3.11.8 Self Harming |
Contents
1. Planning and Prevention
Self-harming or self-injurious behaviour is the deliberate act of causing harm to one-self, 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, for example, in the child’s Placement Plan/Placement Information Record or a Behaviour Management Plan.
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, the Social Worker must be informed and a risk assessment undertaken with a view to deciding whether a Strategy should be adopted to reduce or prevent the behaviour.
That Strategy should be included in the child’s plan.
If necessary, specialist advice or support should be sought.
2. Notifications
Incidents of self-harming should be notified to the 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 team Manager.
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