Chapter 12 - The child and the children’s act. After completing this chapter, students will be able: To gain an understanding of what is meant by being a child, infant, young person or adult; to have a brief understanding of the history of child care in the 20th and early 21st century to understand better current practices; to be aware of some of the differences physically and psychosocially between children and adults;. | Chapter 12 The Child and the Children’s Act Introduction The Registered Nurse needs knowledge of children whether they are practising in a specialist children’s area or not. Recent changes in the law have made it everybody’s business to contribute to child safety. The nurse caring for a patient who has been subject to violence, is now required, as are every other professional, to ensure that this child, and its circumstances are highlighted to the child protection team. Previously, the fact that the patient was an adult would have led to the presumption that such matters were the business of others. Childhood, Infants & Adolescents There are various definitions for childhood, some of which are driven by age, and others by events in development. General definition in terms of time might be from birth until adulthood. Other definitions use the period of time from infancy to the onset of puberty. Within most contemporary definitions of childhood, there is reference to this period as being one of nurturing by parents or equivalent to allow the child to become an individual and to reach full potential. Age & Informed Consent A medically directed definition of adolescence might be the period of physical and psychological development from the onset of puberty to maturity. Such matters become important in consent for procedures. While 16 years might be regarded as the legal age of consent, Frazer Competence has meant that consideration needs to be given to the views of the young person. While EU law might have superseded Frazer Competence, most practitioners would wish to have the consent of the young person as well as the parent/guardian. Why are Children Different? Children, from babies through to adolescents, differ from adults, as they are vulnerable outside of their normal environment. They have special needs that health services, including preventative health services, need to be aware of. The modern history of child care has been described many times, but continues | Chapter 12 The Child and the Children’s Act Introduction The Registered Nurse needs knowledge of children whether they are practising in a specialist children’s area or not. Recent changes in the law have made it everybody’s business to contribute to child safety. The nurse caring for a patient who has been subject to violence, is now required, as are every other professional, to ensure that this child, and its circumstances are highlighted to the child protection team. Previously, the fact that the patient was an adult would have led to the presumption that such matters were the business of others. Childhood, Infants & Adolescents There are various definitions for childhood, some of which are driven by age, and others by events in development. General definition in terms of time might be from birth until adulthood. Other definitions use the period of time from infancy to the onset of puberty. Within most contemporary definitions of childhood, there is reference to this period as .
