Child Protection Medical Assessment

Before any examination takes place, we must have consent (permission) from an individual who holds parental responsibility.

 

We will explain everything clearly before we begin. All questions are valid and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

• For younger children, consent is usually given by a parent or carer with parental responsibility.
• Some older children and young people may be able to consent to the examination directly if they understand what it involves.

 

The examination will not go ahead without appropriate consent, unless professionals believe it is essential to protect a child’s safety and a legal decision has deemed it in the best interests of your child.

Your child has been referred to a children’s doctor to check their health and wellbeing.

 

This happens when professionals are worried that a child may not be safe or may have come to harm.

 

We understand this process can feel worrying or upsetting. It is normal to have questions. You can bring a supportive family member or friend if you wish. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure your child is safe and gets the right support.

 

This assessment includes gathering information from professionals, yourself and your child. The final part of the assessment is an examination of your child.

You and your child will meet a children’s doctor and often a health care assistant. A social worker will also be at the appointment.

 

The doctor will ask about your child’s health, including:

• Birth history.
• Immunisations.
• Illness.
• Medications and allergies.
• Development.
• Family history.
• Behaviour and progress at school.
• Any current concerns.
• What has led to the referral.

After this information is gathered, Your child will have a full general. If your child has any obvious injuries, these will be documented, measured and drawn in the child’s record.

 

This detailed examination can take a long time and this is because it is important the doctor takes an accurate record of any injuries or marks.

 

It is a good idea to bring their familiar toys or activities and a snack. 

As part of the assessment, the doctor may spend a short time speaking with your child alone, depending on their age and understanding. This is a normal part of the assessment. It gives children the opportunity to talk freely and share any worries or questions they may have.

At the end the doctor will explain the initial findings. You are welcome to ask questions.

 

In some cases:

• We may advise photographs should be taken of any injuries. These are typically requested to occur on the same day, but not always. You will be informed and consent taken before this is completed.
• We may advise more specific investigations for example blood tests, X-rays or other imaging such as a CT scan. You will be informed and consent taken before this is organised.
• Occasionally we will need to review your child again for a follow up appointment.

A written medical report is made. This is shared with Children’s Social Care and the Police if they are involved. This is in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2012. 

Specialist children’s doctors within our trust will routinely review medical reports written to ensure we are working to a high standard and managing cases in a consistent and fair way.  All information …. Insert paragraph on original leaflet

If you or your child need help with language or communication, please tell us.

We can arrange:

• A professional interpreter.
• Extra help for communication or learning needs.
• Family members should not interpret. We will provide a trained interpreter if needed.

 

Let us know if your child has additional needs so we can make the appointment as comfortable as possible.

Child Protection Medical Assessment locations

Allens Croft Child Development Centre Allens Croft Road Kings Heath Birmingham B14 6RP 0121 466 4700 (general enquiries) Parking available on the road.
Birmingham Community Children’s Centre 61 Bacchus Road Winson Green Birmingham B18 4QY 0121 466 9501 On-site carpark
Four Oaks Medical Centre  Carlton House 18 Mere Green Road Sutton Coldfield B75 5BS 0121 466 4463 3 hours of free car parking in Sainsbury’s car park.
Heartlands Child Development Centre Heartlands Hospital Bordesley Green East Birmingham B9 5SS 0121 424 3688 Hospital parking, charged per hour.
Park House Child and Family Centre Park Road Sparkhill Birmingham B11 4HB 0121 466 6800 Free on-site car park