Responding to child maltreatment: a clinical handbook for health professionals
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World Health Organization
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v, 85 p.
The Spanish version is published by PAHO: https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/57102
This handbook provides practical guidance for health professionals on recognizing, identifying and responding to child maltreatment, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and neglect. Intended primarily for front-line health care providers, the publication outlines the health consequences of maltreatment, relevant legal and ethical considerations, and the responsibilities of the health sector in protecting children and adolescents. It emphasizes a child-centred, rights-based approach grounded in the principles of the best interests of the child, evolving capacities, non-discrimination and participation. The publication describes clinical approaches for identifying possible maltreatment through observation of physical, behavioural and environmental indicators, conducting sensitive clinical inquiry, obtaining informed consent and assent, documenting findings, and performing comprehensive assessments. It also provides guidance on first-line support, mental health care, sexual and reproductive health interventions, referral pathways, and reporting procedures. In addition, it highlights the importance of confidentiality, safety, respectful communication with children and caregivers, and self-care for health professionals involved in responding to child maltreatment.
The Spanish version is published by PAHO: https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/57102
This handbook provides practical guidance for health professionals on recognizing, identifying and responding to child maltreatment, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and neglect. Intended primarily for front-line health care providers, the publication outlines the health consequences of maltreatment, relevant legal and ethical considerations, and the responsibilities of the health sector in protecting children and adolescents. It emphasizes a child-centred, rights-based approach grounded in the principles of the best interests of the child, evolving capacities, non-discrimination and participation. The publication describes clinical approaches for identifying possible maltreatment through observation of physical, behavioural and environmental indicators, conducting sensitive clinical inquiry, obtaining informed consent and assent, documenting findings, and performing comprehensive assessments. It also provides guidance on first-line support, mental health care, sexual and reproductive health interventions, referral pathways, and reporting procedures. In addition, it highlights the importance of confidentiality, safety, respectful communication with children and caregivers, and self-care for health professionals involved in responding to child maltreatment.