1.3 Recognition of Significant Harm

1. The Definition of Significant Harm

1.1 The Children Act 1989 introduced the concept of Significant Harm as the threshold, which justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interests of children.

1.2 Section 47 of the Act places a duty on local authorities to make enquiries, or cause enquiries to be made, where it has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer Significant Harm. A court may only make a Care Order or Supervision Order in respect of a child if it is satisfied that:

  • The child is suffering, or is likely to suffer Significant Harm; and
  • That the harm or likelihood of harm is attributable to a lack of adequate parental care or control (section 31).

Under Section 31(9) of the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Adoption and Children Act 2002:‘Harm’means ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development, including for example impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another;

  • ‘Development’means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development;‘Health’ means physical or mental health; and
  • ‘Ill-treatment’includes sexual abuse and forms of ill-treatment that are not physical.

1.3 There are no absolute criteria on which to rely when judging what constitutes Significant Harm. Consideration of the severity of ill-treatment may include the degree and the extent of physical harm, the duration and frequency of abuse and neglect, the extent of premeditation, the degree of threat, coercion, sadism, and bizarre or unusual elements in child sexual abuse. Each of these elements has been associated with more severe effects on the child and/or relatively greater difficulty in helping the child overcome the adverse impact of the maltreatment.

1.4 Sometimes a single traumatic event may constitute Significant Harm, e.g. a violent assault, suffocation or poisoning. More often, Significant Harm is a compilation of significant events, both acute and long-standing, which interrupt, change or damage the child’s physical and psychological development. Some children live in family and social circumstances where their health and development are neglected. For them, it is the corrosiveness of long term emotional, physical or sexual abuse that causes impairment to the extent of constituting Significant Harm. In each case, it is necessary to consider any ill-treatment alongside the families strengths and supports.

1.5 To understand and establish Significant Harm, it is necessary to consider:

  • The family context, including protective factors;
  • The child’s development within the context of his or her family and wider social and cultural environment;
  • Any special needs, such as a medical condition, communication difficulty or disability that may affect the child’s development and care within the family;
  • The nature of harm, in terms of ill-treatment or failure to provide adequate care;
  • The impact on the child’s health and development; and
  • The adequacy of parental care.

2. Categories of Abuse and Neglect

The abuse or neglect of a child can be caused by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family, in a community or institutional setting, by those known to them or, much more rarely, by a stranger.

The following definitions have been included to assist those providing services to children in assessing whether the child may be suffering actual or potential harm.

2.1 Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child.

2.2 Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is a form of Significant Harm which involves the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.

It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children.

These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children.

Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

2.3 Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a form of Significant Harm which involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the Internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can their children.

2.4 Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health and development.

Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance misuse.

Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

  • Provide adequate food and clothing, shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)’
  • Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger’
  • Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers)’
  • Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

3. Indicators of Significant Harm

3.1 The following guidance is intended to help all professionals who come into contact with children. It should not be used as a comprehensive guide, nor does the presence of one or more factors prove that a child has been abused, but it may however indicate that further enquiries should be made.

3.2 The following factors should be taken into account when assessing risks to a child. This is not an exhaustive list.

  • An unexplained delay in seeking treatment that is obviously needed;
  • An unawareness or denial of any injury, pain or loss of function;
  • Incompatible explanations offered or several different explanations given for a child’s illness or injury;
  • A child reacting in a way that is inappropriate to his/her age or development;
  • Reluctance to give information or failure to mention previous known injuries;
  • Frequent attendances at Accident and Emergency Departments or use of different doctors and Accident and Emergency Departments;
  • Frequent presentation of minor injuries (which if ignored could lead to a more serious injury);
  • Unrealistic expectations/constant complaints about the child;
  • Alcohol misuse or other substance misuse;
  • A parents request to remove a child from home or indication of difficulties in coping with the child;
  • Domestic violence;
  • Parental mental ill health;
  • The age of the child and the pressures of caring for a number of children in one household.

4. Recognising Physical Abuse

4.1 This section provides a guide to professionals of some common injuries found in child abuse. Whilst some injuries may appear insignificant in themselves, repeated minor injuries, especially in very young children, may be symptomatic of physical abuse.

4.2 It can sometimes be difficult to recognise whether an injury has been caused accidentally or non-accidentally, but it is vital that all concerned with children are alert to the possibility that an injury may not be accidental, and seek appropriate expert advice.  Medical opinion will be required to determine whether an injury has been caused accidentally or not.

4.3 Bruising

Children can have accidental bruising, but it is often possible to differentiate between accidental and inflicted bruises. It may be necessary to do blood tests to see if the child bruises easily.

The following must be considered as non accidental unless there is evidence or an adequate explanation provided:

  • Any bruising to a pre-crawling or pre-walking baby;
  • Bruising in or around the mouth, particularly in small babies, for example 3 to 4 small round or oval bruises on one side of the face and one on the other, which may indicate force feeding;
  • Two simultaneous bruised eyes, without bruising to the forehead,  (rarely accidental, though a single bruised eye can be accidental or abusive);
  • Repeated or multiple bruising on the head or on sites unlikely to be injured accidentally, for example the back, mouth, cheek, ear, stomach, chest, under the arm, neck, genital and rectal areas;
  • Variation in colour possibly indicating injuries caused at different times – it is now recognised in research that it is difficult to age bruises apart from the fact that they may start to go yellow at the edges after 48 hours;
  • The outline of an object used e.g. belt marks, hand prints or a hair brush;
  • Linear bruising at any site, particularly on the buttocks, back or face;
  • Bruising or tears around, or behind, the earlobe/s indicating injury by pulling or twisting;
  • Bruising around the face;
  • Grasp marks to the upper arms, forearms or leg or chest of small children;
  • Petechial haemorrhages (pinpoint blood spots under the skin). These are commonly associated with slapping, smothering/suffocation, strangling and squeezing.

4.4 Fractures

Fractures may cause pain, swelling and discolouration over a bone or joint. It is unlikely that a child will have had a fracture without the carers being aware of the child’s distress.

If the child is not using a limb, has pain on movement and/or swelling of the limb, there may be a fracture.

There are grounds for concern if:

    • The history provided is vague, non-existent or inconsistent with the fracture type;
    • There are associated old fractures;
    • Medical attention is sought after a period of delay when the fracture has caused symptoms such as swelling, pain or loss of movement;
    • There is an unexplained fracture in the first year of life;
    • Non mobile children sustain fractures.
    • Rib fractures are only caused in major trauma such as in a road traffic accident, a severe shaking injury or a direct injury such as a kick.Skull fractures are uncommon in ordinary falls, i.e. from three feet or less. The injury is usually witnessed, the child will cry and if there is a fracture, there is likely to be swelling on the skull developing over 2 to 3 hours. All fractures of the skull should be taken seriously.Subdural haematoma is a very worrying injury, seen usually in young children; it may be associated with retinal haemorrhages and fractures particularly skull and rib fractures. The cause is usually a severe shaking injury in association with an impact blow. There may or may not be a fractured skull. The baby may present in the Accident and Emergency Department with sudden difficulty in breathing, sudden collapse, fits or as an unwell baby – drowsy, vomiting and later an enlarging head.

4.5 Joints

A tender, swollen “hot” joint with normal X ray appearance may be due to infection in the bone or trauma. There may be both. A further X ray will usually be required in 10 to 14 days. Where there is infection, this of course will require treatment.

4.6 Mouth Injuries

Tears to the frenulum (tissue attaching upper lip to gum) often indicates force feeding of a baby. There is often finger bruising to the cheeks and around the mouth. Rarely, there may also be grazing on the palate. Blunt trauma to the mouth causes swelling and damage to the inner aspect of the lips.

4.7 Internal Injuries

There may be internal injury e.g. perforation or a viscus with no apparent external signs of bruising to the abdomen wall.

4.8 Poisoning

Ingestion of tablets or domestic poisoning in children under 5 is usually due to the carelessness of a parent or carer, but it may be self harm even in young children.

See also Fabricated or Induced Illness Policy.

4.9 Bite Marks

Bite marks can leave clear impressions of the teeth when seen shortly after the injury has been inflicted. The shape then becomes a more defused ring bruise or oval or crescent shaped. Those over 3cm in diameter are more likely to have been caused by an adult or older child.

A medical/dental opinion, preferably within the first 24 hours, should be sought where there is any doubt over the origin of the bite.

4.10 Burns and Scalds

It can be difficult to distinguish between accidental and non-accidental burns and scalds, and will always require experienced medical opinion. Any burn with a clear outline may be suspicious e.g.:

  • Circular burns from cigarettes (but may be friction burns if along the bony protuberance of the spine or impetigo in which case they will quickly heal with treatment);
  • Linear burns from hot metal rods or electrical fire elements;
  • Burns of uniform depth over a large area;
  • Scalds that have a line indicating immersion or poured liquid (a child getting into hot water of its own accord will struggle to get out and cause splash marks);
  • Old scars indicating previous burns/scalds which did not have appropriate treatment or adequate explanation.

Scalds to the buttocks of a small child, particularly in the absence of burns to the feet, are indicative of dipping into a hot liquid or bath.

The following points are also worth remembering:

  • A responsible adult checks the temperature of the bath before the child gets in;
  • A child is unlikely to sit down voluntarily in a hot bath and cannot accidentally scald its bottom without also scalding his or her feet;
  • A child getting into too hot water of his or her own accord will struggle to get out and there will be splash marks.

4.11 Scars

A large number of scars or scars of different sizes or ages, or on different parts of the body, or unusually shaped, may suggest abuse.

5. Recognising Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse may be difficult to recognise, as the signs are usually behavioural rather than physical. The manifestations of emotional abuse might also indicate the presence of other kinds of abuse.

The indicators of emotional abuse are often also associated with other forms of abuse.

The following may be indicators of emotional abuse:

  • Developmental delay;
  • Abnormal attachment between a child and parent/carer e.g. anxious, indiscriminate or no attachment;
  • Indiscriminate attachment or failure to attach;
  • Aggressive behaviour towards others;
  • A child scapegoated within the family;
  • Frozen watchfulness, particularly in pre-school children;
  • Low self esteem and lack of confidence;
  • Withdrawn or seen as a ‘loner’ difficulty relating to others.

6. Recognising Sexual Abuse

Children of both genders and of all ages may be sexually abused and are frequently scared to say anything due to guilt and/or fear. This is particularly difficult for a child to talk about and full account should be taken of the cultural sensitivities of any individual child / family.

Recognition can be difficult, unless the child discloses and is believed. There may be no physical signs and indications are likely to be emotional / behavioural.

Some behavioural indicators associated with this form of abuse are:

  • Inappropriate sexualised conduct;
  • Sexual knowledge inappropriate for the child’s age;
  • Sexually explicit behaviour, play or conversation, inappropriate to the child’s age;
  • Continual and inappropriate or excessive masturbation;
  • Self-harm (including eating disorder), self mutilation and suicide attempts;
  • Running away from home;
  • Poor concentration and learning problems;
  • Loss of self-esteem;
  • Involvement in prostitution or indiscriminate choice of sexual partners;
  • An anxious unwillingness to remove clothes for – e.g. sports events (but this may be related to cultural norms or physical difficulties).

Some physical indicators associated with this form of abuse are:

  • Pain or itching of genital area;
  • Recurrent pain on passing urine or faeces;
  • Blood on underclothes;
  • Pregnancy in a younger girl where the identity of the father is not disclosed and/or there is secrecy or vagueness about the identity of the father;
  • Physical symptoms such as injuries to the genital or anal area, bruising to buttocks, abdomen and thighs, sexually transmitted infection, presence of semen on vagina, anus, external genitalia or clothing.

See also Abuse by Children and Young People who Display Sexually Harmful Behaviour Policy for further guidance of what constitutes sexual abuse.

7. Recognising Neglect

The growth and development of a child may suffer when the child received insufficient food, love, warmth, care and concern, praise, encouragement and stimulation.

Apart from the child’s neglected appearance, other signs may include:

  • Short stature and underweight;
  • Red/purple mottled skin, particularly on the hands and feet, seen in the winter due to cold;
  • Swollen limbs with sores that are slow to heal, usually associated with cold injury;
  • Recurrent diarrhoea;
  • Abnormal voracious appetite at school or nursery;
  • Dry, sparse hair;
  • A child seen to be listless, apathetic and unresponsive with no apparent medical cause;
  • Unresponsiveness;
  • Indiscrimination in relationships with adults (may be attention seeking).

A clear distinction needs to be made between organic and non-organic failure to thrive. This will always require a medical diagnosis. Non-organic failure to thrive is the term used when a child does not put on weight and grow and there is no underlying medical cause for this. For additional guidance.

8. Impact of Abuse and Neglect

8.1 The sustained abuse or neglect of children physically, emotionally, or sexually can have long-term effects on the child’s health, development and well-being. It can impact significantly on a child’s self esteem, self image and on their perception of self and of others. The effects can also extend into adult life and lead to difficulties in forming and sustaining positive and close relationships. In some situations it can affect parenting ability and lead to the perpetration of abuse on others.

8.2 In particular, physical abuse can lead directly to neurological damage, as well as physical injuries, disability or at the extreme, death. Harm may be caused to children, both by the abuse itself, and by the abuse taking place in a wider family or institutional context of conflict and aggression. Physical abuse has been linked to aggressive behaviour in children, emotional and behavioural problems and educational difficulties.

8.3 Severe neglect of young children is associated with major impairment of growth and intellectual development. Persistent neglect can lead to serious impairment of health and development, and long term difficulties with social functioning, relationship and educational progress. Neglect can also result in extreme cases in death.

8.4 Sexual abuse can lead to disturbed behaviour including self-harm, inappropriate sexualised behaviour and adverse effects which may last into adulthood. The severity of impact is believed to increase the longer the abuse continues, the more extensive the abuse and the older the child. A number of features of sexual abuse have also been linked with the severity of impact, including the extent of premeditation, the degree of threat and coercion, sadism and bizarre or unusual elements. A child’s ability to cope with the experience of sexual abuse, once recognised or disclosed, is strengthened by the support of a non-abusive adult or carer who believes the child, helps the child to understand the abuse and is able to offer help and protection.

8.5 There is increasing evidence of the adverse long-term consequences for children’s development where they have been subject to sustained emotional abuse. Emotional abuse has an important impact on a developing child’s mental health, behaviour and self-esteem. It can be especially damaging in infancy. Underlying emotional abuse may be as important, if not more so, than other more visible forms of abuse in terms of its impact on the child. Domestic abuse, adult mental health problems and parental substance misuse may be features in families where children are exposed to such abuse.

8.6 The context in which the abuse takes place may also be significant. The interaction between a number of different factors can serve to minimise or increase the likelihood or level of Significant Harm. Relevant factors will include the individual child’s coping and adapting strategies, support from family or social network, the impact and quality of professional interventions and subsequent life events.

1.2
Back to All Procedures
1.4