April2016
Author: Reviewed by Ruth France / Last updated: 30th April 2016Next update: April 2017
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ALCOHOL POLICY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND RESIDENTIAL STAFF
1.0Introduction
1.1This policy should be read in conjunction with Knowsley Borough Council Drug, Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy.
2.1 Principles of policy
2.2 Under no circumstances should alcohol be brought into or kept in Knowsley residential care establishments.
3.0Legislative context
3.1 Children and young people under the age of 18 are unable to purchase alcohol.
3.2 Knowsley Children’s Targeted Services will not give permission for children and young people in their care to drink alcohol:
- In the children’s home
- When outside the home
- When dining.
4.0Policy relating to alcohol and young people
4.1 When a child first comes to live in the home the alcohol policy should be explained to them in a way that they understand. Staff must also ensure that children and young people are given information commensurate with their age and understanding on the
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harmful effects of alcohol and how to keep themselves safe in environments where others may be consuming alcohol. (Promoting the health of Children DoH 2002 – This guidance was revised in 2009 and can be accessed here.) Their care plan must address any issues identified.
4.2 Children and young people will be advised to dial 999 for emergency services in the event they come into contact with a person who is unconscious due to excessive alcohol consumption.
4.3 Residential care staff are expected to monitor children and young people on their return from contact/visits/trips with family and/or friends to assess mood, behaviours and conversations the children and young people may have, to see if they give an indication that the young person has been drinking. If it is believed the child/young person may have been drinking, residential care staff must be alert to the effects of alcohol on the child or young person e.g. likelihood of vomiting while asleep. If the young person is being sick, a member of staff must remain with the young person until the vomiting ceases. Thereafter, the young person must be monitored closely - initially at 20 minute intervals - with the frequency of monitoring decreasing gradually until the young person is safely asleep.
4.4 In the event that a child/young person is found to be under the influence of alcohol it may be that medical assistance is required to prevent any long-term effects.
4.5 Additionally, if the child or young person is on any medication, medical advice may need to be sought.
4.6 If it is thought that a child/young person is consuming alcohol and this may become habit forming or threatening to their health, expert help must be sought.
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4.7 The child or young person’s family and social worker should be kept informed of any concerns relating to the use of alcohol and any incidents of intoxication should be brought to their attention within 24 hours.
4.8 If it believed that a parent or other person having contact with the child/young person has given the child/young person alcohol, this must be reported to the social worker immediately.
5.0Policy relating to alcohol and residential workers
5.1 Although it is generally accepted that drinking alcohol is seen as a social activity, the consumption of any alcohol, by staff when on duty is not permitted. This includes:
- When residential care workers are accompanying the young people on activities
- When residential care workers are accompanying the young people on holiday
- Drinking wine, beer or spirits when dining with the children and young people
5.2 Residential care workers are responsible for their own actions, and know their own limitations in the consumption of alcohol. Therefore they must act responsibly when drinking prior to a shift the next day.
5.3 If a residential care worker arrives on duty and colleagues believe that person to be under the influence of alcohol because of the smell of alcohol on the worker’s breath or their behaviour, the colleague must notify the manager or worker in charge.
5.4 If it is considered that the worker will be unable to provide the full service of care to the young people e.g. inability to drive, the manager can:
- Send the employee home
- Seek advice from human resources
- Initiate disciplinary action.
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APPENDIX 1
Local drug and alcohol services
National
Talk to Frank(talktofrank.com)0800 776600 / Drugs in School helpline0345 366 666
Alcohol Concern0171 929 7377 / NHS Direct0845 4647
Childline0800 1111 / Quitline (smoking)0800 002 200
National Drugs helpline0800 776 600 / Addaction
Local
PhaZe / Connexions Centre @ The Gateway101 Sankey Street
Knowsley
WA1 1SR
Tel: 01925 416611
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