Supporting comments in the medical journal The Lancet, the paediatricians' organisation wants to see child protection procedures reviewed so children's professionals have a clearer picture of how to deal with possible abuse.
According to the organisation, criticism of children's professionals involved in the case of Baby P in Haringey sent confusing messages about child protection.
The college also pointed to the case of David Southall, the former paediatrician struck off after his evidence led to the wrongful conviction of grieving mother Sally Clark, as another example of ambiguity surrounding child protection. Earlier this week Southall lost his battle in the High Court to be reinstated.
In a statement the college said: "The second review into to the death of Baby P and the outcome of David Southall's High Court appeal reflect the current ambiguous responses of our society to protecting children.
"This results in considerable confusion for all professionals charged with identifying and caring for children who have suffered harm. Professionals who put children's interests first may be undermined because our society does not."
The college also said that evidence from other countries shows the most successful child protection systems have a dual approach that both protects children and focuses on the welfare needs of families.
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