Covert Video Surveillance

Covert video surveillance (CVS) is the video and audio recording of interactions between a child and his or her caregiver without the knowledge of the carer [8].

This is a technique which has been open to much debate [8].

It is an option available to child protection agencies when concerns regarding child abuse cannot be resolved in any other way [2].

CVS is agreed to be an acceptable diagnostic tool in a small number of children presenting with an apparent life threatening event where child abuse is strongly suspected [8].

CVS may reveal FII or it may reveal a medical cause for the child’s illness [2]. In some cases the use of CVS may also prevent the separation of children from innocent parents [8].

CVS should only be carried out by the police [2]. It must follow evidential rules.

Use of CVS should follow local and national guidance [2].