Child protection

Child protection medical

What is a child protection medical?

When social services receive a report that a child may be at risk of harm, they have a legal duty to investigate. As part of this investigation, they may contact the Cheyne Child Development Service to request a child protection medical.

This is a full medical assessment of your child, including taking a history and carrying out an examination. It is completed by a paediatrician (a children’s doctor) with specialist training and experience in conducting these assessments.

We understand this can be a stressful time. It is important that you and your child’s views are listened to, and that you understand what is happening. This page explains the child protection medical assessment process so you know what to expect, and what is expected of you.

What happens at a child protection medical?

Consent

To carry out a child protection medical, we need consent from a person with parental responsibility. Ideally this will be written consent (signing a form), but in some cases it may be verbal.

Depending on their age and understanding, a child may be able to give consent themselves.

If you or your child do not give consent, the social worker and/or police will discuss this with you first. In some cases, a social worker can seek a court order allowing them to interview or medically assess your child without your consent. This is generally a last resort, as we prefer to work with families wherever possible.

History

The first part of the assessment involves taking a detailed history. This includes questions about your child’s current health, past medical history, birth history, allergies, medication, immunisations and development. We will also ask about behaviour and progress at school.

A detailed social history is also taken, including questions about sleeping arrangements, drug and alcohol use and any family history of medical conditions.

Examination

Your child will then have a full top-to-toe examination. This includes looking in their mouth and throat, listening to their heart and lungs, and examining their abdomen and nervous system.

It also involves checking their skin. Any scars, marks or injuries identified will be measured and recorded, including being drawn onto body maps in your child’s notes.

To complete the examination, your child will need to undress to their underwear. This can be done in stages if that helps them feel more comfortable.

A chaperone will be present during this part of the assessment. Their role is to help ensure everyone in the room feels comfortable.

Medical photography

If any marks, scars or injuries are identified, we may request medical photographs. The purpose is to document injuries and to enable discussion with other doctors within the Cheyne Child Development Service and the safeguarding team.

Before photographs are taken, we will ask for separate consent. This involves reading and signing an additional consent form.

The photographs are taken by the hospital’s specialist medical photography team and stored on a secure system.

What happens after a child protection medical?

At the end of the appointment, the doctor will explain their findings to you, your child and the social worker. They will give their opinion and advice on how to help your child stay safe, happy and healthy.

In some cases, further tests or treatments may be recommended, such as X-rays, blood tests or referrals to other services. This will be explained to you at the time.

The report and any medical photographs will be shared with relevant professionals involved in your child’s care. This may include the medical team, your child’s GP, their health visitor or school nurse, the social worker and the police officer (if the police are involved). A copy can also be made available to you if you request it.

What to do if you have questions or concerns

Speak to the doctor carrying out the child protection medical assessment if you have any concerns or questions about the process.

PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) is a confidential service for people who would like information, help or advice about services provided by our hospital.