Child Protection in the neonatal unit

Abstract

Abstract It is estimated that 5000 babies each year in the UK have their names added to the At-Risk Register by local authorities; Ashleigh Rogers and Sharon Nurse discuss the role of the neonatal nurse in identifying families who present with potential indicators of abuse and neglect as well as identifying those parents who display maladaptive behaviours which might make those babies more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The paper will also entwine the current safeguarding policies and procedures in place across Northern Ireland that aim to reduce the incidences of abuse to this vulnerable group.