1.3.5 Self Harming |
LONDON CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES
If there are concerns regarding a possible child protection issue please see London Child Protection Procedures, Section 5.41, Self Harming and Suicidal Behaviour.
Contents
Self-harming or self-injurious behaviour is the deliberate act of causing harm to oneself, with or without an intention to die.
It can take many forms from scratching to the swallowing of harmful substances and taking overdoses. It can include under-eating or over-eating.
If a child is suspected or found to be self-harming, the strategies that should be taken are those determined by any existing plan; e.g. Care Plan or preferably Placement Plan/Placement Information Record in relation to a Looked After Child.
If no plan or Strategy exists, all reasonable measures should be taken to reduce or prevent continuation of the behaviour.
This may include providing additional supervision, confiscation of materials that may be used to self-harm or, as a last resort, using of Physical Intervention or calling for assistance from the emergency services.
If there is any suspicion that the child may be involved in self-harming, a risk assessment must be undertaken with a view to deciding whether a Strategy should be adopted to reduce or prevent the behaviour.
That Strategy should be set out in the form of a plan; e.g. Care Plan or preferably Placement Plan/Placement Information Record in relation to a Looked After Child.
If necessary, specialist advice or support should be sought.
2. Notification and Recording
Notifications
Incidents of self-harming should be notified to the home's manager/Supervising Social Worker and the child's social worker at the first opportunity.
A decision about whether to notify the parents will be taken by the social worker, in consultation with their manager.
If incident(s) are persistent or serious, consideration should be given to reviewing the child's plan and/or seeking specialist advice.
Recording
If the self harming is serious or persistent, it should be recorded as an Incident.
Any injuries should be recorded in relevant accident and healthcare records.
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