Safeguarding Unborn Babies and Under 1s
Safeguarding Unborn Babies and Under 1s
Recognising and responding to the vulnerability of babies remains a prominent issue.
“There continues to be a real need for practitioners to fully consider any potential risk to children from fathers, any new partners of parents, or other adults with close and regular contact with the family, regardless of sex, gender, or sexuality”.(CSPR Panel Annual Report 2022-23.)
The CSPR Panel have published a number of reports and practice briefings to support practice in this area:
Out of Routine, a review of sudden unexpected death in infancy,
The Myth of Invisible men: Safeguarding children under 1 from non-accidental injury caused by male carers.
We recently held a Safeguarding Unborn Babies and Under 1s Summit and presentations from the day can be found here.
What other resources are there to support practitioners in understanding vulnerability and protective factors for parents?
Professionals are encouraged to use this practical resource – Vulnerability and Protective Factors in Pregnancy to Early Parenthood to increase their awareness of the breadth of factors that may impact on the development of unborn children and infants and to ensure families receive the support they need to give children in Wiltshire the best start in life. It includes a summary page with information on application in practice which can be used as a standalone resource.
Agencies can use these slides to raise awareness of the vulnerability and protective factors glossary.
Following safe sleep guidance is a recurring theme in keeping babies safe and not following guidance case reviews where babies have died is a recurring theme.
The Lullaby Trust provide lots of resources and guidance for both parents and practitioners and all those in contact with parents have a role in reinforcing safe sleep messages.
In Wiltshire we are also supporting the roll out of Five to Thrive: Attachment, Trauma and Resilience Training. This supports secure attachment and building healthy relationships. See also The first critical 1001 days: why they matter and local interventions for more information.
Responding to bruising and injuries to non-mobile babies and children
Non-mobile babies and children very rarely cause injuries to themselves and therefore must be considered at significant risk of abuse.
Therefore, all bruises or injuries to non-mobile babies or children must be reported by phoning Children's Integrated Front Door (IFD) (0300 456 0108).
There is guidance to support you as a practitioner, available below along with a leaflet for parents:
PAN BSW policy on suspected bruising or injuries in children who are not independently mobile – this multi agency guidance is for all professionals working with children and young people in Wiltshire.
Leaflet for parents – this is for any professional to use to help explain what will happen if a bruise or injury is noticed. (when printing select print on both sides flipping onto the short edge.)
What support is there for parents?
The Baby Steps Programme gives extra support to families in pregnancy and early parenthood. They can be first time parents or have previous children. If you know parents who would be suitable for the programme and they agree to their details being passed to the Baby Steps team, please complete a Baby Steps interest form here.
The Rise Trust: Mum2Mum Breastfeeding groups
The Dad Pad can help new Dads feel more confident about fatherhood.
Children’s Centres provide services in the community that can support parents with children aged 0-5. To find out more visit: Children's centres in Wiltshire - Wiltshire Council