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:
