Child Protection Responsibilities
The registered nurse is mandated to provide child protection role and, in this case, safeguard the vulnerable adolescent patient (NSW, 2024). They hold a unique position to monitor the psychosocial care need s and distress of the patient and are legally bound to report any signs of neglect (Harding et al., 2019). He is the main caregiver thus is himself neglected at this crucial developmental age and his financial burdens raise concerns about his possible living conditions. There is a need of multidisciplinary approach, thus healthcare professionals, social workers and educators must be engaged such that the patient and his family receive the comprehensive support required to improve the overall quality of life. The key steps needed include assessing his living conditions and family dynamics, then addressing his immediate health concerns, the care plan must align with long-term considerations of his safety and stability. This can be done by referring to community support services to cater to any neglect-related risks.
Gillick Competence & informed Consent:
As for the Daniels age there is a critical need of ethical consideration is the capacity to provide informed consent. Griffith (2015), states that Gillick Competence in Australia where children under 16 years of age are given legal competence to consent to the medical procedure and treatment plan if the exhibit enough intelligence and maturity to understand the implications and nature of the procedure. This will provide evaluation on the patient’s ability to comprehend the medical decisions and make decision accordingly and Daniel he had exhibited adequate maturity and understood his condition very well. This suggests that he can consent to initial care. Yet his condition requires surgical intervention, which requires for critical consideration of legal frameworks for his jurisdiction. If his mother remains present, she can balance his autonomy with family support and for further legal procedures (Department of Health. Victoria, 2024).
