ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introductory insight into issues surrounding the safeguarding of children. It begins with a brief overview regarding both historical and contemporary issues that have shaped legislation and policy in the safeguarding of children. The chapter considers the multi-agency approach to the safeguarding of children and the importance of early intervention. It provides an overview of historical and contemporary issues in the safeguarding of children. The chapter defines key terms and considers the rights of children and why these are important when safeguarding children. It provides the categories of abuse and their possible signs and indicators and considers the complex roles and responsibilities of the multi-agency team when safeguarding children. Bruising is said to be the most common injury sustained by children who are being physically abused and is very much associated with the development of the child. Emotional abuse may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another.
