Recording, handover, care plans and multi-agency working

Accurate records help the next worker or agency make safer decisions. Incomplete notes can obscure patterns, conceal risk and force the child to repeat distressing details. Staff should record what was observed, the child's words, what actions were taken, who was informed and what remains to be done.

Work on self-harm and suicide risk usually involves several agencies. Children's homes commonly need to coordinate with social workers, emergency departments, CAMHS or other mental health teams, GPs, out-of-hours services, police, schools and family networks where appropriate. Clear handover reduces drift and supports timely responses.

What factual recording should cover

• Time and place: when the concern arose and where it happened.
• What was seen: injury, item, message, statement, behaviour or environmental detail.
• The child's own words: record them accurately where possible.
• Action taken: first aid, calls made, changes to supervision, searches or emergency help.
• People informed: manager, social worker, health service, police or family as directed.
• Next steps: monitoring, review, appointments, debriefs or updates to the care plan.

Manager focus: live plans and oversight

A record is only useful if it helps the next worker understand today's risk, not just yesterday's event.