PLEASE NOTE: New Standards Published

April 2011: The Standards no longer apply, Tri.x have published a web enabled version of the new Children’s Homes and Fostering Standards, please follow this link:

www.minimumstandards.org

2. Quality of Care	Size:
Good Health and Well-being

	OUTCOME Children live in a healthy environment and their health needs are identified and services are provided to meet them, and their good health is promoted.
	STANDARD 12
12.1	The physical, emotional and health needs of each child are identified and appropriate action is taken to secure the medical, dental and other health services needed to meet them. Children are provided with guidance, advice and support on health and personal care issues appropriate to the needs and wishes of each child.
12.2	Each child has a clear written health plan (within their placement plan) covering:
	medical history any specific medical or other health interventions which may be required any necessary preventive measures allergies or known adverse reactions to medication dental health needs any hearing needs any optical needs records of developmental checks specific treatment therapies or remedial programmes needed in relation to physical, emotional or mental health health monitoring required of staff the involvement of a child’s parents or significant others in health issues.
12.3	A written record is kept of all significant illnesses of, accidents by or injuries to children during their placement at the home.
12.4	Each child is provided with guidance, advice and support, appropriate to the the child’s age, needs, culture and wishes, in relation to health and social issues including alcohol and illegal substance abuse, smoking, solvents, sex and relationship education, HIV infection, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases, and protecting oneself from prejudice, bullying and abuse, both within and outside the home.
12.5	There is a policy and written guidance, implemented in practice, on promoting the health of children in the home including:
	immunisation and screening nutrition and diet exercise and rest personal hygiene sexual health the effects of alcohol, smoking and other substances HIV and AIDS and other blood borne diseases.
12.6	Children are actively discouraged from smoking, alcohol and illegal substance or solvent abuse and under-age sexual activity. Children are given opportunities to discuss these issues openly and honestly with staff and their peers.
12.7	Children, subject to their age and understanding, can choose whether or not they are accompanied by a member of staff when being seen by a doctor, nurse or dentist, and, as far as is practicable, to see a doctor of either gender if they wish.
12.8	Children with particular health needs or a disability including physical or sensory impairment or learning disabilities are provided with appropriate support and help. The registered person emphasises to staff the need to protect children’s dignity at all times. The registered person ensures that any treatment which is prescribed or included in the child’s placement plan or (where applicable) care plan is implemented (within the capabilities of staff ), taking the child’s wishes into account.
12.9	Issues of personal hygiene are dealt with sensitively.
12.10	The needs of refugee children, asylum seekers and children from different racial and cultural backgrounds are understood by staff and specialist advice is sought when necessary. [Regulation: 20 ]