May be stupid ques...what to do with confidential forms when child left your care?

[AdeleMarie88]

I'm talking copies of contracts, any medical forms with their names on, emergency contact sheets and so on.

I am under impression that you keep them, but for how long? All confidential information is currently locked in a box that has A4 dividers, separating each child. Are they ok to be kept in there?

May be daft question, but want to make sure I'm doing correct thing!

[Mouse]

When a child leaves I put all of their records in a wallet folder and put it in a box in the loft.

[AdeleMarie88]

Thank you that's really helpful!

[moggy]

Yes, keep it all for insurance purposes- until child is 21 they say! In case they ever make a claim against you as they grow up, you'll need all paperwork as evidence to back yourself up (including on-going documents like registers). I put it all in sealed A4 envelopes in locking file box, with name and dates child was with me on the front of the envelope and a photo on it too is a good idea so you remember who little Johnny was in 20 years time!

[mum67]

Does anyone know why we have to keep it until they are 21 years old? it just puzzles me why that age.

[Kiddleywinks]

Because the 'child' can make their own legal claim against you upto the age of 21 so the records can be used as your evidence in the event of a claim

[rickysmiths]

Once the child is 18 they have three years to make a claim on you for any accident they had while in your care. As we have seen in the press Safeguarding issues have no limit. However I have just chosen to shred some of the records of mindes who are now well over 21 years old.

[Simona]

Unless the guidance has changed PLI certificates have to be kept for 40 years

[mum67]

ahh right that makes sense then. Thank You for that.