National Minimum Standards for Residential Family Centres

1.	Purpose
2.	Quality of Care
3.	Parents' and Children's Rights
4.	Protection
5.	Staff
6.	Premises

4. Protection

Child protection.
Children must be protected from abuse. Staff and others should be clear on what action to take if they become aware of an allegation or have suspicion of abuse.

Protection for parents. Families should be protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. All allegations and incidents of abuse, and the action taken, are recorded. Physical and verbal aggression by a service user is responded to properly. Physical intervention is used only as a last resort, by trained staff. This action should protect the rights and best interests of the family member, and is the minimum action consistent with safety.

All significant events relating to the protection of children or vulnerable adults living within the centre should be notified to the appropriate authorities. A record should be made of any notifications made.