DUTY OF CARE
There are some other things you can do to ensure you discharge your Duty of Care.
- Follow policies and procedures
- Practice Child Protection strategies that you have learnt daily – including recognising indicators, documenting, and reporting. Always err on the side of caution. If in doubt – report – if not in doubt – definitely report it.
- Early Intervention – providing support and referrals for community assistance where appropriate.
Follow your service’s Child Protection Policy. This should help you know what your Child Protection responsibilities are in your Service.
Practice what you’ve learnt on a daily basis – make it a habit – just like putting on sunscreen or a helmet – practice your Child Protection. It then becomes something you do without even thinking about it – and that makes it easier to respond calmly and appropriately in times of crisis.
Recognise indicators of abuse and document and report concerns appropriately.
This goes beyond any duty you have as a mandatory reporter because you also have a duty of care.
Part of protecting children can include providing early intervention to prevent abuse – such as referrals to support services and community assistance for the family. Talk to your Senior Supervisor/Team Leader/Coordinator about these services in your area or look on your local child safety website.
You will learn more about this in later courses.