Informed consent is readily understood for a person of sound mind and legal age. But what of the little ones who are suddenly abandoned? In this case, especially in a case of suspected child abuse, the state will provide temporary custody of the child and provide consent. Under no condition would a child be refused medical treatment if he or she was in need and alone. (This is according to NYS law.) The child’s assent can be further obtained before collecting evidence for forensic purposes. Even though he may not fully comprehend, he is given the opportunity to participate in the process and he is made aware of the importance of the decisions in which he is participating in. this gives him both autonomy and credibility and perhaps a new-found start at once again trusting adults. References Lynch, Virginia A. and Duval, Janet Barber. (2006). Forensic Nursing. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby
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