Scenario of Erica Smith

Erica Smith Scenario

It is school holidays, and the usual group of local children are attending care. One of the children, Erica Smith, is 10 years old and you have known her since she started attending the centre 5 years ago. You can view here: Erica’s client records. (username: learner         password: studyhard)

These holidays you have noticed that Erica is not her usual bubbly self. She has come to the centre a few times in the same dirty clothes she wore the day before. One day you heard her ask a friend for some food at lunch time.

One day, when you took the group swimming, Erica did not have her swimming costume with her. When you asked her about it, she responded “My Dad says I’m too fat to swim”.

The next morning when Erica arrived at the centre with her father, her eyes were red and puffy. You thought she looked like she had been crying. That same morning, you noticed what might have been some bruises on Erica’s upper arms when she was playing in home corner.

           Later that day, as you were preparing afternoon tea, Erica approached you shyly, speaking very quietly. You bend down to hear her better and she says “My Dad hurt me.”

a.     As an assistant educator, is it appropriate for you to conduct your own investigation into the matter?

Select either yes or no, then explain why you chose that answer.