Safeguarding

Volunteering opportunity

Child Protection Evidence: Expert Reviewers and Chapter Leads

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.

News

RCPCH welcomes the coming into effect of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024

16 July 2024

Today, 16 July, marks a monumental day for children’s rights in Scotland as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes in to force.

News

RCPCH responds to HSSIB’s recommendations for safer mental health environments on paediatric wards

24 May 2024

The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has published an independent report calling for improvements and changes in the design of paediatric wards to ensure they provide a safe and therapeutic environment for children and young people with mental health needs.

News

20 Royal Colleges and professional bodies team up to improve child health outcomes in Wales

21 May 2024

The Welsh Royal Colleges Child Health Collaborative (WRCCHC) has written to the First Minister of Wales to ask how his government will improve child health and support the workforce that cares for them.

News

Paediatricians call for an end to unjust and dangerous smacking laws

17 April 2024

Children’s doctors in England and Northern Ireland are calling for equal protection for children and young people against physical assault, such as smacking, hitting, and slapping.

Resource

Equal protection from assault in England and Northern Ireland: Prohibiting physical punishment of all children

In England and Northern Ireland, children are the only group of people not fully protected in law from physical assault. Our recommendations demonstrate to Government policymakers both the practicalities of removing the 'reasonable punishment defence’ from law and the appropriate next steps to reduc...

Safeguarding

Child protection

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning

News

RCPCH statement on Sudan - March 2024

22 March 2024

RCPCH has issued the following statement following the violence and conflict in Sudan.

News

RCPCH responds to the Home Office’s announcement on Mandatory Reporting of child sexual abuse

22 February 2024

The Home Office has announced that the Government intends to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England and Wales.

News

Welsh children left ‘worried and waiting’ as paediatric waiting lists soar by 62% since 2016

20 February 2024

Paediatricians in Wales are calling for urgent action from Government after a new report shows huge demand and disproportionately long waits for crucial children’s health services.