1 In-House Reports (Part A)
katryna D-McLeod and Cassandra Charette
Image by Klaus Hausmann from Pixabay
Chapter Objectives
- Define the different types of In-House Reports
- Explain what they are and how they are used
- Identify the objectives of the reports
- Explain the differences between each report
- Write objectively using the active voice to support your observations
Introduction:
This chapter includes six very important documents. Each are specialized for different situations or events. This chapter will explain: incident reports, intake interviews, behavioural contracts, assessment reports, serious occurrence reports, and case notes.
By the end of this chapter, you will understand when and how to use the above listed reports. Each section of this chapter will explain a different report, including what information should be included in the report, when the report is to be used and purpose of each report. The significance of each report is to document different events in the correctional field. Though not all of the reports are going to be used everyday, it is important to become familiar with each one of them and their component parts. Each report will have its own goal to help provide clear and precise information through out the line of work in the justice field.
Incident Reports
What is an Incident Report?
An incident report provides thorough account of an event where an employee (or client) was put in danger. An incident report could be written as a result of a violent action, verbal action or any form of abuse where someone has been hurt, or someone slipping in the hall. It’s an important report that could be used as evidence for someone being hurt and it could help avoid future injuries. It’s descriptive and details how an event may have happened and is documented in case of liability issues in the future.
When is a incident report used?
An incident report is used for documenting an event in a case where the person is hurt and could press charges. The incident report plays a big role in collecting evidence about what the officer, victim, and witnesses may have seen. The purpose of this report is to keep documentation on specific events. An incident report should be written and filed right away – no matter how big or minor the injury was.
When would you need a Incident Report?
You would need to file a incident report in any case where an injury, violent act or harm has been caused whether it was intentional or not and in any work environment. This report could be filed on behalf of a client or an employee.
Elements for an Incident Report
Elements that are required:
- Date
- Time
- Important details of the event
- Explanation of what happened
- Report of any injuries
- Who was involved
- Outcome
- Closing signature and date
Examples of what incident report may look like:
Incident Report
Date of the incident: _____________________________________
Time of incident: ________________________________________
Reporter: ____________________