Amendments

In March 2026, Section 5, Disposal of Substances or Paraphernalia, was added to this chapter. This gives guidance of how foster carers should handle any substances found in the home.

In March 2026, this chapter was updated with information from the Youth Justice Charter - know your rights in the youth justice system. The Youth Justice Charter sets out what children can expect at each stage of the youth justice system - helping them understand who does what, what their rights are, and what to do if the standards are not met.

This chapter was refreshed locally where required in March 2026.

In March 2026, this chapter was refreshed.

In September 2025, Section 2, Home Remedies was amended to include the increasing advisory role pharmacists play regarding over the counter medication.

In September 2025, a new section was added to the chapter on Child Financial Exploitation.

In March 2025 information was added into Section 3, Risks in relation to sexually coerced extortion.

In March 2025 information was added into Section 8, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.

This chapter was updated in March 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK.

This chapter was updated in March 2025.

In March 2025 amendments were made to the definition of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in line with further revisions to Working Together to Safeguard Children.

This chapter was updated in March 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK in Section 2.3, Disclosure and Barring Service Checks.

This chapter was refreshed in March 2025.

In March 2025 a link was added to Young People and Vaping (NHS).

In September 2024 additional good practice information was added on checking of employment history and references.

In September 2024 information was added to reflect the reclassification of nitrous oxide as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (as amended).

In September 2024 definitions were updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children.