Activity

To maximise your learning you may wish to undertake this activity with a small group of fellow students/ practitioners.

The format of this activity is based on one developed by University of Strathclyde for the Future Learn course ‘Caring for Vulnerable Children’ – see website:  https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/vulnerable-children  

Consider the following scenarios and identify which three, in your view, present the most concerns in terms of vulnerability and safeguarding. Make a note of why you have chosen these three and be prepared to explain your reasons to fellow participants.

• A 6-year-old girl who is regularly required to share her bed with her 14-year-old brother.
• A 4-month-old baby who has been violently shaken by his step-father, after he returned home from the pub.
• An 8-year-old boy who is often ignored at home by his mother who suffers from depression .
• A 3-year-old child who has been smacked on the bottom for biting another child at playgroup.
• A 15-year-old boy who has started a sexual relationship with a 19-year-old man.
• A 12-year-old girl who is being bullied at school and on social media, and who self harms on a regular basis.
• A 5-year-old boy who wets the bed at night and is told most mornings by his parents that he is disgusting and needs to grow up.
• A 3-yea-old girl whose parents have learning disabilities and who are not ensuring their daughter is eating an adequate and balanced diet.
• A 14-year-old girl who has arranged to meet a 15-year-old boy she met via a chat room.
• An 11-year-old boy from a Muslim family who is placed in temporary foster care with a Christian family.

To download the commentary for this activity, click here