Documentation
Name an example of a type of documentation in a group care setting
Incident reports, log books, medication records, sharp counts, ETO’s, client profiles, etc.
If a child/youth tells you something that is putting themselves or others at risk at practicum should you tell a supervisor?
Yes!
What would you do if a classmate of yours is asking for specific information about the children/youth in your practicum? (e.g. names, heavy descriptions, things that go on in the home).
Stay true to your boundaries and confidentiality and do not provide them with that information.
When should confidentitality be broken?
Only when someone is at immediate harm to themselves or others, or in breakage of the law.
What is the primary purpose of a group care setting?
To provide children and youth with a safe and supportive environment that meets their needs.
You take a child/youth to an appointment. They have just had instructions to change a dosage of their medication. Should you document this, or assume someone else will take care of it?
You should document it! However, in a practicum setting you would have a supervisor with you, but you should communicate and ask to document it together if able.
Before sharing information about a child or youth, what should you consider?
If it is relevant/appropriate to share, who needs to know, confidentiality, etc.
If a child is getting verbally and physically harmful to themselves or others, or is putting you at risk, what should you do?
Ask your supervisor for next steps, and follow their directions.
Who should have access to confidential information about a child or youth?
Staff members, case workers, or other professionals directly involved in their care and support.
What does it mean to create a “therapeutic” environment in group care?
Creating an environment that supports safety, relationships, autonomy, emotional well being, development, and more.
What opposing document might you fill out if a staff member gets injured at the workplace
Staff injury reports: for legal compliance and liability protection
Give an example of information that would be important to pass on to staff members at shift exchange
Incidents, changes, updates, events coming up, etc. This is to help maintain consistency and safety in the workplace.
What type of documentation might you fill out in a group care setting if a child/youth hits a staff member with a frying pan?
An IR (incident report), and make sure you include the whole situation in detail for best understanding.
You hear one of the staff members discussing confidential, sensitive information about one of the youth in front of the other children in the home, is this a breach of confidentiality?
Yes! Confidential information stays confidential, no matter in, or out of the home. It should especially not be discussed in front of any of the other youth in the home.
Name a few factors that can contribute to a positive group care environment.
Consistency, relationship building, predictable routines, clear expectations, youth autonomy, staff stability, etc.
What types of things should be included in every type of documentation?
Date, time, child/youth's name, what happened during this time, anything else you deem important.
Why would it be appropriate for staff to look through client profiles and other documents to obtain past information?
It is better for staff to know context to understand certain triggers and prevent further trauma for the youth.
You notice one of the children/youth are very withdrawn, and not socializing with the others. What would you do in this scenario?
Check in with them privately (not in front of the other children), and see if you can offer any support within this scenario.
When sharing information with another member of staff, what should you share about the topic?
Only what is necassary/relevant.
Scenario: A youth breaks a house rule and two staff members respond very differently. One gives them a consequence, and the other ignores it and brushes it off. What problems could this create?
It can create confusion, perceived unfair treatment, inconsistent expectations, instability, and more. Staff should work together to maintain consistency.
What information should you avoid including in documentation unless it’s directly relevant?
Personal bias, assumptions, and judgements.
Create a scenario of what it would look like if you heard a staff over-sharing a youth’s personal information.
Example: a staff member shares a detailed story about a youth’s behaviour, where the details are unrelated to the youths current care, and they include personal opinions. Information should be relevant to the youth‘s care and needs, and shared to other staff in a professional manner without bias.
One of the children/youth in the home discloses that another resident is harming them both physically and emotionally, but ask you to keep it a secret, as they do not want the situation to escalate. What are your next steps?
Tell your supervisor, and discuss a plan in order to keep both children/youth safe. Whether or not you tell the youth that you will tell the staff is a personal decision.
If you accidentally disclose confidential information to those who not should have had access to it, what should your next steps be?
You should report the incident to your supervisor, and see what they recommend the next steps are.
A youth is becoming progressively more aggressive and violent, and the staff feel like intervention is required. What should staff consider before they intervene?
Whether the intervention is needed, authorized and consistent within the childs care plan. Other things to consider would be the child/youths past traumas, experiences, and history.