Safeguarding and Child Protection for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors : A Practical Guide

"All nurses have a duty to inform and alert appropriate personnel if they suspect a child has been abused, and to know where they can seek expert advice and support if they have concerns. This comprehensive text providing the link between legislation, policy, research and practice will enable students and practitioners to expand their knowledge and understanding of the key issues involved in safeguarding children and young people."
Fiona Smith, Adviser in Children and Young People's Nursing, Royal College of Nursing, UK

"Once again, Catherine Powell has produced a superbly useful text which will prove invaluable to students and health practitioners. The organisation and layout is highly user-friendly and it represents an up to the minute guide absolutely rooted in practice. The case studies are an excellent addition and enable the reader to really absorb the concepts within the context of their practice experience. It is first rate."
Jan Nelmes, Senior Lecturer, University of Brighton, UK

"This invaluable book has stayed close by my side whilst I prepare for my exams and also provided up-to-date references and knowledge base useful whilst reflecting upon my own practice for my portfolio and writing case conference reports ... The reference list is extensive and all the case studies and key messages are supported by evidence ... I am now regularly dipping in and out of it for reference and am still taking away new things from it every time I look at it."
Catherine Forward, Nursing Student, Bucks New University, UK

Nurses, midwives and health visitors have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. In this clear and invaluable guide, Catherine Powell focuses on the practical aspects of safeguarding and how healthcare professionals should respond to safeguarding children concerns.

The book covers the full spectrum of safeguarding children work; from prevention and early help through to statutory intervention and serious case review. The book includes:

• Realistic case scenarios, concerning unborn babies, infants, toddlers, school-age children and adolescents, with examples of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect
• The roles and responsibilities of nurses, midwives and health visitors working in a range of settings, including those working primarily with adult clients
• Crucial chapters on integrated working and supervision and support in safeguarding
• 'Points for Practice', 'Practice Questions' and 'Markers of Good Practice' to stimulate further thinking and application to real-life practice

The book also offers an insight into the inter-agency aspects of safeguarding and child protection and the roles of other key players such as children's social care, the police and education services. The safety and welfare of the child or young person is placed at the centre of care delivery. Written by a leading expert, Safeguarding and Child Protection for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors is an essential tool for all nursing, midwifery and health visiting students and will be invaluable for practising nurses, midwives and health visitors who face an array of complex and sensitive issues in the field of safeguarding.

Catherine Powell is Consultant Nurse Safeguarding Children at NHS Portsmouth and Visiting Senior Lecturer at the University of Southampton, UK.