1. The Policy Company Limited © Safe/Positive Touch

2. The Agency understands that safe and positive touch (which is consensual, appropriate, and consistent with the developmental age of the Client) is an essential ingredient in developing and maintaining excellent standards of care and protection for all of its Clients. Touch, however, can be misconstrued and in acknowledging this fact this policy has been developed, so as to: The Policy Company Limited ©

3.  Clarify the Agency’s expectations about the use of physical touch;  Provide guidance about the use of physical touch;  Protect the interests and well being of Clients for whom the Agency’s staff have a responsibility;  Support Clients who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties within an ethos of mutual respect, care and safety;  Protect staff in the fulfilment of their responsibilities to Clients.  This Policy should be read in conjunction with a number of other policies which relate to the safeguarding of Clients, including: Managing Challenging Behaviour; Physical Restraint. The Policy Company Limited ©

4. Why is touch important? The Agency believes that safe and positive touch is to be encouraged, provided that it is undertaken within a framework which is understood by all, and protects everyone’s interests. The Policy Company Limited ©

5. Such a framework promotes the belief that:  Touch is essential in order to provide sensitive, high quality care and to support natural interactions;  Touch is part of the development, emotional wellbeing, care and education of Clients;  Touch is beneficial for both psychological and physiological development;  Touch is an essential part of human relationships and supports the development of our natural interactions;  Physical prompts, guides and reassurances promote a feeling of safety, confidence and wellbeing. The Policy Company Limited ©

6. When is it appropriate to touch a Client? Staff within the Agency may naturally fear, in today’s social climate, that their actions, in relation to physical touch, may be misconstrued, and in certain circumstances, accusations may be made, that touch was inappropriate. These potential difficulties are exacerbated by the nature of the work, which is often undertaken within a 1:1 environment. Staff need to understand therefore, that the Agency will always support those who follow the guidance within this policy/procedure statement. Those who do not may not be supported and may also face disciplinary action. The Policy Company Limited ©

7. The first principle is that touch, in all circumstances must always be appropriate and consensual, unless the circumstances giving rise to touch are extreme, and relate, for example to the Agency’s policy on Managing Challenging Behaviour, or Physical Restraint. Staff are required to seek consent beforehand, and to respect the Client’s wishes at all times. Clients must understand what staff members are doing and why. The Policy Company Limited ©

8. Safe and positive touch is generally considered to be appropriate in the following circumstances:  to prevent imminent slip, fall or injury;  to manage challenging behaviours;  to prevent serious damage to property;  to provide personal care, including therapeutic treatments;  to encourage or assist; The Policy Company Limited ©

9.  to offer physical support and guidance – for example help with mobility, and moving and handling.;  to offer reassurance and emotional support, particularly for those Clients who are distressed;  To aid and develop communication – for example physical prompts, and to make social interactions;  Giving rewards such as “high fives” or a “pat on the back”;  In giving first aid. The above list is not meant to be exhaustive. Touch may be appropriate in many other circumstances, within the general guidelines of consensus and appropriateness. The Policy Company Limited ©

10. All staff must understand that touch in any circumstances may be questioned, either by the Client’s themselves, or by their parents, advocates or any significant others involved in their care. Touch must always be undertaken in a professional manner, avoiding any possible perception of inappropriate behaviour or even abuse. The Policy Company Limited ©

11. Clients who have reached puberty Staff need to be vigilant and aware that Clients who have reached puberty may become sexually aroused by physical contact. Staff need to be mindful of this and alternative methods of contact identified. If the Client seems to be sexually aroused during personal care routines, for example, it is important that this is recorded and that the Agency undertakes a review of alternative approaches. The Policy Company Limited ©

12. Clients who touch staff inappropriately Some Clients may be indiscriminate in their affections to others and may engage in physical contact that staff find inappropriate. Staff should withdraw from these situations as soon as possible and these should be discussed with a more senior member of staff. If this is a regular occurrence, the methods for managing this behaviour should be highlighted on the Client’s Care Plan. The Policy Company Limited ©

13. Inappropriate Touch As a general rule, the hands and arms are considered ‘neutral’, and it is sensible and good practice if you never touch a Client in the area which would normally be covered by a bathing suit. This of course does not apply to first aid, or intimate care practices. In these circumstances staff should try and ensure that there is more than one person present, if possible, and that consent has been gained from the Client involved. Staff should be sensitive to signals (non-verbal and verbal) that indicate that a Client dislikes touch. For example, a Client may pull away or make negative facial expressions. The Policy Company Limited ©

14. General Guidance  Not all touch is negative;  Ensure that positive touch takes place appropriately and sometimes with verbal explanation, e.g. “you look upset do you need a cuddle?” Remember that some Clients, particularly those with special needs, may request and benefit greatly from increased physical contact, such as “hugs”, for example;  It is never acceptable to tickle, kiss or fondle Clients. Never let a child kiss you on the lips;  Staff should never allow a Client to stand between their legs when seated; The Policy Company Limited ©

15.  Holding school age and older children on your lap is not appropriate. Holding a preschooler or toddler on your lap is appropriate for short time spans when comfort is needed;  Staff are discouraged from taking a single child to an area where they may not be observed by others;  Staff need to be aware that for children/young people who have suffered abuse, physical contact may have upsetting connotations and result in a negative reaction; The Policy Company Limited ©

16.  Approach distressed children from the side by offering to sit with them or by offering to hold their hand or putting an arm around them. Occasionally a child requires a higher level of physical contact e.g. a hug or sitting on an adults lap;  If anything happens that you believe may put you at risk of accusation by anyone, please do not keep this a secret! The Policy Company Limited ©

17. Remember not everyone is the same  Use of physical touch should be discussed openly and regularly. Staff should not feel embarrassed or ashamed of the use of touch and regular discussions should take place between staff teams;  Clients with physical disabilities need support to touch and interact in ways that happen naturally with their peers; The Policy Company Limited ©

18.  Staff also need to consider the influences of race, gender, age, sexual identity and disability;  A child’s personal history may distort the understanding of a ‘safe’ adult;  Clients from ethnic minority backgrounds may be used to different types of touch;  Clients with multisensory impairments may be startled by touch; The Policy Company Limited ©

19. It is important for staff to familiarise themselves with the needs of different Clients and to ask advice if they are unsure. Senior staff should ensure that their staff are aware of any Client who finds physical touch unwelcome. This information should be recorded on the Client’s Care Plan. The Policy Company Limited ©

20. If any member of staff is in any doubt about any issues concerning appropriate touch, or they observe any practice that causes concern, they should discuss this with the Agency Manager. All staff have a responsibility to ensure safe and appropriate practice at all times. The Policy Company Limited ©

21. The detailed statement of policy and procedure is contained within the Policy Statement – “Safe/Positive Touch” – You are asked to review this carefully and raise any issues or questions with your Line Manager or Supervisor. The Policy Company Limited ©

22. Any Questions? The Policy Company Limited ©

23. We recommend that you examine carefully this set of slides and make what amendments are necessary in order that the material you present reflects your own situation and circumstances. The Policy Company Limited ©