CHCECE013 Assessment 1: Case Study Analysis of Child Abuse and Neglect

This assignment presents a detailed case study centered around a 5-year-old child named Habib, who exhibits concerning behavioral changes within a preschool setting. The case explores potential indicators of child abuse and neglect, including withdrawal, changes in eating habits, and a heightened response to stimuli. The educator, Caitlyn, observes these changes and is faced with a challenging situation involving Habib's family circumstances, including a father's abrupt behavior and a mother's potential health issues. The assignment requires identifying types of abuse, Caitlyn's duty of care, and relevant legislation. It also explores open-ended questioning techniques, potential impacts of harm, and how Caitlyn should respond to Habib's disclosures while maintaining confidentiality. The assignment further delves into the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, identifying relevant articles and analyzing adult behaviors and child indicators for various types of abuse. Finally, the assignment considers a scenario involving a colleague's aggressive behavior towards children, requiring the student to apply the UN Convention, job description, and ethical codes to determine an appropriate response, emphasizing workplace health and safety.

Running head: CHCECE013 PART 2
CHCECE013 PART 2
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1CHCECE013 PART 2
Assessment 1: Case Study
1. Case Study on Caitlyn
Caitlyn is an educator in a preschool centre for 3–5-year-olds. Caitlyn observes that one of the
children, Habib (5 years) has been displaying uncharacteristic behaviour in the last few weeks.
Habib is usually chatty and vibrant, but lately he has been withdrawn. He sits alone during play
sessions and refuses to participate. He refuses to get up after rest time. He eats less than usual –
he just pushes his food around during morning tea, lunch and afternoon snack time. One
afternoon, a car backfires in the car park, and Caitlyn observes that Habib has an unusually
heightened response to the sound. He appears shaken for over an hour afterwards.
Caitlyn becomes particularly concerned about Habib’s welfare when, one evening, she is
working late and no-one comes to collect Habib. Caitlyn tries to contact Habib’s home, but
nobody answers the phone. Eventually she gets through to Habib’s father’s workplace, and
Habib’s father comes to collect Habib. He doesn’t arrive until after 7 pm, well after the centre
closes. His manner is abrupt and unfriendly towards both Caitlyn and Habib. He shoves Habib
roughly into the car.
1.1 List two indicators that suggest Habib is experiencing abuse.
1. Habib eats less and does not participate in games and activities anymore
2. Habib’s father collects him late, does not show any concern for him and shoves him
roughly into the car
1.2 Explain what Caitlyn’s duty of care is, in this situation.
In this situation, Caitlyn’s duty is to record Habib’s behaviour for disturbing elements like
changes in the way he speaks or interacts with others, alongside changes in his eating habits. The
records must comply with the NQS standards stating the symptoms of neglect in children.
Caitlyn should also observe the way Habib is treated by his father and parents. She should report
the incident to the director of the centre.
1.3 What are three open-ended, non-threatening questions Caitlyn could ask Habib to find
out more about his situation?
Three open ended questions that Caitlyn can ask Habib are:
1. Habib, what did you do at home yesterday with your parents?
2. What did you eat for dinner last night?
3. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

2CHCECE013 PART 2
Continued
The next morning, Caitlyn draws Habib aside during the morning activity to speak with him
privately. She asks him open-ended, non-threatening questions to find out what is going on.
Habib is reluctant to talk, but eventually tells Caitlyn that his mother has been sleeping a lot
lately. Some days, she doesn’t get out of bed. His father is working more than ever, and home
has been very quiet. Habib has no-one to talk to and nothing to do at home. Some nights, nobody
prepares dinner. If his father isn’t home, he goes to bed without food.
When Caitlyn asks a few more questions, Habib begins to talk about the fact that his family
doesn’t know anyone in Australia. They fled from war-torn Syria in late 2011 and have had
difficulties meeting people. Caitlyn asks Habib about Syria, and about what he remembers, but
Habib refuses to talk anymore. He curls into a ball and buries his head.
1.4 Identify the type/s of abuse Habib might be experiencing, and explain your answer.
Habib is experiencing the following types of abuse:
1. Neglect – Habib is not fed properly and not taken care of properly.
2. Physical abuse – Habib’s father shoves him into the car roughly when he comes to collect
him, late after the centre has already closed.
3. Emotional abuse – Habib’s parents are not involved in his learning and education, they
don’t play with him; Habib does not have anyone to talk to or play with at home.
1.5 Identify three potential impacts that risk of harm may have on Habib.
Three potential impacts that risk of harm can have on Habib
1. Habib can suffer from malnutrition and growth related disorders due to lack of proper
nutrition and care.
2. Habib can suffer from developmental disorders, cognitive and social skills may be
stunted due to lack of communication and interpersonal understanding.
3. Habib may become aggressive and violent because of the maltreatment he receives from
his parents and the violence he has experienced in his previous country combined with
the home situation he is currently facing. Alternately he can also develop preliminary
signs of Post - Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression.
1.6 Identify the relevant legislation in your state or territory that applies to child abuse.
Section 31 of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.

3CHCECE013 PART 2
1.7 How should Caitlyn respond to Habib’s disclosure in a manner that maintains Habib’s
confidentiality, complies with regulations and legislation and is within Caitlyn’s duty of
care?
Caitlyn’s response to Habib’s disclosure should comply with Education and Care Services
National Law Act 2012(SA) wherein Habib’s disclosure should be given full priority by Caitlyn
where she should:
1. Listen carefully to him and avoid expressing her own views on the matter.
2. Let him know he has done the right thing.
3. Tell him it's not his fault.
4. Say that she will take them (disclosures) seriously.
Furthermore, in accordance with the Privacy act 1988, she should maintain full confidentiality of
Habib’s report where she should safeguard his personal information including name and
demographic information from unauthorized people. The only people that can have access to his
information are Caitlyn herself, the director of the centre, child care professional (with
permission) and parents of Habib.
1.9 Research the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child and identify two
articles that are most relevant to this case study. Why do the articles you have chosen link
to this case study?
Two articles that connect to the case study are:
1. Article 9
1. States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against
their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in
accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best
interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in a particular case such as one
involving abuse or neglect of the child by the parents, or one where the parents are living
separately and a decision must be made as to the child's place of residence.
2. Article 19
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational
measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse,
neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in
the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
These articles that I have chosen link to the current case study because Habib displays clear
indications that he is a victim of abuse and neglect back in his home. He does not have any
communication partner back home, sometimes he goes to bed without dinner because his mother
doesn’t cook that often and his father comes home late. Furthermore, he also displays distance
and lack of appetite, clear indicators of neglect. His father also came to collect him from the

4CHCECE013 PART 2
centre very late and upon arrival shoved Habib inside the car very roughly which is a clear
indication of abuse on a parents part. His home situation also describes the possibility of family
violence. Therefore, these articles become useful as they pertain closely to the aspect of abuse
and neglect of a child in a home setting and elsewhere where safekeeping of the child is a
priority.
2. Types of Abuse. Identify two possible adult behaviours and child indicators that can be signs of
abuse for each type of abuse.
Abuse Type Adult behaviours of abuse Child indicators of harm
Physical
Pushed or throw
Shows physical signs of abuse like bruises and
cuts, burns and swelling with redness. Shows
direct evidence of crying.
Emotional
Repeatedly rejected or threatened in a way that
is frightening by: Name calling ,put
downs ,continual coldness .
Shows evident instances of fear, sudden
shocking behaviour when called, responds
in abnormal ways, and does not respond
properly when called. Gets scared at the
proximity of people.
Sexual Fondling a child's genitals.
Has a fear of touch, attempts to guard pelvic
region with hands. Does not like the proximity
of people and wants to stay away. Does not like
being accompanied to bathroom or toilet.
Neglect
Where the carer of a child fails to provide
the basic necessities to ensure a child is
not harmed. including adequate food ,
clothing , shelter , medical attention and
supervision .
Shows clear physical signs of malnutrition,
constant sickness, poor, inappropriate and
inadequate clothing, no tiffin provided,
underweight, lacks proper sleep, socially
and cognitively inactive in class.
Trauma War ,Kidnapping , accidents .
Has a general fear of adult people, gets anxious
at loud noise especially firecrackers. Does not
like to stay in a crowded spot for long, has a
dislike towards a gathering of too many people,
even children, for playing.
3. Scenario – Duty of Care
You observe that one of your work colleagues is displaying aggressive behavior towards the children
when unsupervised. Three times now, you have come into a room and observed her yelling at a child.
Each time you questioned her to make sure everything was okay and she has told you that the child
was just upset because his mother had just left or is complaining about another child’s behaviour.
2.1 Locate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Which article of the convention
should you consider when choosing how to respond to this scenario?

5CHCECE013 PART 2
The following article should be considered by me when responding to this scenario
Article 19: States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational
measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or
negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal
guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
Read your job position description about your responsibilities in the organisation. Describe how your job
position description and employment obligations determine how you should respond to this
situation.
According to my job description, my role in dealing with this situation involves making thorough
observation and notes about my colleague’s behaviour. I will also try to inform and educate my colleague
about the ways in which a child should be dealt with in a classroom or an educational service, involving
means that are nonviolent and non-aggressive. In case my colleague continues with the behaviour, s/he will
be reported to the competent authority with evidence of her action to ensure that workplace justice is
prevailed.
Identify and describe how you are obligated to respond to the scenario as specified by the following:
Give two example for each a, b and c.
a) Codes of Ethics
1. I am obligated to ensure that each child under or at risk of neglect and abuse receive fair
treatment at home and in case they don’t the issue is taken up with the parents with urgency for
further evaluation.
2. I am also obligated to report cases of abuse and neglect to the higher authority like police.
b) National Quality Standards
1. Ensuring that child safety and protection is given high priority as much as their need for proper
nutrition and sleep.
2. In case those requirements are not met, effective reporting and action is taken to ensure that
they are being provided to the child.
c) Rights of the child
1. Ensure that the child is receiving proper and fair treatment at the education centre and is free
from neglect and all cases of abuse involving emotional, physical and sexual.

6CHCECE013 PART 2
2. If the children are not receiving proper treatment, it is my duty to ensure that the issues of the
child is assessed properly and if severe, the perpetrator of the act is brought to justice by a
competent authority. .
Identify a minimum of two documents you could use to make an ethical decision in response to this
scenario.
The two documents we could use to make an ethical decision in response to this scenario are as follow :
1 .Code of conduct
2.Code of Ethics.
What would you do about your colleague’s behaviour? Explain how your decision is ethical and directed
by your organisational policies and standards, legislative requirements and your job role.”
Firstly, my primary duty would be to ensure that my colleague’s behaviour towards the children is changed
and involves a type that is more acceptable under the organisational policies and the standards and legislative
documents. That would include a non-threatening and nonviolent manner of talking to the children and
behaving in a friendly manner while dealing with their issues. I would also ask my colleague to thoroughly
read and understand the relevant laws and policies regarding behaving with children. Furthermore, if the
colleague’s behaviour is unchanged, I would make sure that appropriate actions are taken against her. Such a
case should be considered bad practice and all staff members should be aware of what kind of behaviour is
accepted and what kind is not.
Describe how child-focused work practices in an early education setting help reduce the risk of harm to
children.
Implementing child focused work practices in early education setting works on the belief that every child
has a right to a safe passage from childhood to adolescence and adulthood and should therefore grow up in
an environment that is free from harm and abuse. Besides, the child’s needs and welfare are also the
primary concern of the educators and should therefore work together to ensure that the practice that the
child is put through is attainable and inclusive of safe and healthy elements. Safeguarding the rights of the
child becomes the primary priority of the education centre and should therefore be given the highest order
of status. This helps reducing the risk of harm to children by ensuring their immediate safety whilst
developing their highest potential within the jurisdiction of the early education centre.

7CHCECE013 PART 2
Assessment 2:Scenarios
Read the scenario and then answer the questions that follow.
Scenario 1
You have developed an excellent relationship with each child you educate and care for. You feel
strongly that children should be able to make decisions about their day.
1. Outline two ways that child-focused actions are routinely implemented in the service. Provide
an example for each of the actions.
1. In the service, child focused actions are implemented on a routine basis where protection of the
child from potentially substances within and outside the service are safely guarded against child
intervention. For instance, the kitchen and the cleaning equipment sections are made off limit to
the children so that they cannot injure themselves with sharp instruments or harmful cleaning
chemicals and acids. Besides, the sharp instruments like scissors and blades that are used in the
activities for cutting papers and objects are always handled by the educators or the older children
under expert guidance.
2. Child focused activities in the centre also include safeguarding the children against instances of
abuse and neglect as well as the influences of family violence at their homes. In such a case, the
children upon arriving at the centre are purposefully asked about what they did back home the
previous night or the weekend, if they had proper dinner and what they ate for breakfast. Open
ended questions are asked to assess what happened in the child’s home the previous day or to
understand the family dynamic of the child in particular. This shows the educators if any child is
in urgent requirement of any kind of intervention. If yes, the parents are called and an in depth
discussion is undertaken on the issues of the child in relevance with substantial laws and
regulations as well as policies and other relevant documents.
Outline one example of how a service could include children in decision-making.
One example in which the service can include children in the decision making process is by making the
children more inclusive in the process of selection and implementation of the activities that are to be
done in the classroom. This can be done by following a few systematic steps. Firstly, the purpose of
the decision making will be set and the people who will be benefitted by the decision will be
understood. Afterwards, what kinds of information should be involved in the decision will be
understood as well as when the decision should be made. For instance, if the activity for the coming
day’s class involves development of interpersonal communication and social working skills, then a
group based activity project should be identified as the main theme and then a list of activities will be
selected. The decision should be made on the ending of the current day.
Afterwards, the children will be involved in the decision making process where they will be informed
of the activity theme of the next day in a fun manner to incite excitement. After that they will be given
a list of the activities involved and they will be asked to vote for which activity they want to have the
next day. Based on the children’s votes and decision, the final activity will be selected.

8CHCECE013 PART 2
An employer has duty-of-care obligations to ensure risk is minimised for all staff members and
children in their care. List three ways you could ensure that you uphold duty of care in your
work role in the childcare environment.
Risk can be minimised for all children by ensuring that the activities that they are performing are
safe and has no potential danger or harm associated with them. Furthermore, the children should
be safely kept away from the harmful parts of the centre like the kitchen and the cleansing areas.
Sharp equipment and tools must be handed by the educator and at all costs all children should be
kept safely away from these objects. Besides, children’s physical and mental wellbeing should
also be given high priority so that the children can have a holistic development. In that regards,
the child’s interactions back home with parents and other peers should be assessed properly to
identify if there are cases of abuse or neglect that the child is facing back home.
All the above stated steps for minimising the risk of the child should be a well-documented part
of
The centre’s policy. Every educator staff in the centre should poses a thorough understanding of
the policy document and should also know the exact rules and legislations associated with the
childcare in an early childhood centre. In that case, the duty of care obligation of the employer
with respect to minimising the risk of the child includes that he/she ensures that all the educators
are well acquainted with the documents and policies required. To make the learning a safe
experience.
With respect to employees and staff, the employer must make sure that they are getting enough
time and resources to cope with the stress and fatigue that arises from the task. The employer
must ensure that the employees are getting adequate time off to replenish their energies and their
health is also being taken good care of. Furthermore, their risk associated with taking care of the
children like dealing with harsh environments, or dealing with other associated risks should also
be effectively dealt with.
Finally,. To minimise the risk holistically, the employer is duty bound to ensure that the working
environment and the centre has adequate resources for dealing with potential hazardous
situations. These situations may range from stormy weather and harsh winds to inside the centre
issues like electricity failure, risk of fire etc. In those cases, the exits and evacuation plans must
be thoroughly remembered by all employees and the employer must make sure of that.
Furthermore, the employer is also responsible for making sure that all the staff personnel have
received proper training and guidance prior to their joining and even after joining thorough drill
sessions are engaged in order to maximise their opportunities of an effective problem resolve and
minimise their risks.

9CHCECE013 PART 2
Scenario cont’d
During morning activity time, you notice that Maxwell, aged 5 years, is quieter than usual. He normally
enjoys participating in activities and interacting with children and educators but today he is pale and
withdrawn. You also notice that he is in the same clothes he wore last time you saw him and they seem
to be unwashed. When you get closer to Maxwell, you see that his clothes are dirty and smell of
cigarettes and alcohol.
It is well before morning tea time when Maxwell asks if he can have a snack. You ask him what he had
for breakfast this morning, and he says ‘Nothing.’ When you have made him a snack, you sit down with
him and ask him, ‘Maxwell, what did you do on the weekend?’ He lowers his eyes and says ‘Nothing’. He
eats the snack quickly and asks if he can have another helping.
You decide to ask Maxwell some more questions to draw him out and find out what has been
happening.
List three non-threatening, open-ended questions that you could ask Maxwell.
1. What did you have for dinner last night? What did you do last night with your parents?
2. What did you do with your parents last weekend? What did your father/mother do during the
weekend?
3. What did you do over the weekend with your friends?
Describe what kind of abuse Maxwell is showing indications of and explain your answer.
Maxwell is showing instances of abuse and neglect when he is noticed to be wearing the same dirty
clothes that he was wearing last time. Besides he is also smelling of cigarettes and alcohol. In that
case he is also displaying instances of abuse and neglect in the form of possible bad family situation
back home.

10CHCECE013 PART 2
Scenario cont’d.
Maxwell tells you that he was left with his older brother, Jason, who is 17, over the whole weekend and
that Jason’s friends came over for a party. Maxwell tells you that he was frightened because people
were shouting and drinking beer all night. Maxwell says that they made him drink some beer too.
Maxwell says that his mother plans to spend weekends with her new boyfriend from now on so Jason is
going to look after him nearly every weekend.
You feel you need to review your service’s child abuse policy and procedures to help you determine
what you should do next to help Maxwell. Your lunch break is soon so you decide to take some quiet
time in the office to review what happened and write up some notes.
Mrs Jackson, a volunteer helper, has noticed you making Maxwell an extra snack. She says she has heard
that Maxwell has been abused and asks you if this is true. You tell her that you cannot comment, as it is
confidential information, and change the topic to arrangements for next week’s excursion. You later
overhear Mrs Jackson asking Dulcie, your work colleague, the same question and then hear them
discussing Maxwell’s situation.
What is the relevant legislation in your state or territory that applies to child abuse?
Section 31 of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017.
1.1
1. The name of the person writing the report, date and time .
2. A brief outline of where the observation or disclosure took place and when , including what
happened before and after .
3. A clear description of the conversation with child .
4. A clear description of child behaviour .
a. Research two agencies in WA who a service can work with collaboratively with?

11CHCECE013 PART 2
Department of communities, child protection – they are a government department agency that works closely with
early childhood centres to maximise the learning of children and minimise risk and harm wherever possible.
Department for child protection and family support - another government agency that is responsible for ensuring
that a well developed relationship between children and the parents are ensured. They also work closely with
early education centres to provide support and information regarding family violence, negligence and abuse of
children i9n the early years in their home settings.
Identify the indicators that Maxwell is displaying that you would include in a written report.
The indicators that Maxwell is displaying are his signs of trauma and fear as well as the other physical
evidences of his case of abuse and neglect. Furthermore, his disclosure about being left with his
brother Jason and being forced to drink beer, the information about his mother’s new boyfriend and
the fact that his parents are unable to provide a safe and enriching environment for him should also
be included in the report.
Where in your service would Maxwell’s record be kept to ensure it remains confidential?
Maxwell’s report should be kept safely with myself in person in order to ensure that other individuals
from the centre are unable to access it., if the report is made in an electronic media, they will be
safely encrypted and stored in oared to improve security.
Identify one strategy you could use with Maxwell to provide trauma-informed care.
One strategy to provide trauma informed care to Maxwell would include discussing with Maxwell
about what he has said and assuring him that he has no role to play in this. Also that his actions of
telling and informing the educator was a wise choice as it shows that Maxwell is aware of his situation
and is in need of support.
How could the risk of harm impact Maxwell’s wellbeing?
The risk of harm can impact Maxwell by proving to be detrimental for his health as well as his mental
wellbeing. Instances of neglect and abuse can be detrimental for the physical wellbeing of the child by
reducing his growth and developmental opportunities.
It can also reduce his mental and cognitive development by minimising his opportunities for a healthy
communication with his fronts and family members. This can also make him aggressive and violent if
proper care opportunities are not provided.

12CHCECE013 PART 2
How has Mrs Jackson created an ethical dilemma?
Mrs Jackson has been discussing Maxwell’s case with other educators proving it difficult to maintain
confidentiality of the case. Thereby she is passively violating privacy act 1988 but also creating an
ethical dilemma where the child’s confidentiality is at stake.
How has Dulcie breached professional boundaries?
Dulcie has breached professional boundaries by discussing Maxwell’s case with Mrs Jackson,
something she was not supposed to do.
Who would you use to guide you when solving these ethical dilemmas?
The respective legistaltions and the privacy act 1988 should be used to solve these ethical dilemmas.
Which article of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child applies most closely to
Maxwell’s situation?
Article 39 of the United Nations Convection on the Rights of the child applies most closely to Max
well's situation .
Practical task in Crèche
Find and identify three different sources in the crèche that protects children attending a childcare
service from abuse.

13CHCECE013 PART 2
1. Child protection from abuse within the centre – this identifies any kind of abuse that happens to
the child within the centre perpetrated by either an educator or a staff member.
2. Child protection from abuse at home – This identifies the child protection from abuse and neglect
in home scenarios
3. Child protection from abuse in friendly settings and neighbourhood – this identifies child
protection from abuse and harm when they are with friends and neighbourhood children.

14CHCECE013 PART 2