Incapacitated parent 

Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults procedures

                             Incapacitated parent/carer

Incapacitated refers to a condition which renders a parent/carer unable to take responsibility for their child; this could be at the time of collecting their child from the setting or on arrival. Concerns may include:

-       appearing drunk

-       appearing under the influence of drugs

-       demonstrating angry and threatening behaviour to the child, members of staff or others

-       appearing erratic or manic

Informing

·         If a member of staff is concerned that a parent displays any of the above characteristics, they inform the designated safeguarding lead as soon as possible.

·         The designated safeguarding lead assesses the risk and decides if further intervention is required.

·         If it is decided that no further action is required, a record of the incident is made on form Safeguarding incident reporting form.

·         If intervention is required, the designated safeguarding lead speaks to the parent in an appropriate, confidential manner.

·         The designated safeguarding lead will, in agreement with the parent, use emergency contacts listed for the child to ask an alternative adult to collect the child.

·         The emergency contact is informed of the situation by the designated safeguarding lead and of the setting’s requirement to inform social care of their contact details.

·         The DSP is informed of the situation as soon as possible and provides advice and assistance as appropriate.

·         If there is no one suitable to collect the child social care are informed.

·         If violence is threatened towards anybody, the police are called immediately.

·         If the parent takes the child from the setting while incapacitated the police are called immediately and a referral is made to social care.

Recording

·         The designated safeguarding lead completes Safeguarding incident reporting form If police were contacted Confidential safeguarding incident report form should also be copied to the trustees.

·         Further updates/notes/conversations/ telephone calls are recorded, signed and dated.