6.3 Telephones and Correspondence |
OUTCOME STATEMENT
Children are able to maintain constructive contact with their families, friends and other people who play a significant role in their lives.
Contents
1. Telephones (Including Mobile phones)
Arrangements for the access to and use of telephones (including mobile phones) by children should be set out in writing, for example, in a Children's Guide or a Placement Plan for an individual child.
In certain circumstances, children may have their access to telephones reduced or stopped where it is necessary to do so to protect the child or another person from injury, to protect property from being damaged or an offence from being committed.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances (see next paragraph), a decision to reduce access or stop a child from using a telephone should be taken by the social worker in consultation with the manager of the home. Before taking such a decision, the social worker should be mindful of the list of Non Approved Sanctions contained in Behaviour Management Guidance - to follow
The exceptional circumstances are that there is a risk of injury, damage to property or an offence being committed and that staff/carers believe it is necessary to immediately confiscate or reduce a child's access to a 'phone to prevent the injury, damage to property or offence from occurring.
If such exceptional action is taken, the child's social worker must be notified within 24 hours.
If a child is prevented from having access to a telephone, or access is reduced, it is deemed to be a Sanction, and must be recorded as such. See: Sanctions Procedure.
2. Sending and Receiving Letters/Mail
Children must be supported and encouraged to send and receive letters or electronic mail (in homes where facilities exit).
Restrictions may only be placed upon the sending or receipt of letters with the authorisation of the Registered Manager of the home and with agreement of the social worker.
Such restrictions can only be placed upon a child where it is necessary to do so to safeguard or promote the child's welfare, to protect another person from harm, injury or to protect property from being damaged.
If restrictions are placed upon a child sending or receiving letters, it is a Sanction, and must be recorded as such.
See: Sanctions Procedure
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