Using the Vulnerable Infant Triggers
The aim of the vulnerable infant practice triggers is to raise the profile of this group of children and to enhance our assessment and response. These triggers are used by social workers and supervisors at the point of intake and in all Child and Family Assessments and Investigations that include a child aged under five years of age. The triggers are used to guide decision making and to assist case planning. They are an enhancement to the practice frameworks and work in conjunction with the frameworks' perspectives and principles.
The purpose of these framework enhancements on vulnerable infants is to increase staff awareness of the significance of bruising and injury to children and particularly infants. The triggers heighten a focus on the safety and wellbeing of this vulnerable group. These triggers should be used as part of your decision making and case planning in relation to this group of infants, alongside the practice framework.
The triggers can be used in a number of situations, specifically when changing response times at Intake, when in supervision, in informal/formal case consultations and when supervisors are approving assessment records. The use of the triggers is to be evidenced in case notes.
