---
title: Accidents and Injuries
description: "**1. Core Principle** Every accident or injury is treated as a **safeguarding** and **well-being** event, not just a medical issue. Our response should restore the child’s sense of safety, regulate emotions, and preserve trusting relationships. **2. Immediate Response (the first…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/accidents-and-injuries/"
updated: "2025-08-13"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
tags:
  - Accidents, Illness, Injury
---

# Accidents and Injuries

**1. Core Principle**

Every accident or injury is treated as a **safeguarding** and **well-being** event, not just a medical issue. Our response should restore the child’s sense of safety, regulate emotions, and preserve trusting relationships.

**2. Immediate Response (the first moments)**

1. **Check safety and give calm reassurance**
   - Use a low, steady voice; tell the child what you are doing before you touch or move them.
   - Validate feelings: *“I can see that was scary; you’re safe now and I’m here.”*
2. **First-aid or emergency services**
   - Provide first aid if trained.
   - Call 999 for life-threatening injuries. For any injury that is **more than trivial**, arrange GP/ A&E assessment so an independent record is made (Health & Safety Policy, §4).
3. **Support emotional regulation**
   - Offer grounding strategies (deep breaths, holding a cool drink, quiet space).
   - If the child prefers a familiar adult, involve them where safe.

**3. Notifications**

| **Who** | **Time-scale** | **Reference** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Supervising social worker (SSW) | **Immediately by phone** | Notifiable Incidents & Significant Events Procedure §3 |
| Child’s social worker | “ ” | “ ” |
| Out-of-hours SSW / EDT (if after hours) | “ ” | “ ” |
| Parents / significant others | As agreed in the Placement Plan; SSW will lead | Safeguarding Policy §8 |

**Note:** If police or emergency services attend, record the CAD/incident number.

**4. Written Records**

- Complete an **Incident Report Form** within **24 hours** (Recording Policy §5).
- Add the incident to the child’s **Daily Logs** on the same day.
- Upload or email the form securely to the agency; originals stay in your locked records file.

**5. Post-Incident Actions**

1. **Health follow-up** – note any treatment or medication given (Administration of Medication Procedure §2).
2. **Debrief & reflection** – with the child (when regulated) and separately with your SSW.
3. **Update Risk Assessment** – adjust control measures if needed (Risk Assessment Policy §6).
4. **Review insurance implications** – notify the agency if your household sustained damage or a family member was injured (Insurance Policy for Foster Carers §4).

**6. Supporting the Child after an Accident**

- **Narrate** what happened in simple, blame-free language.
- Offer choices where possible (where to sit, who calls the social worker) to rebuild control.
- Consider a **restorative activity** later (drawing the event, writing a feelings chart).
- If recurring accidents relate to trauma triggers or sensory needs, request a multi-agency review.

**7. Supporting Your Household**

- Record any injuries to you or family members caused by the foster child (Incident Form).
- Access debrief or counselling via the agency’s support service if needed.

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**Quick Reference Flow**

1. **Ensure safety & reassure** → 2. **First aid / 999** → 3. **Phone SSW + child’s SW** → 4. **Medical assessment if non-trivial** → 5. **Incident Report within 24 h** → 6. **Update risk assessment & debrief**.

| **Quick links to detailed procedures** |
| --- |
| • **Health & Safety Policy** (risk prevention) • **Notifiable Incidents & Significant Events Procedure** (urgent reporting) • **Risk Assessment & Risk Management Policy** (update risks) • **Administration of Medication Procedure** (if treatment required) • **Recording Policy & Procedure** (secure records) • **Insurance Policy for Foster Carers** (cover for carers & household) |