Safeguarding and Child Protection for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors: A Practical Guide

Nurses, midwives and health visitors have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. In this clear and invaluable guide, Catherine Powell focuses on the practical aspects of safeguarding and how healthcare professionals should respond to safeguarding children concerns. 

Key features of the book include: 

• Setting out the roles and responsibilities of nurses, midwives and health visitors working in a range of settings, including those working primarily with adult clients 

• Realistic case scenarios of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect, covering infants, toddlers, school-age children and adolescents 

• Explanations of inter-agency working and the roles of other key players such as children's social care, the police and education services

• 'Markers of Good Practice' boxes highlighting lessons for practice.

The book covers the full spectrum of safeguarding children work; from prevention and early help through to statutory intervention and serious case review. New for this expanded Second Edition are:

• A new chapter on child sexual exploitation, and more consideration of risks for children online 

• More detail on the links between domestic violence and abuse and child maltreatment 

• New ‘Child Perspective’ boxes to encourage further thought about the voice and role of the child

Safeguarding and Child Protection for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors 2e is an essential tool for students and will be invaluable for practicing healthcare staff who face an array of complex and sensitive issues in the field of safeguarding. 

“This is a very well-structured and comprehensive book. To have a book such as this to use as a professional companion, not only to refer to and check facts, or underpin decision making, but also to expand professional knowledge, will lead to improved safeguarding practices, prompt, appropriate interventions, and better outcomes for children and families.”

Dr Cheryll Adams, Director, Institute of Health Visiting, UK

“This is a very readable and practical book which achieves its aim to raise awareness about good safeguarding and child protection practice. The book clearly reflects the author’s expertise and knowledge in safeguarding and child protection practice. The range of case examples, practice points and new for this second edition, a ‘child’s perspective’ box, brings the text to life and focuses the reader’s attention on practice needing to be ‘child-centred’. This is an excellent book, which I thoroughly recommend.”

Jane V. Appleton, Professor in Primary and Community Care, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, UK

"This comprehensive text providing the link between legislation, policy, research and practice will enable students and practitioners to expand their knowledge and understanding of the key issues involved in safeguarding children and young people."

Fiona Smith, Professional Lead for Children and Young People's Nursing, Royal College of Nursing, UK