Scenario 1

CONTENT WARNING: The following scenario describes an instance of suspected child abuse.

Maximus Smith is a 4-year-old boy. He currently lives with mum, Sally Smith, his dad, Lucas Smith, his younger brother, Fredrick Smith and his uncle Damon, who has recently moved in with them. He attends the Little Catalysts ELC service full-time and has done so since he started in the toddler room.

Maximus is usually a very outgoing and outspoken child and enjoys being able to assist with setting up activities and planning games with his friends. If given the choice, he will be found outside planning a dramatic play experience in the cubby house or boat play spaces with his two closest friends at the service, Matthew and Elijah.

This week Maximus has been particularly quiet and has been sitting by himself in the book nook area alone, a lot. When invited by Matthew and Elijah to join in with their play he says, "Maybe later". You go over to Maximus, who has his head leaning on his knees and eyes looking down and ask him if he is all right and if he could tell you about how he is feeling.

He tells you in a soft voice, "I'm sad because Uncle Damon is cross with me." He starts to wriggle and rubs at his side, before wincing. He then tells you, "Sometimes I'm too naughty and Uncle Damon has to teach me to be a good boy." You ask him if his back is all right and he lifts his top to show you a series of large, elongated bruises that are an array of colours; purple, black and yellow.

b. Classify which type of trauma you think Maximus has endured and give reasons for your answer.