Summary

This module is designed for health care professionals and others working with children, young people (CYP) and families who wish to develop their understanding of issues relating to safeguarding CYP from unintentional and intentional harm. The module typically includes: the recognition of  vulnerable children and young people in society; the role of those working with CYP as advocates for children;  recognition and management of intentional injury of children and young people;  interventions for prevention of child maltreatment; working with other agencies; issues in adolescent safeguarding; long term effects of maltreatment; epidemiology of sudden infant death syndrome and interventions for prevention.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Students successfully completing the module should be able to:

1. Explain the role of professionals working with children, and young people with respect to child protection and as advocates for children.

2. Discuss the impact of child maltreatment.

3. Discuss the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach in the identification and management of child maltreatment

4. Discuss the risk factors for and recognition and management of physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children.

6. Describe interventions for prevention of child maltreatment.

7. Discuss the epidemiology of sudden infant death syndrome and the evidence for effective interventions for prevention.

Who is this module for?

This module is option for students on the MSc Paediatrics and Child Health. It is suitable for students with experience of working with children in health and other settings. Due to the focus of the module, some subject matter can be challenging, even distressing, and students should be aware of this.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching spans five consecutive days and is delivered via a hybrid model of face-to-face (where possible) and remote online learning, using a mix of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (in your own time) material. Teaching will be facilitated by relevant experts in their field.

Moodle, the UCL virtual learning platform will be used to facilitate communication both between tutors and students, and between the students themselves, and also to provide learning resources and feedback.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a 3000 word essay.

Selected Reading List

Gilbert, R., Widom, C.S., Browne, K., Fergusson, D., Webb, E. and Janson, S., 2009. Burden and consequences of child maltreatment in high-income countries. The Lancet, 373(9657), pp.68-81.