Abstract

The term “safeguarding” is widely used but its meaning and its relationship to child protection have not been precisely defined. It is a more inclusive concept than child protection and emphasises not only the diagnosis and management of child abuse as conventionally understood but also the importance of recognising children in distress and intervening where possible to prevent a range of adverse outcomes. Achieving these goals will depend in part on greater awareness and more extensive training in psychosocial issues and the mental health of children and young people, and their parents.