Data on Non-Life-Threatening Staff Injuries in Social Residential Homes and Completion Rates of Aggression Management Training for Care Staff

Dr Haresh Singaraju asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether non-life-threatening injury to staff by a resident is a reportable incident under the Code of Practice for Social Residential Homes (SRHs); (b) how many such incidents were recorded in each year since 2023 with a breakdown by SRH type; and (c) what training in managing aggressive behaviour the Ministry requires of care staff, and the proportion that have completed it.

Answer:

            Social Residential Homes (SRHs) are required to notify the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and submit an incident report whenever a resident injures a staff member.

2.          From January 2023 to June 2026, about 31 incidents of this nature were recorded across the SRHs annually, with 17 in Children and Young Persons Homes, 12 in Welfare Homes and two in Adult Disability Homes.

3.          MSF takes the safety and well-being of staff in SRHs seriously. Under the Code of Practice (COP), which came into effect in July 2026, all caseworkers and care staff are required to undergo training to manage aggressive behaviours, with a completion deadline of end 2026. To date, about 70% have completed the required training. For staff who have yet to do so, the SRHs will ensure that they receive the necessary on-the-job training, put in place closer supervision when caring for residents with known aggressive behaviours, and establish clear escalation and response processes. MSF will continue to monitor the training completion and work with the Homes to ensure that staff complete the required training in a timely manner.