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