Vulnerable Child Groups

Some children face increased safeguarding risk because their lives are already shaped by extra pressure, instability, dependence, or reduced protection. That does not mean abuse is always taking place, but it does mean concerns may appear differently, may be easier to miss, and may need more thoughtful professional curiosity from the adults around them.^[1]

In pharmacy practice, you may only see a child for a few moments at a time, so context matters. A disabled child may rely heavily on adults for communication or personal care. A young carer may seem unusually mature, tired, or anxious because they are carrying responsibilities beyond their age. A child in care, a care leaver, or a child who is frequently missing may have experienced repeated disruption and may not find it easy to trust professionals. Children living with domestic abuse, parental mental ill-health, substance misuse, or exploitation may also present with mixed signs that can be dismissed as "difficult behaviour" unless someone looks more carefully.^{[2][3][4][5][6][9] [7]}

Increased vulnerability should lower your threshold for noticing and sharing concern, not raise it.

Who May Need Extra Attention

• Disabled children and children with communication needs.
• Children in care, care leavers, and children who go missing.
• Young carers and children affected by domestic abuse at home.
• Children living with parental substance misuse, mental ill-health, or exploitation.

What matters most is not memorising a category list. It is understanding how vulnerability can affect what you see. A child may be quiet because they are frightened, because they are exhausted, or because they have learned not to draw attention to themselves. A parent may appear charming and cooperative while still failing to keep a child safe. Repeated small signs, especially in children with extra vulnerabilities, deserve to be recorded and passed on appropriately.^[7][1]

What This Means for You

If something feels troubling, do not talk yourself out of it simply because the child's circumstances are complicated. Your Level 2 role is to notice patterns, remain curious, and make sure concerns reach the safeguarding lead or the correct local route. Thoughtful action taken early can be especially important for children whose lives already make them harder to protect.^[8][1][9]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Department for Education (2026). Working together to safeguard children 2026: summary of changes. (Statutory guidance) Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Department for Education (2009). Safeguarding disabled children: practice guidance. Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Carers Trust (2024). Caring and Classes: the education gap for young carers. Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Department for Education (2014). Children who run away or go missing from home or care: statutory guidance. Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Home Office (2023). Domestic Abuse: statutory guidance (Domestic Abuse Act 2021). Find (opens in a new tab)
6. NSPCC Learning (2023). Parental substance misuse: guidance for safeguarding practitioners. Find (opens in a new tab)
7. Department for Education (2018; updated 2024). Information sharing: advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers. Find (opens in a new tab)
8. Department for Education (2025). Keeping children safe in education 2025 (statutory guidance). Find (opens in a new tab)
9. Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Pharmaceutical Committee (2023). Pharmacy Safeguarding Guide: professional curiosity and safeguarding responsibilities for pharmacy teams. Find (opens in a new tab)