Safeguarding Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

At the safeguarding support unit (SSU) and the sexual assault referral centre (SARC), we offer a range of services to help you. Please note, children can say ‘no’ to examinations at any time, and we will never force children to be examined. Child protection medical assessments Do you...

What are labia? Labia is the medical term for the lips of the female genitalia. There are 2 outer lips (the labia majora) and 2 inner lips (the labia minora). The labia are designed to cover and protect other structures including the vagina and the urethra (where urine comes out of the body). In...

What are genital warts? Genital warts are small lumps that develop around the genital area. They may not cause any symptoms but sometimes they can be uncomfortable or itch or bleed. They are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Children with warts on their genital area need a...

This resource provides details of the child protection medical examination and the process that we follow to make sure that children in our care are kept safe where there are concerns about neglect or abuse. We understand that this can be a difficult time for children and their parents and carers....

What are STIs? STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infections that are spread through sexual contact. If you have been sexually assaulted you might be at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs are infections such as: chlamydia gonorrhoea HIV hepatitis B hepatitis C...

This resource will explain the process for medical assessment following concern about sexual abuse or assault. We aim to make sure that children who may have been sexually abused or assaulted can be examined for any injuries and given the appropriate advice, aftercare and support. Forensic evidence...

Coming to the SARC Children come to the sexual assault referral centre (SARC) when there are worries they have been hurt in some way. All children are looked at by a children’s doctor (a paediatrician). All the doctors at the SARC are women. When you arrive you will come to our waiting room. A...

Thank you for attending the sexual assault referral centre (SARC) at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. We hope we have provided you with the excellent care we strive and that you had opportunity to complete a patient feedback form. This resource is designed to provide you with a summary of the...

This is resource for parents and carers about extra tests or reviews that your child might need as part of their child protection medical examination. You should already have been given the information about the child protection medical examination which you can scan here or type in this...

What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is spread through blood and body fluids. The infection usually only lasts a few months, but some people can have hepatitis B long term. Hepatitis B can cause: high temperatures tiredness feeling or being sick pain in the tummy itchy patches...

Coming to the SSU You have been asked to visit the Safeguarding Support Unit (SSU) because it is important that children and young people are kept safe when there are concerns about injuries, marks, neglect or other possible harm to them. You may be asked to visit the SSU with a social worker, and...

Coming to the SSU Children come to the safeguarding support unit (SSU) when there are worries they have been hurt in some way. All children are looked at by a children’s doctor (a paediatrician). When you arrive you will come to our waiting room. There are toys and games to play with, and you...

NSPCC Letting The Future In referral form for safeguarding children

This resource has been put together to help you know what to expect when coming to Psychology at the Safeguarding Support Unit (SSU). What will be the same coming back to the SSU? You probably will have visited our Safeguarding Support Unit before. You might even spot some of the same people you saw...

What is vulvovaginitis? Vulvovaginitis is a common condition affecting girls between the ages of 2 and 7 years old, before starting puberty. It is inflammation of the vagina and vulva. Mild vulvovaginitis is common and some girls will have vulvovaginitis many times. In most cases vulvovaginitis is...

Please note that there are 2 different types of skeletal survey exams. 1 type checks the bones for injuries, the other type checks bones for diseases. The following information covers skeletal surveys that check for injuries. What is a skeletal survey? A skeletal survey is an X-ray procedure where...

You will be shown to our waiting room and greeted by our nurse and doctor (who is a children’s doctor or paediatrician). All of the doctors and nurses who work in our children’s SARC are women. The doctor will talk to the police about what has happened to you whilst you are looked after...

What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception can be used if you are worried about getting pregnant after unprotected sex. There are 2 main types of emergency contraception. These are the ‘morning after pill’ and the intrauterine device (IUD). How likely am I to get pregnant?...

What is PEP? Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are medicines that try to remove any HIV virus before it has a chance to infect you. HIV is an infection that can damage your immune system and put you at risk of serious illness. If taken properly, PEP will prevent the infection from starting in around...

What is the SARC? The Children’s SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) is part of the Safeguarding Support Unit at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. We provide a child and teenage friendly environment for people up to 16 year olds from across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw who have been victims of...

This resource is intended for children and young people who have had a medical examination at Sheffield Children’s Hospital following a sexual assault or rape. It contains information about some of the concerns you may have and what help we can offer at Sheffield Children’s Hospital....