Privacy and Confidentiality

All written material relating to children or young people  and their families is kept in conditions of confidentiality.  Children’s and young people’s files are kept under lock and key and can only be accessed by staff members for particular purposes, notifiable to a member of the management team, except in emergencies.  It is the responsibility of the staff member to return all files and information to the appropriate place.

Upon official notification of the departure of a resident from Howestead Lodge, the file relating to that child will be securely retained and stored for the statutory period.

Children or young people may request access to their personal files, and will be shown these subject to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act.  Howestead Lodge endeavours to be open with the children and young people except for restricted information.

The office in which files are kept is locked when not in use.  Files kept on a computer can only be code-accessed by authorised staff members for particular reasons.  The establishment has a shredder for the destruction of extraneous confidential material and a record kept of all documents shredded.

The Registered Manager instructs staff that any information which may have Child Protection implications, must be passed onto the Registered Manager or Deputy.

Any illegal activity undertaken by a child must also be passed on.  The Manager will inform the appropriate Authority.
Staff are expected to knock on a child’s door before entering; where it is considered that a child may be at risk, this is not necessary.

Staff at Howestead Lodge are sensitive to gender issues.  Female staff will attend to matters concerning menstruation and the washing and handling of female clothing at this time.

There is a telephone available to children to make and receive calls in private.

The Registered Manager may restrict a child’s contact or access to communication, if it is found necessary for safeguarding or promoting the welfare of the child.  The Placing Authority will always be consulted and agreement sought.

The child will be informed of the reasons the restrictions are in place.

Children are allowed to write letters and receive letters in private.
Howestead Lodge provides comfortable areas of privacy, for children and their visitors.