Infestations

It is acceptable for routine precautions to be undertaken to avoid infestations of head lice, fleas, scabies etc. However, this may not include the undertaking of routine checks of children, for infestations, unless parental consent has been given. This consent should normally be incorporated into individual children’s Placement Plans/Placement Information Records.

If it is suspected that children may be infested with head lice, the following measures should be taken:

• The parent(s) and social worker should be informed and advice taken from a doctor, nurse or health visitor before treating it;
• Children do not have to be separated or kept back from school or other activities but care should be taken to inform teachers or other staff/carers, so that they can take reasonable precautions.

Should anyone else in the placement become infested with head lice, the staff/carers must inform their manager/fostering social worker, who will decide what actions are necessary.

If it is suspected that a child may be affected by fleas or scabies, the same measures as those described above for head lice, must be followed.

Additionally, the medical practitioner may decide that it is necessary to initiate fumigation procedures in the home. Where this is necessary, the staff/carers can agree to the fumigation and should inform their manager/fostering social worker of this as soon as possible afterwards.

Infestations must be reported to the manager/supervising worker, the child’s parent(s) and social worker.

In addition, where, in the opinion of the medical practitioner attending the child, the infectious disease is sufficiently serious, notification must be made to the Head of Safeguarding, OFSTED, the relevant health trust and the Placing Authority.