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)