| There is no absolute criteria on which to rely when judging what constitutes significant harm. Under s31 (10) of the Children Act 2004, the question of whether harm suffered by a child is significant relates specifically to the child's health and development. Their health or development should be compared with that which could reasonably be expected of a similar child and the parenting that we would reasonably expect them to receive from their parent/carer.
To understand and identify significant harm, it is necessary to consider: - The nature of harm, in terms of mistreatment or failure to provide adequate care,
- The impact on the child's health and development,
- The child's development within the context of their family and wider environment,
- Any special needs, such as a medical condition, communication impairment or disability, that may affect the child's development and care within the family,
- The capacity of parents to meet adequately the child's needs, and
- The wider environmental family context.
(Source: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006) | | |