Children and young people can be at risk of harm from a wide range of everyday household items and substances, depending on their age and level of self-care skills. Parents and carers are responsible for safeguarding children from injury in and around the home and all foster parents’ homes are risk assessed by a qualified social worker at the initial assessment stage and at annual review of approval.
Here are a few key things to consider around your home:
- Are your electrical items safe, with cords free from cracks and fraying?
- Only buy electrical items and charging cords from reputable retailers
- Use a qualified electrician for all electrical work in the home
- Use a Gas Safe registered engineer for all gas work in the home
- Has your gas boiler had its annual service? Do you have the certificate?
- Have you checked your smoke detectors recently? Are they all working?
- Are your door and window keys accessible to everyone in the event of a house fire?
- Are all hazardous substances kept out of reach of young children (e.g. cleaning products, garden chemicals, medication)?
- Does the child’s bedroom furniture conform to British Standards? Is tall furniture secured to the wall?
- Do you have a safety net around the trampoline?
- Is all standing water covered when not in use (including paddling pools, hot tubs)?
- Are batteries kept out of reach of young children?
See the Health & Safety chapter of the Foster Parent Handbook for more information.
For information and advice about childhood safety visit:
