The GMC hopes the evidence will help it to understand the difficulties doctors can face and identify areas where additional guidance would be of value. Open until 24 September, the call for evidence is aimed at children and young people, their families and carers, other health professionals, social workers, police and lawyers.
After the September deadline, the GMC’s working group will then develop draft guidance and a major public consultation will be held next year, which will allow everyone with an interest in child protection the opportunity to comment on the draft guidance.
"We are keen for anyone who has been involved in child protection to share their views and experiences. We want to know what is and what is not working and how matters could be improved," said Niall Dickson, GMC chief executive. "This will help us produce clear and effective guidance for doctors to support them when working with families or treating children who may have been neglected or abused."
The GMC wants evidence to focus on four key areas, including what problems may arise in relation to consent and confidentiality when doctors work with children and their families. Other areas include evidence of doctors’ relationships with parents, carers and wider family members, how they work with other professionals and their experience and knowledge when dealing with child protection issues.
The GMC announced plans to review its guidance last month after suspending GP Jerome Ikwueke for 12 months for failing to do more to prevent the death of Baby Peter.
