6.1.a: a Know about legislation & national guidance relating to protecting & safeguarding children.
*The Children Act 1989
Section 47
?? Places a duty on the local authority to make enquiries where they have reasonable concern that a child in their area is or is likely to be suffering significant harm.
?? This gives social service the authority to intervene in family life.
Section 17
?? Local authorities have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children in need.
?? They must promote the upbringing of children by their families and must provide a wide range of services appropriate to the child??s needs. *
6.1.b Understand your local multi-agency safeguarding policies & procedures on identifying & protecting children & young people who have been abused or are at risk of abuse
*The Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) is the key statutory mechanism for agreeing how the relevant organisations in each local area will co-operate to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in that locality, and for ensuring the effectiveness of what they do. (Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2006).
The foster carer should discuss any concerns regarding protecting and safeguarding children to their SSW, or to the duty social worker, or if it is outside office hours, to the Emergency Duty Team
The fostering service??s responsibility is to ensure, that if there are grounds for concerns, they decide on the next course of action within one working day. If they decide that emergency action may be necessary to safeguard a child, they hold an immediate strategy discussion with police and other agencies as appropriate, to agree a plan for ensuring the child??s future safety and welfare.*
6.2,a Demonstrate that you understand what children & young people want & need to feel safe
we talk about night lights, having a baby monitor, choice of kid friendly foods especially in early days, looking at comfort objects (and removing them eg dummies)
6.2.b Be aware of what contributes to a safe environment for children & young people.
fire safety check; Carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, cupboard locks, locked medicine cupboard, family policy
6.2.c Know how to help children & young people keep themselves safe from harm or abuse.
eg internet safety
6.2d Develop & maintain ??safer caring??guidelines for you & your household.
Family policy (eg private bedrooms, open doors policy, H&S for young kids (road safety, stranger danger etc)