Child protection

News

Putting child health at the centre of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

16 January 2025

This blog sets out the main themes of the Bill and highlights its most significant aspects for children, young people and RCPCH members. Children’s social care and schools are devolved policy issues, so most of the legislation will apply in England only.

Document

Our campaign to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault

Children in England and Northern Ireland are the only people in the UK not full protected in law from assault. Learn about our campaign to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence from law in England and Northern Ireland to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault.

Child protection

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning

Course

Child sexual assault and the forensic examination (Level 3+) – London

20 March 2025

London

This two day in-person course is designed to equip paediatricians with both the technical and forensic skills to obtain high quality samples, and the knowledge and understanding of the physical, emotional and procedural considerations of managing children who have experienced suspected sexual assaul...

Safeguarding

Child protection

Sexual abuse

Course

Child protection: From examination to court – England/Wales (Level 3) – blended [two-day course]

05 February 2025

Paediatricians have a number of responsibilities within child protection cases from gathering the evidence base for signs observed in assessment to presenting the medical perspective within multi-agency meetings, and as a professional witness in family, criminal or civil proceedings. This two-day...

Safeguarding

Child protection

Course

Safeguarding, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodisability (Level 3) – online

27 January 2025

Professionals need expertise and advanced skills in communication to support children and young people navigating the child protection process. Professionals must also contribute to evidence-based decision making. What do we need to consider for children with additional needs associated with neurode...

Safeguarding

Child protection

News

A silver slipper? Two new champions for child health

28 October 2024

Dr Nick Wilkinson, RCPCH Officer for Wales explores the importance of sponsorship and new opportunities in this blog.

Volunteering opportunity

Child Protection Evidence - help develop systematic reviews

Are you a UK-based consultant or trainee paediatrician with an interest in child protection? We are seeking expert reviewers for critical appraisals and review leads.

Safeguarding

Child protection

News

RCPCH responds to NSPCC’s corporal punishment data

21 August 2024

New data from the NSPCC shows that contacts to their Helpline about children being physically punished have tripled in the last year.

Course

How to Manage: Childhood Poverty (online)

12 February 2025

Poverty has a significant impact on communities across the country, with over 14 million people affected by poverty including 71% of working households and 42% of families with three or more children particularly affected. With increasing healthcare inequalities experienced by those living in povert...

Diabetes

Public health

Health inequalities

Wellbeing for children and young people

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Poverty

Course

Expert witness in child protection (Level 3+, 4 and 5) - online course

03 June 2025

This two-day online course provides paediatricians, who are already acting in an expert capacity or those with professional witness experience wishing to do so in the future, with the skills required to fulfil this key responsibility. Please note: This course is held virtually, via Zoom. Cours...

Safeguarding

Child protection

Expert witness