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Contents

1. Non Approved Sanctions
2. Approved Sanctions
3. Informing Children
4. When Sanctions may be Imposed
5. Monitoring and Recording of Sanctions

1. Non Approved Sanctions

Certain sanctions may not be imposed upon children, in any circumstances; they are listed in Section 4.3, Non-Approved Sanctions, of Behaviour Management Guidance.

2. Approved Sanctions

The sanctions that may be imposed upon Looked After Children are as follows:

1. Confiscation or withdrawal of a telephone or mobile ‘phone in order to protect a child or another person from harm, injury or to protect property from being damaged. Also see Correspondence and Communication Procedure.
2. Restriction on sending or receiving letters or other correspondence (including the use of electronic or internet correspondence) in order to protect a child or another person from harm, injury or to protect property from being damaged.
   
   Also see:
   
   Correspondence and Communication Procedure
   Internet Security Procedure
   
   
3. Reparation, involving the child doing something to put right the wrong they have done; e.g.: repairing damage or returning stolen property.
4. Restitution, involving the child paying for all or part of damage caused or the replacement of misappropriated monies or goods. No more than two thirds of a child’s pocket money may be taken in these circumstances if the payment is small and withdrawn in a single weekly amount. Larger amounts may be paid in restitution but must be of a fixed amount with a clear start and end period. If the damage is serious or the size of payment particularly large then the child’s social worker should be informed of the matter.
5. Curtailment of leisure activities, involving a child being prevented from participating in such activities.
6. Additional chores, involving a child undertaking additional chores over and above those they would normally be expected to do.
7. Increased supervision, involving the child being closely supervised by staff/carers. Also see procedures in Physical Intervention Procedure, regarding seclusion, Time out and Withdrawal
8. Early bedtimes, by up to half an hour or as agreed with the child’s social worker
9. Removal of equipment, for example the use of a TV or video/DVD player.
10. Loss of privileges, for example the withdrawal of the privilege of staying up late.
11. Suspension of pocket money for short periods.

3. Informing Children

Children should be informed about the range of sanctions that may be imposed upon them and the possible circumstances which may result in sanctions.

This information must be provided in a Children’s Guide or outlined in the Placement Plan for individual children.

4. When Sanctions may be Imposed

Only Approved Sanctions, listed in Section 2, Approved Sanctions, may be imposed, as consequence for unacceptable behaviour.

Sanctions may only be imposed as a last resort with the intention of encouraging acceptable behaviour or acting as a disincentive for unacceptable behaviour.

Sanctions must never be imposed simply as a consequence of unacceptable behaviour.

Caution should be exercised to ensure that sanctions do not act as positive re-enforcement of unacceptable behaviour.

Before any sanction is imposed staff/carers must be satisfied of the following:

1. That the child was capable of behaving acceptably and understands what was required of him/her;
2. That other encouraging and rewarding Strategies have not worked or would not work in the circumstances;
3. That the sanction imposed is relevant, fair and must last no longer than is absolutely necessary
4. That there is a view that the sanction may encourage acceptable behaviour or act as a disincentive.
5. That it will not be applied open-endedly without effect.

5. Monitoring and Recording of Sanctions

In Foster Homes, sanctions must be recorded in the following way

1. Social workers and Supervising Social Workers should be informed of any sanctions as required above.
2. All sanctions (and where a notification is made) should be recorded in the Foster Carers Diary of Events for the child. (Social workers and Supervising Social Workers should make a note on the case file).

In Children’s Homes, sanctions must be recorded in the Sanctions book.

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