Author: Joanne Newman

All of this is very upsetting– why does this have to happen to me?
We understand this may be distressing for you, however be assured you will be listened to throughout the process with sensitivity. All professionals working with children are expected as part of their duties to make enquiries to ensure that children are kept safe from harm.

For further information;
please contact your social worker if you already have one or visit the Bradford Safeguarding Children Partnership website;
www.saferbradford.co.uk
Information produced by
Bradford Safeguarding Children Partnership
Approved by Safeguarding and Professional Practice Subgroup 12th February 2020

What is going on?
Information for parents and carers about possible injuries to non mobile children

You have been given this leaflet because someone who provides care for you, or your child is worried about a possible injury (this may include a bruise, mark, burn or other injury). A policy has been agreed with all the agencies that because of the risk to such small babies we need to ask a specialist children’s doctor and social care to help with the assessment.
What does non mobile mean?
Non mobile children are those who are not crawling, pulling to stand, bottom shuffling, cruising or walking by themselves (does not include rolling).
Why are professionals worried?
Injury or bleeding in non mobile children is unusual and a cause for concern. It does not tend to happen during day to day activities. Even where babies fall or get knocked it is uncommon for them to bruise or injure themselves, unlike children who are mobile.

What could the cause be?
It is rare for children who are not able to move around by themselves to have an injury or bleeding. This can for example, be a sign of a health condition, a blood disease or an infection. This means it is important a specialist children’s doctor looks at your child and discusses with you why there might be an injury. Unfortunately on occasion these may be caused by deliberate acts.
Why do I need to be referred to Children’s Social Care?
Referral to Children’s Social Care is not an accusation of wrong doing but a way of looking for causes of injuries, in the same way the doctor looks for illness. This is important in order to support the family and protect the child.
What will happen next?
If your child is already in hospital, a children’s doctor will assess your child and talk to you and Children’s Social Care. If any further medical tests are required and/or photographs they will talk to you abut this.

If your child is not in hospital you will be referred to Children’s Social Care first and a medical assessment will be arranged as soon as possible.
Children’s Social Care will check their own records and also ask for information from your child’s General Practitioner, Midwife/Health Visitor/ School Nurse, school or nursery and will liaise with the police.
Children’s Social Care will contact you to speak with you directly, and will keep you informed. You can ask questions at any time and you will be given the opportunity to discuss your concerns at every stage.
Professionals will then review the information and decide together whether any further action needs to be taken.