KidCheck Secure Children's Check-In Shares Why You Need a “Permission to Treat” form in Your Safety Policy

It’s vital for organizations serving children and youth to have comprehensive policies in place to address child safety. One often overlooked element is the “Permission to Treat” form. This simple yet powerful tool can make a significant difference in ensuring the well-being of those in your care.

Here are the benefits of including a “Permission to Treat” form in your safety policy.

 

 

1. Incident Management:

Response time is crucial when an emergency arises. The “Permission to Treat” form grants immediate consent for any required medical treatment. This is particularly important when family or an emergency guardian cannot be reached. Whether it’s a scraped knee or a serious injury, having permission in advance can eliminate any delays in treatment.

2. A Communication Tool:

The form is an excellent communication tool between your organization, parents, guardians, and medical personnel. It provides clear guidelines on the types of treatment that are allowed, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding medical care.

3. Offers Legal Protection:

A clear and concise “Permission to Treat” form protects leadership, staff, volunteers, and the organization legally. It showcases that all the necessary precautions have been taken and any treatment decisions are made with informed consent. Today, we live in a litigious society, and it’s essential to remove any grey area when dealing with children.

4. Standard of Care:

Utilizing the form shows that your organization works to provide a high standard of care regarding medical treatment. It eliminates potential misunderstandings between families and staff regarding the appropriate response or course of action to take when an incident occurs.

5. Fast Access to Critical Information:

Typically, a “Permission to Treat” form will include health and wellness information such as pre-existing conditions, allergies, prescriptions, and ancillary medical conditions. It is invaluable for medical professionals to have the information they need to make life-saving decisions in an emergency.

6. Builds Trust with Families:

Incorporating a “Permission to Treat” form validates your organization’s commitment to improving child safety and the well-being of children in your care. It’s a proactive approach that demonstrates transparency and helps build trust with families. Families always appreciate any effort to ensure the safety of their children.

7. Helps Customize Special Needs:

The form can be customized to meet each child’s specific needs or restrictions. Offering a level of personalization aligns the family’s medical preferences with any required care and treatment.

Including a “Permission to Treat” form in your children’s safety policy is a protective measure that benefits everyone. It promotes clarity, communication, consistency, and legal protection while prioritizing a commitment to creating a safe and secure environment.

KidCheck provides full-featured, easy-to-use, secure children and youth check-in solutions, volunteer scheduling, and equipment for churches and other youth-serving organizations.

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Photo by Giu Vicente on Unsplash