague or the child safeguarding lead in the practice. If you suspect that the mark is a bruise that may have resulted from abuse, you should refer to the local children’s social care team. If you think the mark is something else and needs review, you should consider discussing with a consultant paediatrician or refer to a paediatrician for urgent review.
 

5) If I think that the child is being abused and I need to report it. You will need to make an urgent referral to the local children’s social care team.
 

6) I'm concerned that the child is being sexually abused or sexually exploited. You will need to make an urgent referral to the local children’s social care team who will arrange for the child to be examined in an appropriate environment.
 

7) I’m concerned about that a looked after child or a child placed for adoption is being abused. In the first instance, discuss your concerns with the child’s own social worker. If you are not completely satisfied with their response, then make an urgent child protection referral to the local children’s social care team.
 

8) If I feel that the environment the child is being exposed to poses a risk of possible abuse in the future. In the first instance, you should speak to the safeguarding lead within your own practice. If you need further advice, please speak to your local named GP for child safeguarding.