Childcare Practice Manual

CHILDCARE PRACTICE MANUAL

DOVE ADOLESCENT SERVICES LTD

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR STAFF

Policies & Procedures

B. WHITTAKER & DOVE ADOLESCENT SERVICES LTD MANAGEMENT TEAM

Revised May 2011

Policies & Procedures

CONTENTS
Mission Statement / Page 5
Good Practice Guidelines / Page 6
Shared Values / Page 7
- Inclusion & Partnership / Page 7
Principles of Care / Page 8
Aims & Objectives / Page 9
ORGANISATION & MANAGEMENT
1. Equal Opportunities / Page 12
2. Arrangements for regulating and vetting / Page 12
Staff, visitors and volunteers
3. Staffing Policy / Page 12
4. Rotas / Page 12
5. Agency Staff / Page 13
6. Expectations Re Staff Conduct
- Dress Code / Page 13
- Staff Accountability / Page 13
- Personal Contact / Page 14
- Gift Giving and Receiving / Page 14
- Use of digital technologies / Page 14
- Alcohol & Substance Misuse / Page 14
- Smoking Policy / Page 14
- Reporting of Sickness / Page 14
7. Learning & Development / Page 15
8. Supervision & Appraisal / Page 15
9. Annual Leave / Page 15
10. Rights of Pregnant Employees / Page 15
11. Administrative Records / Page 15
12. Data Protection / Information Sharing / Page 16
13. Staff Handover / Page 16
14. Delegated Authority & Notification / Page 16
15. Event of an Accident
- Young Person / Page 17
- Staff / Page 17
16. On Call Procedure / Page 17
17. Looking after the environment / Page 17
18. Repairs & Maintenance / Page 19
19. Transport Policy / Page 19
20. Fire Drill / Page 19
21. Open Door Policy / Page 20
22. Locked Rooms as a security measure / Page 20
23. Grievance Procedure / Page 21
24. Managing allegations against staff, carers & volunteers / Page 21
25. Whistle Blowing / Page 21
CHILD CENTRED POLICIES
1. From Referral & onwards
- Referral Procedure / Page 24
- Admissions Procedure / Page 24
- Arrangements for religious / cultural observances / Page 25
- Arrangements for the Care of Refugees / Page 25
- Review and Planning / Page 25
- Preparation for Transition / Discharge Procedure / Page 25
2. Confidentiality / Page 26
3. Complaints / Page 26
4. Dealing with sexuality, personal relationships & / Page 28
Care Practices to children of the opposite sex
5. Health Care
- Health care professionals / Page 29
- Psychological Input / Page 29
- First Aid & medical treatment / Page 29
- HIV / AIDS Awareness / Page 29
- Spillages of blood and bodily fluids / Page 30
- Storage & administration of medical products / Page 30
- Enuresis Policy / Page 30
- Alcohol & substance misuse policy / Page 30
6. Education / Page 31
7. Supervision of Young People / Page 31
8. Bedtime & Night-time supervision / Page 31
9. Food / Page 31
10. Personal needs – Toiletries / Aerosols / Page 31
11. Clothing / Page 32
12. Independence / Life Skills / Page 32
13. Risk taking / assessment / Page 33
14. Procedures for arranging Holidays and Activities / Page 33
15. Pets / Page 34
16. Computer Policy / Page 34
17. Room search policy / Page 34
18. Behaviour Management Policy
- Acceptable Behaviour / Page 34
- Self Harm / Page 35
- Restorative Practice / Page 35
- Sanctions – permitted & prohibited / Page 35
- Rewards / Page 36
- Dealing with Aggressive & Violent Behaviour / Page 36
- Physical intervention / Page 36
- Therapeutic techniques / Page 37
- Consultation & contact with young people, / Page 37
Parents and significant others
19. Safeguarding / Arrangements for / Page 38
The Protection of Young People
- Sexual Exploitation / Page 38
- Bullying Policy / Page 38
- Dealing with the disclosure & the treatment of / Page 39
Children who have been abused
- Procedures for absconding & children / Page 39
Absent without authority
Appendices
Disciplinary Procedure / Appendix 1
Appropriate Adult / Appendix 2
Legal Framework / Appendix 3
Training Programme / Appendix 4
Recording Books / File Format / Appendix 5
Statement of Safety Policy / Appendix 6
Procedure in the event of theft / Appendix 7
Managing allegations against staff, carers & volunteers / Appendix 8
Key worker role / Appendix 9
Complaints summary flowchart / Appendix 10
Young people and sexual health / Appendix 11
Health Guidance / Appendix 12
Missing person flow chart / Appendix 13
Resilience Matrix / Appendix 14

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to offer individual packages of care and education to young people taking into account equality and diversity. These will be developed in partnership with agents from the placing authority. The delivery of these care packages will be the responsibility of the staff team, who we aim to equip with the knowledge and skills to fulfil this multi-skilled task, thereby encouraging a motivated team who will bring innovation to the delivery.

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES

For ease of reference we have condensed guidelines for ‘Good Care Practice’, which has been extracted from text used by the British Association of Social Work (BASW, 2.4.93). Although there have been several Guidance publications as well as new/amended legislation in recent years, Dove Adolescent Services believe that the BASW ‘Good Care Practice’ principles continue to underpin the organisation’s approach to good care.

Good CareMeans involving young people in decisions which affect their lives, assuming the child is able to make or learn to make appropriate choices.

Good CareMeans recognising young people’s rights to privacy, independence and choice within the limitations imposed by their age and understanding.

Good CareMeans there should be written contracts about the terms and conditions of care which are in language appropriate to the child’s age and understanding.

Good CareOffers a formal complaints procedure both for young people and their families.

Good CareOffers continuity of personal care provided by a small number of known and trusted staff.

Good CareMaintains links with the community, facilitating access to health, leisure and education.

Good CareInvolves families in continuing to give care to their child when this is appropriate.

Good CareEnsures ethnic, religious and cultural factors as they apply to each child are respected.

Good CareMeans treating a young person with dignity.

Good CareMeans the needs of the young person are paramount.

SHARED VALUES

These Policies and Procedures have been developed in conjunction with the National Standards for Children’s Homes 2011, Children’s Homes Regulations 2001, Children’s Homes (Amended) Regulations 2011 and the Children Act 1989 Volume 5; Guidance and Regulations.

Speaking to children and young people is the best way to know what they want and how they rate the care they are getting. We need to continually find better ways of engaging with children and young people. It is the aim of Dove Adolescent Services Ltd to take on the role of reasonable parents ensuring we give every young person in care the start in life they would want for any child.

As an organisation we are committed to the code of practice for employers. These are met via staff contracts, health and safety legislation and encouraging staff to become members of the Social Care Association and the Independent Children’s Homes Associations. Dove Adolescent Services have also been accredited with the Investors in People Award since July 1999.

Inclusion and Partnership

Dove Adolescent Services Ltd promotes partnership working through following guidance from Every Child Matters. Working in close partnership with families, placing authorities, local health authorities, education, police (following Joint Working Protocol) and Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Consultation and representation is accessible through advocacy, Independent Reviewing Officer and an Independent Complaints Advisor.

DOVES PRINCIPLES OF CARE MODEL

Dove’s Principles of Care Triangle demonstrates prominent features that underpin the approach to care within the organisation. The staff are viewed as being the fundamental attribute within Dove Adolescent Services, therefore represent the pinnacle of the triangle. The left of the triangle represents the physical and well established elements within the organisation. The ideological approach to care is represented on the opposite face of the triangle.

Dove Adolescent Services’ approach to care is relationship based, which is informed through the social pedagogy ideology. The ethos within every home is based upon inclusive group living and shared experiences. Staff will endeavour to maintain a nurturing environment by presenting as genuine adult role models allowing young people to develop positive attachments with the adults who are caring for them.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

It has been recognised in the Children Act 1989 that the residential experience can be “a positive and desirable way of providing stability and care for some young people”. If this is available within a small unit, which has a high staff ratio whose philosophies are child-centred then these positive aspects of residential care can be implemented to the benefit of all.

Our objectives are to offer a chance to young people aged 8-17yrs who need a home base, which will accept them for what they are. This will occur within one of our homes that range in size from four beds to single occupancy unit. All the young people will have their own bedrooms and are actively encouraged to personalise their own space. We foresee that these youngsters will come to us with a history, which encompasses innumerable placement breakdowns, emotional/behavioural problems, involvement with delinquent/criminal activities, etc.

We aim to promote an atmosphere in which the young people can achieve their full potential emotionally, socially, educationally and physically, where the staff team actively work with the young people to identify and foster areas of strength and strengthen areas of weakness.

This will be achieved through individual plans for both care and education which where appropriate will encompass a variety of approaches from life history bookwork through to identification of social/leisure activities which provide the stimulation and excitement that they seek.

The underpinning ethos of the home will be one of positive re-enforcement achieved through working in partnership with the young people in order to identify realistic goals.

All our policies and procedures have been formulated with a commitment to children’s rights and in order to promote equality and diversity in their lifestyle choices

The responsibility for ensuring this statement is adhered to lies with the managers and directors of Dove Adolescent Services.

INTRODUCTION

As stated in our aims and objectives we aim to promote a living environment that encourages young people to achieve their full potential emotionally, socially, educationally and physically.

Our ultimate goal is to prepare them for independent living within society. To this end we need to educate young people about the economic and financial pressures that living independently will incur. We therefore encourage all our young people to become involved in budget control at a level appropriate to their age and level of understanding.

Within this we take account of individuality, diversity and cultural needs. We promote educational achievement as a basis for securing employment and therefore aiding a stable economic environment for them.

We actively promote the young people to open savings accounts and encourage them to save a proportion of their weekly allowance. Saving is rewarded by the provision of bonus schemes.

Additionally we encourage the young people to research the best places to shop thus allowing them to get the best value for their money, we encourage them to explore different and varied activities which are free or low cost and by providing education and good role models we aim to maximising their ability to achieve long term economic wellbeing.

ORGANISATION

& MANAGEMENT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

We are committed to equal opportunities and we support the promotion of equality of opportunity with regard race, gender, disability, age etc

This commences from recruitment onwards. All prospective employees are sent a clear job description and personnel specification, which outlines the essential and desirable criteria on which they will be shortlisted.

Dove Adolescent Services is committed to eliminating unfair discrimination against any employee or service user by either another colleague or the organisation. To this end staff will be subject to disciplinary proceedings if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they are or have behaved in a manner which causes discrimination either by their actions or language towards other colleagues or service users.

Within this statement it is recognised that staff are individuals and as such we will endeavour to assist them all to reach their full potential.

We also expect staff to actively promote the young people’s awareness of oppressive/discriminatory behaviour or language in an attempt to eradicate any inherent oppressions they may have.

The Requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act are met through recognising individuality, which is incorporated into the young person’s care plan, alongside their educational, social and emotional needs.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR REGULATING AND VETTING STAFF, VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS

In line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010 the vetting and barring scheme involving the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will directly affect the recruitment process and monitoring practice of people working with children. In line with this all staff will be subject to Criminal Records Bureau check as well as obtaining two references, one being from their previous employer. Checks to ascertain their identity and qualification are taken and there is a written record kept of the recruitment procedure. This system also applies to volunteer workers, visitors, other than official visitors, i.e. Social Workers, Inspectors, Police, etc. and the families and friends of the young person who are not excluded from access will be asked to undergo a Criminal Record Bureau check if they wish to spend a disproportionate amount of time either visiting the young person in the home or encouraging the young person to visit them. This will also apply to any volunteers wishing to offer their time and services.

All visitors will be asked to sign the visitor’s book. Visiting parents and relatives are not given unsupervised access to other children within the home. Any unchecked visitors will be adequately chaperoned when on the homes premises.

For further information on safeguarding young people see safeguarding policy page 43.

STAFFING POLICY

It is our policy to provide a high staff ratio to enable positive focussed work to be undertaken. We operate shift patterns that reflect recent changes in respect of European Working Time directives. For the individual home’s shift pattern see their Statement of Purpose and Function. Shift patterns can change to suit the individual needs of a young person and the home. A competent person is on shift at all times and in times of crisis we operate a two-tier on-call system that is manned by senior managers and directors within the organisation. In the unlikely event that a member of staff is on duty alone a written risk assessment will be completed and the decision will be fully discussed with senior managers within the organisation.

ROTAS

Rotas are worked on a rolling basis to ensure fairness to all staff; every effort will be made to provide these at least one month in advance thus enabling staff to plan their time. The rota covers a working week of 39 hours per person (full-time) and a minimum of 20 hours per person for part-time staff; it also takes into account days off, annual leave, study days, etc. Allowances will be made within the rota for supervision.

It is the responsibility of all staff members when requiring alteration to the set rota, to find a comparable cover, by either swapping a shift with other staff, or by finding someone willing to do an extra shift. After suitable alternative cover has been found, it must then be authorised by the unit manager and changed on the rota sheet.

It is not the responsibility of management to arrange alternative cover other than in crisis situations i.e. short notice sick leave.

AGENCY STAFF

All agency staff used will be from reputable agencies who have confirmed that their recruitment procedures are in line with those contained in the Children’s Home Regulations 2001.

Prior to commencing shift agency staff will be required to carry out a basic induction and a child protection questionnaire. Records of this will be kept on an agency file in each home.

For further information on safeguarding young people see safeguarding policy page 43.

EXPECTATIONS RE STAFF CONDUCT

Dress Code

Due to the multi-faceted nature of your role, staff must be aware of the requirement to dress appropriately at all times. Points to consider:

Image you portray reflects on the company
Acting as a good role model is a primary function of all staff therefore prominent/obvious body/facial piercing and tattoo’s are not permitted
Court attendance requires formal dress
Meetings (depending on the nature) smart casual or formal
Late or weekend shifts require clothes which allow staff to participate in activity programmes
Staff must not get into a competitive situations with regard to the young people in respect of

a)Designer clothes

b)Self image

c)Sexuality

Staff Accountability

All individual staff must consider the impact of their actions in respect of the future success of Dove Adolescent Services. This can only be achieved through common sense combined with a professional approach. Ultimately responsibility is yours and you will be held accountable for your actions. Points to consider:

Failure to adhere to policies and procedures or disclose suspected abuse of a service user may result in disciplinary action (see appendix 1)

Personal versus professional; all verbal interaction with the young people should have a purpose. Personal conversations are not appropriate and self-disclosure should only occur if relevant to the young persons care plan.

During the course of your employment you may be asked to act as an ‘Appropriate Adult’ during PACE interviews at police stations. In these instances you must always endeavour to persuade the young person that a solicitor should be present to represent them. Other guidelines are available (see appendix 2)

Staff must be aware of the degree of competitiveness that is present when they are participating in the daily living and activities of the young people. A highly competitive staff attitude can and will affect a young person’s self esteem. Remember we are caring not competing.

Any action resulting in a criminal allegation which occurs in your personal life must be reported as per managing allegations against staff guidelines ‘Working Together 2010’ guidance

Personal Contact