Factors Affecting Child's Understanding of Abuse, Neglect and Child Protection Legislation in NSW

Unit Code: CHCPRT001
Assessments 1:
Question 1 A
Question
For each of the below, identify how these factors can affect a child’s understanding of
the abuse they are experiencing.
Age:
Gender:
Disability:
Culture:
Sexuality:
Answer
Question 1 A:
Age: Very young children are most vulnerable to neglect and physical abuse because they
spend most of their time in domestic settings care. However, older children are involved
with social activities such as school, sport and less home-based activities, therefore they are
more vulnerable to abuse perpetrated by a non-family member. The Australian study showed
that multiple child sex offenders targeted victims from a broad age range, but mostly between
the ages of eight and 12 years (Petraitis & O'Connor, 1999). The US study investigated
victimization by babysitters and showed that victims aged one to three were at greatest risk of
physical assault while those aged four to five years were most likely to experience sexual
maltreatment (Finkelhor & Ormrod, 2001).
Gender: It is important to remember that all children can be vulnerable to all types of abuse
but the results of a study found that girls were more likely to be a victim of sexual abuse than
boys, and boys are more likely to be physically abused than girls (Sedlak & Broadhurst,
1996). Gender also influences children's vulnerability to domestic or non-family member
abuse. Boys were much more likely than girls to be sexually victimised by extra-familial
abusers (Bagley & Pritchard, 2000; Beech, 1998) . Girls were shown to be at risk of intra-
familial child sexual abuse (Petraitis & O'Connor, 1999).
Disability: Children with special needs, such as physical, intellectual or behavioural
disabilities are more likely vulnerable to organisational abuse because they spend more time
out of home care with organisations. Because these children are not able to communicate
clearly, they can be especially vulnerable to abuse by carers with an inability to cope
(Tomison, 1996).
Culture: Children with special cultural background may experience types of abuse more than
other cultures. For example, in some communities, rates of child sex abuse, neglect, refusal of

medical care are higher than others and children may experience maltreatment form both
family and non family members.
Sexuality: The child sexuality can affect the risk of abuse. It can reduce the rights of the
young person and increase the risk of verbal and physical maltreatment.
Question 1 B
Question
Identify five (5) indicators of neglect.
 Poor growth or weight gain or being overweight. Constantly tired.
 Poor hygiene, dirty and unwashed skin.
 Lack of clothing ( wearing ripped and damaged clothing) or supplies to meet physical
needs.
 Refusal of medical care, having frequent illnesses.
 Poor record of school attendance and being absent.
Question 1 C
Question
Identify five (5) indicators of sexual abuse.
 Starting to wet the bed or soil their pants (Sleep Problems and nightmares)
 Being aggressive for no obvious reason
 Pain or redness in the genital area or when going to the toilet
 Bruises on parts of their body, such as mouth and genitals
 Feeling pain and there doesn’t seem to be a physical cause
Question 1 D
Question
Identify five (5) indicators of physical abuse.
 Extreme behaviour aggressive, anxious, distressed
 Clusters of bruises and scalds
 A fracture in limb or swollen joint, broken or fractured bones
 Absence of hair and human bite marks
 Unusual bruises and marks on the face and other parts of body do not fit with the
explanation given
Question 2 A
Question
Each state and territory have their own version of child protection legislation;

however, they do have common goals.
Identify and name the child protection legislation in your state or territory
Answer
Principal act: The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (the Care
Act) establishes the primary legislative framework for child protection in NSW.
Other relevant acts/legislation:
 Adoption Act 2000 (NSW)
 Advocate for Children and Young People Act 2014 (NSW)
 Child Protection (International Measures) Act 2006 (NSW)
 Child Protection (Offenders Prohibition Orders) Act 2004 (NSW)
 Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000 (NSW)
 Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW)
 Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW)
 Industrial Relations (Child Employment) Act 2006 (NSW)
 Ombudsman Act 1974 (NSW)
 Young Offenders Act 1997 (NSW)
Question 2 B
Question
Identify and list four (4) common key requirements in the child protection
legislation across all states and territories.
Answer
 Children must be safe from harm
 Children must be participated in learning and education
 Children must receive appropriate care, support and protection from families and all
sections of the community
 Children must be cared in a way to allow them to reach their full potential
Question 2 C
Question
As an early childhood educator, briefly outline how you are to report suspected
abuse within a service or school in your state or territory?
Answer
For childcare educators, teachers and managers, it is required to report suspected abuse to
supervisor and child protection services.