Procedures-Child Safety Policy

If a child under the age of ten (10) is left unattended in the library, it is a violation of Library policy. Children under ten years of age must be accompanied by a caregiver twelve years of age or older. The caregiver must remain with the child at all times and directly supervise the child’s activities.

1. If a child is left unattended, Library staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian.

2. If the staff is unable to reach the parent, the police will be called to assume responsibility for the child. Two staff members should remain with
the child until the parent or the police arrive.

3. The Library staff under no circumstances will transport the child or take the child away from the building. In the case of either a disruptive or an unattended child where action as outlined above has been taken, a report will be sent to the Director.

4. In the event of a violation of the Library policy regarding unattended children staff will fill out an Incident Report and place on file with the Library Director.

A child of any age habitually left unattended or left unattended for an extended period, may be deemed to be at risk. In such situations, Library staff may contact local law enforcement or the Department of Children and Family Services to ensure the safety and well being of a child.

Management July 2010