Safeguarding Children and Young People-Everyone's Responsibility

Abstract

Safeguarding children is a pathway of protecting susceptible children and young people from abuse and neglect. Child Protection is part of safeguarding process which protects children suffering from or likely to suffer significant harm. True incidence of child abuse is higher than reported in the literature. Adverse family dynamics and humanitarian disasters increase the risk of harm. Professionals dealing with children, especially paediatricians, have an imperative responsibility in recognising and reporting child abuse. There is an urgent need to roll out mandatory child protection training program nationally. This training is likely to improve the knowledge base and train the paediatricians and other professionals with the recent evidence to empower them to recognise various forms of child abuse. It will also sign post them to the available local services for onward referral and support. Appropriate infrastructure and legislative support is of paramount importance to protect children reported to the statutory authorities.