Safe/Positive Touch
The Policy Company Limited ©
The Agency understands that safe and positive
touch (which is consensual, appropriate, and
consistent with the developmental age of the
Client) is an essential ingredient in developing
and maintaining excellent standards of care
and protection for all of its Clients. Touch,
however, can be misconstrued and in
acknowledging this fact this policy has been
developed, so as to:
The Policy Company Limited ©
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Clarify the Agency’s expectations about the use of physical touch;
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Provide guidance about the use of physical touch;
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Protect the interests and well being of Clients for whom the Agency’s staff have a
responsibility;
Support Clients who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties within an ethos
of mutual respect, care and safety;
Protect staff in the fulfilment of their responsibilities to Clients.
This Policy should be read in conjunction with a number of other policies which relate to
the safeguarding of Clients, including:
Managing Challenging Behaviour;
Physical Restraint.
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Why is touch important?
The Agency believes that safe and positive touch
is to be encouraged, provided that it is
undertaken within a framework which is
understood by all, and protects everyone’s
interests.
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Such a framework promotes the belief that:
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Touch is essential in order to provide sensitive, high
quality care and to support natural interactions;
Touch is part of the development, emotional wellbeing,
care and education of Clients;
Touch is beneficial for both psychological and
physiological development;
Touch is an essential part of human relationships and
supports the development of our natural interactions;
Physical prompts, guides and reassurances promote a
feeling of safety, confidence and wellbeing.
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When is it appropriate to touch a Client?
Staff within the Agency may naturally fear, in today’s social
climate, that their actions, in relation to physical touch, may
be misconstrued, and in certain circumstances, accusations
may be made, that touch was inappropriate. These potential
difficulties are exacerbated by the nature of the work, which
is often undertaken within a 1:1 environment.
Staff need to understand therefore, that the Agency will always
support those who follow the guidance within this
policy/procedure statement. Those who do not may not be
supported and may also face disciplinary action.
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The first principle is that touch, in all
circumstances must always be appropriate and
consensual, unless the circumstances giving
rise to touch are extreme, and relate, for
example to the Agency’s policy on Managing
Challenging Behaviour, or Physical Restraint.
Staff are required to seek consent beforehand, and
to respect the Client’s wishes at all times.
Clients must understand what staff members
are doing and why.
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Safe and positive touch is generally considered to
be appropriate in the following circumstances:
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to prevent imminent slip, fall or injury;
to manage challenging behaviours;
to prevent serious damage to property;
to provide personal care, including therapeutic
treatments;
to encourage or assist;
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to offer physical support and guidance – for example
help with mobility, and moving and handling.;
to offer reassurance and emotional support,
particularly for those Clients who are distressed;
To aid and develop communication – for example
physical prompts, and to make social interactions;
Giving rewards such as “high fives” or a “pat on the
back”;
In giving first aid.
The above list is not meant to be exhaustive. Touch may
be appropriate in many other circumstances, within the
general guidelines of consensus and appropriateness.
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All staff must understand that touch in any
circumstances may be questioned, either by the
Client’s themselves, or by their parents,
advocates or any significant others involved in
their care.
Touch must always be undertaken in a
professional manner, avoiding any possible
perception of inappropriate behaviour or even
abuse.
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Clients who have reached puberty
Staff need to be vigilant and aware that Clients
who have reached puberty may become
sexually aroused by physical contact. Staff
need to be mindful of this and alternative
methods of contact identified. If the Client
seems to be sexually aroused during personal
care routines, for example, it is important that
this is recorded and that the Agency
undertakes a review of alternative approaches.
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Clients who touch staff inappropriately
Some Clients may be indiscriminate in their
affections to others and may engage in physical
contact that staff find inappropriate. Staff
should withdraw from these situations as soon
as possible and these should be discussed with
a more senior member of staff. If this is a
regular occurrence, the methods for managing
this behaviour should be highlighted on the
Client’s Care Plan.
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Inappropriate Touch
As a general rule, the hands and arms are considered ‘neutral’,
and it is sensible and good practice if you never touch a
Client in the area which would normally be covered by a
bathing suit. This of course does not apply to first aid, or
intimate care practices. In these circumstances staff should
try and ensure that there is more than one person present, if
possible, and that consent has been gained from the Client
involved.
Staff should be sensitive to signals (non-verbal and verbal) that
indicate that a Client dislikes touch. For example, a Client
may pull away or make negative facial expressions.
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General Guidance
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Not all touch is negative;
Ensure that positive touch takes place appropriately
and sometimes with verbal explanation, e.g. “you look
upset do you need a cuddle?” Remember that some
Clients, particularly those with special needs, may
request and benefit greatly from increased physical
contact, such as “hugs”, for example;
It is never acceptable to tickle, kiss or fondle Clients.
Never let a child kiss you on the lips;
Staff should never allow a Client to stand between
their legs when seated;
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Holding school age and older children on your
lap is not appropriate. Holding a preschooler
or toddler on your lap is appropriate for short
time spans when comfort is needed;
Staff are discouraged from taking a single child
to an area where they may not be observed by
others;
Staff need to be aware that for children/young
people who have suffered abuse, physical
contact may have upsetting connotations and
result in a negative reaction;
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Approach distressed children from the side by
offering to sit with them or by offering to hold
their hand or putting an arm around them.
Occasionally a child requires a higher level of
physical contact e.g. a hug or sitting on an
adults lap;
If anything happens that you believe may put
you at risk of accusation by anyone, please do
not keep this a secret!
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Remember not everyone is the same
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Use of physical touch should be discussed
openly and regularly. Staff should not feel
embarrassed or ashamed of the use of touch
and regular discussions should take place
between staff teams;
Clients with physical disabilities need support
to touch and interact in ways that happen
naturally with their peers;
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Staff also need to consider the influences of
race, gender, age, sexual identity and disability;
A child’s personal history may distort the
understanding of a ‘safe’ adult;
Clients from ethnic minority backgrounds may
be used to different types of touch;
Clients with multisensory impairments may be
startled by touch;
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It is important for staff to familiarise themselves
with the needs of different Clients and to ask
advice if they are unsure. Senior staff should
ensure that their staff are aware of any Client
who finds physical touch unwelcome. This
information should be recorded on the Client’s
Care Plan.
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If any member of staff is in any doubt about any
issues concerning appropriate touch, or they
observe any practice that causes concern, they
should discuss this with the Agency Manager.
All staff have a responsibility to ensure safe
and appropriate practice at all times.
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The detailed statement of policy and procedure is
contained within the Policy Statement –
“Safe/Positive Touch” – You are asked to
review this carefully and raise any issues or
questions with your Line Manager or
Supervisor.
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Any Questions?
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We recommend that you examine carefully this
set of slides and make what amendments are
necessary in order that the material you present
reflects your own situation and circumstances.
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