Escalation Protocols for Abuse of Children Aged Three and Below

Prof Kenneth Poon asked the Minister for Social and Family Development following recent child-protection reforms (a) how the suspected abuse of children aged three and below who are not known to social services is identified and escalated; and (b) how the Ministry assesses whether warning signs observed separately by caregivers and professionals are connected to enable timely intervention.

Answer:

            Children aged three and below are especially vulnerable as they are less able to recognise, communicate or seek help for abuse. Any signs of abuse or neglect are often first observed by those who interact with them regularly, such as family members or caregivers. Therefore, family members, professionals and the wider community play an important role in being vigilant, to identify and report any suspected child abuse. They should call the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) to seek help, or report to the Police if the child is in immediate danger. Upon receiving a report, NAVH gathers and assesses information, obtains additional details where necessary, and triages cases according to the nature and severity of the safety and risk concerns identified.

2.          NAVH by identifying potential child safety concerns through the sense-making of information from various Government agencies. However, observations and concerns by caregivers need to first be reported so that the dots across agencies can be connected and alerts raised.