What is one implication of the Vulnerable Children's Act (2014) for midwifery care?

The Vulnerable Children's Act (2014) has significant implications for midwifery care, particularly in the expectations placed upon midwives to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. One key aspect of the Act is that midwives are required to undergo police vetting. This process is designed to ensure that those working closely with children, including midwives attending to families, do not have criminal histories that could pose a risk to the children in their care.

Furthermore, the Act mandates that midwives act upon identifying any signs of abuse or neglect. This responsibility emphasizes the role of midwives not just as caregivers in a clinical sense, but as advocates for the protection of children. They are required to report any concerns they may have regarding the welfare of a child, enhancing the safeguarding framework intended to protect children from harm.

This is essential in maintaining the integrity of midwifery practice, as it reflects the broader societal commitment to prioritizing the safety and health of children in all contexts, particularly those that are vulnerable. Thus, the requirement for police vetting and the obligation to act on any identification of abuse or neglect directly align with the objectives of the Vulnerable Children's Act.