More than mandatory reporting: the role of children and young people’s nurses in responding to child abuse and neglect

Child abuse and neglect is prevalent in Australia and worldwide, with lasting impacts on individuals, families and communities. Children and young people’s nurses work with families in diverse settings and have unique skills and opportunities to prevent, identify and respond to child abuse and neglect. This paper summarises contemporary research, including the authors’ own research, to outline how children and young people’s nurses are contributing to addressing child abuse and neglect. Importantly, it highlights key knowledge and skills for children and young people’s nurses such as a broader safeguarding approach to improving outcomes for all vulnerable children in Australia.