Case Study 2: CHCPRT001

Case Study Assessment 2: CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk

Personal considerations: Responding to children and young people who have been harmed or who are at risk of harm can be demanding and emotionally upsetting. No one is immune to the impact of its occurrence or exposure. In this unit, you may be exposed to content, scenarios and reactions that may concern you. If this is the case, it is important you seek assistance and support from your Trainer as a result of the content. The names in all scenarios are fictitious and for assessment purposes only.

Scenario

A three-year-old child (Tommy C) has arrived with his mother (Trudy T) at their usual time today at 8.30am for care in your service. As the Educator you greet the family and engage in your usual conversation and handover. You have a good rapport with Trudy who always tells you how much of a help you are to her. Last week you noticed Tommy was somewhat unkempt with uncombed hair and unclean clothes. Today he appears the same and is not wearing any shoes. Trudy tells you he has been a real handful lately and shouts at him to sit down. Trudy usually has a support worker accompany her as she has an intellectual disability. She informs you she doesn’t need them and that her partner (Jason C) has returned to live with her. She said she needed help with the children, especially Tommy as he is so naughty, and when the new baby is born. Trudy had previously told you she was in a domestic violence situation with Jason but he had left. She tells you they are getting along, but Jason still gets angry quickly, especially when Tommy is naughty and she has no other family to help. She also says Jason is trying hard not to use as many drugs as before. Trudy looked tired and agitated.

Tommy takes off his jacket and you notice several bluish, patterned bruises similar to finger length and size are on both upper arms and around his neck. A yellowish bruise is around his left wrist. Trudy tells you he fell off his bike about a week ago and refuses to elaborate but informs you she didn’t take him to the doctor. Tommy hangs his head and says nothing.  You know Trudy tries hard and Tommy is a lively little boy, but you are worried how she will cope when the new baby arrives.

Details Mother: Trudy T (age 25) Son: Tommy C (DOB 3 March 2016: age 3) Daughter: Jaycee C (age 5) Father: Jason C (age 23) Address: 1/234 Same Street, Somewhere.

You call through to the Director and ask that they come over and visit the room. The Director visits and you advise your fellow Educator to engage the children in a story on the mat. Once all children are settled, you raise your concerns about Tommy with the Director from enough distance to supervise the room but not to allow children or others to hear. The Director asks you to complete the Child Incident Report and submit it to her as soon as sufficient staff are on duty to maintain safe ratio of Educators to children. The Director reminds you that no other person is to be informed at this time.

Complete the following Assessment Tasks in your Logbook.