Exclusions from the guideline

The following topics were outside the scope of this guideline and have therefore not been covered:

• risk factors for child maltreatment, which are well recognised (for example, parental or carer drug or alcohol misuse, parental or carer mental health problems, intrafamilial violence or history of violent offending, previous child maltreatment in members of the family, known maltreatment of animals by the parent or carer, vulnerable and unsupported parents or carers, pre-existing disability in the child)

• protection of the unborn child

• children who have died as a result of child maltreatment

• diagnostic assessment and investigations (for example, X-rays)

• treatment and care of the child if maltreatment is suspected

• how healthcare professionals should proceed once they suspect maltreatment

• healthcare professionals’ competency, training and behaviour

• service organisation

• child protection procedures

• communication of suspicions to parents or carers, or the child or young person

• education and information for parents or carers, or the child or young person.