Safe travel for children

The primary concern is the well being of the child.Prior to any trip being undertaken with or arranged for a child an assessment should be completed which includes:

• consideration of the child's immediate circumstances - e.g. age, gender, case history, child's current state of mind
• consideration of the child's vulnerability and maturity if there is an option for them to travel unaccompanied
• consideration of any additional needs related to any impairment
• consideration of the child's behaviour - this may mean that they require work completing with them beforehand around keeping safe in a car.
• When transport is provided the child, their parents / carers and any appropriate professionals must be consulted.In all cases where children are being removed from their parents or carers, efforts must be made to encourage a relative or friend to accompany the child, unless this can be seen as potentially dangerous or abusive. If so, serious consideration must be given to identifying someone who the child knows to act as an escort.Where a taxi is to be used the designated taxi service should be used. If children are to be driven alone through the taxi service this should only be when the driver has a satisfactory enhanced police disclosure completed and returned.  Where using escorts, only suitable and properly vetted staff are used by external agencies.

Problems with transport

Where a child or young person has reported a concern or issue in connection with the transport, the child's social worker or the team dealing with the child's case, should be informed at the earliest opportunity.  The team manager of the relevant social work team will be informed.

Transportation of children by staff

• Staff who drive children in their cars must have fully comprehensive and business  insurance and copies should be shown to their team manager along with driving licences.
• Children should not accompany staff on motorbikes.
• Children should be driven in vehicles that are safe.
• Children aged 12 and under should sit in the back of a car.

The wearing of seat belts - who must wear them?

• No adult, person of 14 years or over, shall travel in the front forward facing seat of a motor vehicle on a road unless they are wearing a seat belt.  If the seat should have a belt fitted but hasn't, no adult shall travel in that seat.
• A person shall not permit any person between 10 and 14 to travel in a forward facing front seat of a motor vehicle on a road unless that young person is wearing a seat belt.  If the seat should have a belt fitted but hasn't, no person between 10 and 14 years shall use such seat.
• A person shall not permit any child under 10 years of age to travel in a forward facing seat of a motor vehicle on a road without:
  • a child who is not yet 6 years of age being in a child restraint specifically designed for the protection of a child of that age and weight properly fitted to the vehicle.
  • a child of 6 years to 10 years being properly restrained by the use of an adult seat belt in conjunction with any ancillary device necessary in order that:-
    • a child does not suffer danger or discomfort through wearing the belt.
    • a child's body shall be properly restrained in the event of an accident.
• Persons offending under this part of the seat belt law shall, if found guilty, be liable to a fine of up to £200.

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