Hi, I'm just a new member of carespace and I hope that I am posting this on the right forum...apologies if I am wrong! I was just looking for guidance...I have been asked to find out official information for my social work course...what rights do residential childcare WORKERS have in regards to safety and protection from violence? Most of the information I have come across in legislation is more child centred and to protect them from harm whilst in residential settings. Is there such a document outlining safety and protection for workers in these types of settings? any advice or pointers would be very much appreciated! Thanks
Contact Crisis Prevention Institute. They are likley to be able to help
Without looking into it, I would assume they mean things like, workers having the right to be as safe as possible in the work place, that policies are in place to protect staff, and staff are aware of these. Regular risk assessments are undertaken both for the environment, staff and residents. Risk assessments should be a rolling occurence in residential settings. That they are provided with adequate, up to date training in issues such as break away/restraint training, challenging behaviour training and health and safety training, relevant to the setting in which they work, lone working etc. Regular supervision, staff meetings etc etc. The unison website may have done downloadable pdf's to read through, I know they have some regarding bullying and some other issues as I used them before. Staff should be able to access support, counselling etc.
Im not sure what legislation it all fall under other than the obvious general h&s at work etc.
Hope this helps
:)
An interesting topic in my mind and if you do find anything it would be really useful to know. I work with extremely challenging children and the words social work under fire is what I often associate with my role. Yet, I have been well trained, you can never underestimate the complexities of dealing with violent child behaviour and the emotional stress/damage this can and does cause to staff. I have weekly supervision and bi-weekly child phys meetings and have access to more, plus I work in a very supportive team.