Principles for intervention

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Physically abused children may require assistance from child protection services, police, the courts, health services and counselling and support services. No single group can totally meet the needs of the physically abused child and the child's family.

Effective intervention must be child centered, involve multidisciplinary teamwork and be guided by the following principles:

• Child physical abuse is unacceptable.
• All children have a right to be safe and protected from physical abuse at all times, including in their own homes.
• Physical abuse of children is usually a criminal offence.
• A child or adolescent should always be taken seriously if they allege physical abuse.

Children who have been physically abused have the right and the need to be in a safe supportive environment. They also have the right to legal and protective intervention and to counselling and treatment services. Intervention should aim firstly to protect the child and to promote their recovery. It should also aim, where appropriate, to strengthen the parents' capacity to protect the child from further abuse.

Sponsor

Department of Human Services

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 2 Jul 2003