The question often arises: Do I need a DBS check when parents are present? So let’s shed light on this question and provide you with a clear answer. Whether working without direct supervision or as a volunteer with specific child interactions, an enhanced DBS check is essential. Parental presence doesn’t diminish the importance of a DBS Check.
Understanding the question, Do I Need a DBS Check When Parents Are Present?
An Enhanced DBS check is obligatory for those working with children without direct supervision or engaging in specific child interactions as volunteers. This rule is regardless of parental presence. While exceptions might exist, the DBS check’s importance stands, even when parents are around. Any care or supervision of a child which can be classed as a ‘regulated activity’ requires an enhanced DBS check.
Examples That Would Require An Enhanced DBS Check
- Personal Care and Unsupervised Interactions: Any involvement in personal care, such as feeding or bathing, demands an Enhanced DBS check. The same applies to unsupervised child care within familiar environments. The welfare of children is paramount, and the DBS check serves as a safeguarding measure.
- Providing Health Advice and Support: Offering health-related advice or support to children, with parents present, might not initially prompt a DBS check. Yet, consistent involvement in such matters means that a DBS Check will be needed.
- Residential and Accommodation Settings: Roles in residential care homes, foster care, boarding schools, or other accommodation settings where individuals may be residing.
- Foster Care and Adoption: Roles involving foster care, adoption, or providing accommodation for children or vulnerable adults.
What Is Regulated activity?
Regulated activity, refers to specific roles or activities that involve close and unsupervised contact with children. The definition of regulated activity can vary between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but in general, it includes roles such as:
- Frequent or Intensive Contact: Roles that involve frequent or intensive contact with vulnerable individuals, including providing personal care, healthcare, assistance with daily living activities, supervision, training, or driving a vehicle for vulnerable people.
- Supervisory or Teaching Roles: Positions that involve supervising, teaching, training, or providing guidance to vulnerable individuals.
- Healthcare and Legal Professions: Certain healthcare roles, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and paramedics, as well as legal roles that involve working directly with vulnerable individuals.
- Residential and Accommodation Settings: Roles in residential care homes, foster care, boarding schools, or other accommodation settings where individuals may be residing.
- Foster Care and Adoption: Roles involving foster care, adoption, or providing accommodation for children or vulnerable adults.
- Certain Offences and Convictions: Individuals who are barred from working with vulnerable individuals due to certain criminal offences, convictions, or cautions.
For more information on Regulated Activity, why not read, Regulated Activity, 5 Things You Should Know
Do I Need a DBS Check When Parents Are Present? – Seeking Clarity
If you are unsure whether a DBS Check is needed, seeking clarity is essential. If you’re unsure about needing an enhanced DBS check with parents present, our team is always available to assist. We are here to guide you to the right check. In a nutshell, the question of needing a DBS check when parents are present hinges on various factors. Generally, in roles involving child care, supervision, or regular interactions, an enhanced DBS check is recommended. The safety of children is non-negotiable, and the Enhanced DBS check stands as a safeguarding necessity to ensure child safety and protection.
Conclusion.
Do I Need A DBS Check When Parents Are Present?
We hope we have managed to answer the question, “Do I need a DBS check when parents are present?” To summarise, the answer is clear: whether working unsupervised or volunteering with direct child interactions, an enhanced DBS check is necessary when it is Regulated Activity, regardless of whether there is a parent present. It is always worth asking, Do I Need a DBS Check When Parents Are Present? It shows your commitment to safeguarding.
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