Safeguarding the welfare of children: what is the nurse's role?

Everyone who works with children, including teachers, GPs, other medical professionals and the police, has a responsibility to keep children safe and protect them from harm. Simply put, safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility. Children should be protected from maltreatment and any impairment that may affect their health and development. In addition, we all have to ensure that children grow up with safe and effective care. At particular risk, and therefore in particular need of safeguarding, are children who are disabled; who have educational or other specific additional needs; and who bear signs of child abuse, substance abuse, or domestic violence. Under the Children Act 1989, local authorities are required to provide services for children in need for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting their welfare. Nurses are well-placed to identify children and young people who may be at risk, and to act to safeguard them. Nurses and other health professionals should be familiar with local referral arrangements, usually to children's social care.