Child Protection Unit

Role

The Child Protection Unit is a specialised unit within Princess Margaret Hospital devoted to ensuring that all children are adequately protected whilst in hospital and upon discharge from hospital. We see cases not only where there are concerns of child abuse but also cases where long and short-term protection are issues of concern. Cases that would be appropriate for referral include:

• Children who have injuries or have had previous injuries that may be inflicted injury eg. fractures, bruises, lacerations, burns.
• Neglect - eg physical, medical.
• Children who have been or are thought to have been sexually abused by any person.
• Non-organic failure to thrive.
• Children whose social circumstance puts them at risk of injury, neglect or further abuse.
• Children who upon discharge may not receive adequate care and protection for whatever reason.

Referral

The CPU operates from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm. Referral is via the CPU's Duty Social Worker. Upon receiving information from the referrer, the case will be discussed with the Bed Card Consultant (if child is an inpatient) to clarify the role of the CPU and to plan ongoing management. The rostered CPU Consultant and the CPU Registrar are also informed and their level of involvement is determined on a case by case basis.

After Hours

Sexual Abuse/Assault

After hours social work services are available from 5.00pm to midnight, Monday to Friday and 8.00am to midnight, Saturday and Sunday. After hours medical consultation is available (hours as stated above). Both after hours services are contactable through the PMH switchboard.

Inflicted Injury

After hours social worker services are available as stated above. After hours medical services are managed through the Emergency Department.

Contact Information:

This Unit appears in the following related topics:

• Emergency and Crisis