Child protection
Child protection is a high priority for the College and plays a part in everything we do. It is an emotive and potentially contentious subject, but one that is everybody's business.
Child protection is the process of protecting individual children identified as either suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect. It involves measures and structures designed to prevent and respond to abuse and neglect.
Child abuse involves acts of commission and omission, which results in harm to the child. The four types of abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
- Why is child protection important?
- What is the difference between child protection and safeguarding?
- What are the roles of the named and designated doctors for safeguarding?
- Child protection at the College
- What child protection training is available?
- Who do I contact for further information?
- Useful links
Figure 1: Child Protection and Looked After Children statistics in England; 2007-2011
| ENGLAND | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | % increase (2007 to 2011) |
| Referrals | 545,000 | 538,500 | 547,000 | 607,500 | 612,600 | 12.4 |
| Initial assessments | 305,000 | 319,900 | 349,000 | 390,600 | 440,800 | 44.5 |
| Core assessments | 93,400 | 105,100 | 120,600 | 141,500 | 184,800 | 85.4 |
| Children in need | 339.0 per 10,000 children | 343.4 per 10,000 children | ||||
| Child Protection Plan | 33,300 | 34,000 | 37,900 | 35,700 | 42,330 | 27.1 |
| Looked After Children | 60,000 | 59,500 | 60,900 | 64,400 | 65,520 | 9.2 |
Sources: UK National Statistics Publication Hub for Safeguarding and Looked after Children.
Why is child protection important?
All children have a right to protection against abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence and many organisations have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. A successful approach requires multi-agency collaboration and a recognition of child wellbeing at the heart of the organisation. The College strives to provide clear and concise guidance and encourage the development of systems and structures, both at national and local levels, to protect children.
What is the difference between child protection and safeguarding?
Safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of children, is a broader term than child protection. It encompasses protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of children's health or development, and ensures children grow up in safe circumstances. Child protection is part of this definition and refers to activities undertaken to prevent children suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.
What are the roles of the named and designated doctors for safeguarding?
Designated and named professionals have specific roles and responsibilities for safeguarding children. All Primary Care Trusts must have a designated doctor, and nurse, to take a professional and strategic lead on all aspects of the health service contribution to safeguarding children. All NHS Trusts must have a named doctor, and nurse, for safeguarding, who will provide advice and expertise for fellow professionals and promote good practice within their organisation.
Our Intercollegiate Safeguarding Competences (PDF, 867KB, 72 pages) document, published in September 2010, provides more information.
Child protection at the College
The College has a Child Protection Officer who leads on all aspects of our work. Dr Amanda Thomas is the current Child Protection Officer. She is supported by Nick Libell, Child Protection Policy Lead, within the College staff structure.
What child protection training is available?
The College has a wide range of training resources for all levels of competence. For more information, visit our Safeguarding Children and Young People page.
Who do I contact for further information?
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Nick Libell, Child Protection Policy Lead.
Useful links
- Child protection updates
- Child protection publications
- Child protection information and resources
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