Course Rationale:

Anybody involved in working with vulnerable young people needs to be fully familiar with the legal requirements of Child Protection legislation. On completion of this course, participants will be able to clearly define the responsibilities of drug and alcohol services, and will have a full understanding of how they should work with young people and children to accurately assess the risk they face. The course will cover both the practical support needs of young people, and the legal obligations inherent to working within the Child Protection framework, including those surrounding disclosure.

image from morgue file

Course objectives:

On completion of the course participants will be able to:

• Define their legal responsibilities and the scope of their individual and organisational roles

• Contribute to the assessment of children and young people to establish potential risk

• List factors that may indicate further support is necessary

• Make a disclosure to the relevant authority in line with organisational procedures

• Provide appropriate support to their client in the process

•  Contribute to relevant care review and planning meetings

• Detail changes that may occur in the child protection system because of new legislation

DANOS or other related National Occupational Standards

AB3    Contribute to the prevention and management of abusive and aggressive behaviour

AB5    Assess and act upon immediate risk of danger to substance users

AB4    Contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse