Symposium: safeguarding childrenSafeguarding disabled children and young people

Disabled children are more at risk to all forms of child abuse. Optimal safeguarding disabled children and young people involves prevention, recognition and support for children and their families. In order to achieve this it is important to recognise the key risk factors that predispose to abuse and neglect and to understand how timely recognition and subsequent support can be offered to minimise both the risk and the harms that occur. This article aims to highlight the knowledge base that exists regarding safeguarding for this group and offers guidance to those working with these vulnerable children and young people.