---
title: Quick Reference Cards
description: "**Quick Reference Cards – your grab-and-go safety guide** As soon as you are approved you will receive a small pack of **Quick Reference Cards**. Each card is a pocket-sized flow-chart of *who to call* and *what to do first* when…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/quick-reference-cards/"
updated: "2025-07-13"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
tags:
  - Quick Reference Cards
---

# Quick Reference Cards

**Quick Reference Cards – your grab-and-go safety guide**

As soon as you are approved you will receive a small pack of **Quick Reference Cards**. Each card is a pocket-sized flow-chart of *who to call* and *what to do first* when time is tight and stress is high. They do **not** replace the detailed explanations in this Handbook, but they put the critical steps at your fingertips.

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**What situations are covered?**

| **Card topic** | **First action highlighted** |
| --- | --- |
| Reporting thresholds & contact list | “Protect the child – call your SSW / out-of-hours within 1 hour” |
| Self-harm behaviour | “Stay with the young person, remove sharps, dial 999 if life-threatening” |
| Administration of medication | “Check label, dose, time – record immediately” |
| Challenging behaviour | “De-escalate, offer choices, withdraw if safe to do so” |
| Child makes a disclosure | “Listen, note exact words, promise no secrecy, alert social worker” |
| Use of restraint | “Last resort only – record, inform SSW, complete Incident Report” |
| Missing from care | “Attempt contact, complete Grab Pack, phone 101, note CAD number” |
| Absent without authority | “Confirm location, encourage return, escalate if status changes” |
| School refusal | “Explore feelings, notify school & SSW by 09:30” |
| Drugs / alcohol use | “Ensure safety, bag evidence, medical advice if needed, inform SSW” |
| Police involvement | “Co-operate, record badge numbers, inform SSW / child’s SW” |

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**How to use the cards**

1. **Store them where you can grab them:** kitchen noticeboard, car visor, or photograph each card onto your phone.
2. **Follow the bullet points in order.** They mirror the agency’s policies and legal duties.
3. **After the crisis subsides,** turn to the relevant chapter of this Handbook and your agency policies for full recording and reflection requirements.

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**Didn’t receive your pack?**

Ask your Supervising Social Worker for a replacement set or request the PDF version to keep on your phone. Keeping the cards close could save vital minutes when decisions must be made fast.