Incapacitated parent/carer

Last reviewed: July 30 2024

Last updated: July 30 2024

Incapacitated refers to a condition which renders a parent/carer unable to take responsibility for their child; this could be at the time of collecting their child from the setting or on arrival. Concerns may include:

• appearing drunk

• appearing under the influence of drugs 

• demonstrating angry and threatening behaviour to the child, members of staff or others

• appearing erratic or manic

Informing

• If a member of staff is concerned that a parent displays any of the above characteristics, they inform the designated safeguarding lead as soon as possible.

• The designated safeguarding lead assesses the risk and decides if further intervention is required.

• If it is decided that no further action is required, a record of the incident is made on form 06.1b Safeguarding incident reporting form.

• If intervention is required, the designated safeguarding lead speaks to the parent in an appropriate, confidential manner.

• The designated safeguarding lead will, in agreement with the parent, use emergency contacts listed for the child to ask an alternative adult to collect the child. 

• The emergency contact is informed of the situation by the designated safeguarding lead and of the setting’s requirement to inform social care of their contact details.

• The designated officer is informed of the situation as soon as possible and provides advice and assistance as appropriate.

• If there is no one suitable to collect the child social care are informed.

• If violence is threatened towards anybody, the police are called immediately.

• If the parent takes the child from the setting while incapacitated the police are called immediately and a referral is made to social care.

Recording

• The designated safeguarding lead completes 06.1b Safeguarding incident reporting form and if social care were contacted 06.1c Confidential safeguarding incident report form is completed the designated officer. If police were contacted 06.1c Confidential safeguarding incident report form should also be copied to the owners/directors/trustees.

• Further updates/notes/conversations/ telephone calls are recorded.