8. Disclosure and Risk Assessment

• Any disclosure will require a detailed and ongoing risk assessment involving line management when appropriate. The worker must not lose sight of the need to keep the child or young person informed and supported throughout the process
• Workers will sometimes need to share general information with colleagues or Line Managers / other agencies. (Foster Carers consult their Supervising Social Worker and the child's Social Worker)
• Information sharing may be necessary to conduct a thorough risk assessment that protects the safety of the child or young person and the worker.

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Self-harm
• Domestic violence (See Appendix 2.3)
• Sexual exploitation
• The substance misuse of a parent, carer, sibling, or significant other.

• Is the child or young person being used by others i.e. "running" or "stashing" or "trafficking"?
• Where there is a clear medical emergency and an ambulance is called
• Where there is the risk of overdose
• Where the child or young person is under 18 years old and is considered not to be of sufficient age or understanding to be aware of the risks to themselves, or the advice given (see Appendix 3)
• Where there is the risk of possible abuse, exploitation or injury that may occur in connection with (or as a result of) intoxication and / or dependency
• Where there is a risk of infection with blood borne diseases if injecting equipment is being shared
• Initiation of other children and young people into injecting substances. Are they being injected or having substances administered by someone else? (i.e. by force, the influence of an older person or by request)
• There is a refusal to stop the use of intoxicating substances on the premises (see section 12. to 35. and Appendix 5)
• Where the child or young person is deemed to be exploiting others by the supply of illegal substances or by the encouragement of use (see section 12. to 35. and Appendix 5)
• Where significant quantities of illegal substances are found on premises. (see section 12. to 35. and Appendix 5)
• When the substance is being used persistently, in large quantities, in an unsafe way or unsafe environment (see section 12. to 35. Appendix 5)
• When there is a risk of serious crime being committed, which would potentially place someone at risk
• Where the child or young person is at significant 'risk of harm' or is currently self-harming (see Appendix 2,section 5 in U&S policy)
• When a child or young person is at risk of sexual exploitation or violence in the home, or outside (see Appendix 2.3).