Some children will require assistance with bathing because they are very young, have developmental delay or a disability. Children and young people who need this help may feel vulnerable or unsafe at bath time; they may have experienced abuse in the bathroom, or they may simply feel uncomfortable being unclothed in front of an adult who is not their parent. Remain sensitive to their feelings, and afford them as much control and privacy as possible in the circumstances.
Supervision and Privacy
Supervision of children who are unable to bathe safely on their own is essential, but requires respect for personal privacy. Where they are able to do so, please encourage children to carry out the task of washing themselves. Explain to the child what they need to do, while remaining nearby, with a door left ajar to maintain communication. In this way, children can enjoy some privacy while they become more able and confident to complete bathing tasks independently. Do not bathe foster children together with other children in the household.
If the child is unable to bathe independently, you must bathe them. Bathing should be carried out by an adult with whom the child is comfortable, and the agreed arrangements set out in the child’s Placement Plan. Be alert to any signs of discomfort or distress from the child during bathing, and record any concerns to your supervising social worker.
Support and encourage young women to keep their own supply of sanitary protection without having to request it from you. In addition, make sure there’s somewhere they can privately and hygienically dispose of used sanitary products.
Intimate/Invasive Care
Some children, such as those with disabilities, may require intimate or invasive care and this should be reflected in the child’s Placement Plan. Disabled children are more vulnerable to abuse: this may be due to their dependency on others to meet their individual personal care or medical needs; social isolation; their level of understanding and / or difficulties in conveying their feelings due to limited forms of communication.
Invasive procedures require specialist training. Please respect the child’s right to dignity at all times.
Continence Problems and Soiling
If a child is experiencing enuresis (‘wetting’), encopresis (‘soiling’), or may be prone to smearing, please discuss this with your supervising social worker, and, if possible, with the child, to agree strategies to help the child and manage the problem. Discuss the possible reasons for the problem with your supervising social worker and the child’s social worker. Anxiety, worry and previous experiences of abuse and neglect may lead to these problems. It may be appropriate to consult a continence nurse or other specialist, who may advise on the most appropriate strategy to adopt.
General advice:
- Consider using a mattresses and bedding that can withstand being soiled or wet, and which can be easily laundered.
- Talk to the child in private, openly but sympathetically;
- Do not treat it as the fault of the child, or apply any form of sanction;
- Bathe the child and remove and wash any soiled bedding and clothes. In line with the age and development of the child, it may be part of their care plan that they help clean up; e,g, by changing bedding and putting it in to wash;
- Keep a daily record (either on a dedicated form or in the child’s daily log) with detail as necessary;
