1.6.5 Infestations

Contents

1. Infestations  
2. Transmittable Diseases or Infections  

1. 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 Consent has been given.

This Consent should normally be incorporated into individual children’s Care Programmes.

See Consents Guidance.

1.1 Head Lice

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 home become infested with head lice they must inform their Manager, who will decide what actions are necessary.

1.2 Fleas or Scabies

If it is suspected that children 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 these circumstances the Line Manager of the Home must be informed.

1.3 Notifications and Recording

Infestations must be reported to the Manager of the home, the child’s Parent(s) and Social Worker.

Infestations of Fleas or Scabies must be reported to the Line Manager of the Home. If the infestation is deemed to be an infectious disease by a registered medical practitioner it will be necessary to notify the Manager for the Resource and the following agencies: (see Notifiable Events Procedure)

• The Regulatory Authority
• Health and Safety Executive
• Health Authority. 

Infestations and the measures taken to counter them must be recorded in the following records:

Infestations and the measures taken to counter them must be recorded in relevant children’s Detailed Record Sheets and an Incident Report completed.

2. Transmittable Diseases or Infections

In the event of a Transmittable Disease or Infection being diagnosed by a Doctor or Medical Practitioner, staff must follow the directions and advice of the doctor e.g. in terms of isolation of the Child or Home, then inform the Home's Manager and his/her Line Manager immediately.

The Home's Manager will notify the Line Manager and will co-ordinate all measures to prevent or reduce further outbreak, upon the directions or advice of the Doctor.

It will also be necessary to notify the Placing Authority's, Regulatory Authority and other Agencies, as set out in Notifiable Events Procedure.

End