06.6 Incapacitated parent/carer
Incapacitated refers to a condition which renders a parent/carer unable to take responsibility for their child; this could be at the time of collecting their child from the setting or on arrival. Concerns may include:
appearing drunk
appearing under the influence of drugs
demonstrating angry and threatening behaviour to the child, members of staff or others
appearing erratic or manic
Informing
If a member of staff is concerned that a parent/carer displays any of the above characteristics, they inform the designated safeguarding lead as soon as possible.
The designated safeguarding lead assesses the risk and decides if further intervention is required.
If it is decided that no further action is required, a record of the incident is made on form Safeguarding incident reporting form.
If intervention is required, the designated safeguarding lead speaks to the parent/carer in an appropriate, confidential manner.
The designated safeguarding lead will, in agreement with the parent/carer, use emergency contacts listed for the child to ask an alternative adult to collect the child.
The emergency contact is informed of the situation by the designated safeguarding lead and of the setting’s requirement to inform social care of their contact details.
The designated officer/manager and committee are informed of the situation as soon as possible and provide advice and assistance as appropriate.
If there is no one suitable to collect the child, social care are informed.
If violence is threatened towards anybody, the police are called immediately.
If the parent/carer takes the child from the setting while incapacitated the police are called immediately and a referral is made to social care.
Recording
The designated safeguarding lead completes Safeguarding incident reporting form and if social care were contacted, a Confidential safeguarding incident report form is completed. If police were contacted, a Confidential safeguarding incident report form should also be copied to the manager/committee.
Further updates/notes/conversations/ telephone calls are recorded.