Statement on the Duties of Doctors and Other Professionals in Investigations of Child Abuse

The purpose of the statement is to help secure the involvement of the medical profession in child protection work by addressing the perception that this area of work is professionally risky.

It is essential that medical staff and other practitioners take action where they have concerns about a child's welfare. Concerns have been expressed, however,  that by getting involved as expert witnesses in suspected cases of abuse, or by becoming engaged in specialist safeguarding, roles could be affected by a concern for personal circumstances. This statement provides clarification of the issues involved.

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