The Child at Risk proforma has been developed to streamline the referral process for medical assessment of children at risk in the community environment.

To streamline the process of referral for medical assessment of Children at Risk in the community setting.

To allow a more transparent approach to assessment of these cases, facilitating improved communication between community support services (Police, Child Protection Unit, Department of Human Services, etc) and paediatric services at Ballarat Health Services.

A&E - Accident and Emergency Department

AO - admitting officer

CAR - child(ren) at risk

CPU - Child Protection Unit

VFPMS - Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service

This guideline outlines appropriate referral pathways for paediatric medical and/or forensic assessments at Ballarat Health Services for children at risk of harm (refer to Appendix - Child at Risk referral flowsheet)

Also included is a referral proforma that all children require when brought for non-Emergency assessments (refer to Appendix - Child at Risk clinic proforma)

The purpose of this guideline is to:

•         Enable an effective and efficient response to children when child abuse and neglect is suspected (refer to Appendix - Child at Risk referral flowsheet)

•         Support Accident & Emergency Department and Paediatric Unit collaboration in the management of suspected child abuse and neglect

•         Ensure appropriate access to forensic and other support services

•         Complement existing hospital policy and procedural guidelines

Forensic examination of a child is provided by the Consultant Paediatrician or Paediatric Registrar/Fellow on call according to standard clinical guidelines for paediatric forensic examinations.

The role of the Accident & Emergency Department is to determine if urgent medical assessment and care is also required. The forensic examination may or may not take place in the Emergency Department at the time of presentation (refer to Appendix - Child at Risk referral flowsheet).

A 24 hour VFPMS contact line is available for support on  – 1300 661142

Further information and resources are available on the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service (VFPMS) website  http://www.vfpms.org.au