(DRAFT)
Ensuring Basic Safety When Working with JYM Retreat Children
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When possible,
have the designated “Retreat Nurse” care for a child’s wound – seeing
that the wound is washed with soap and water, using a disinfectant, and
bandaging it.
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Always, when
administering first-aid, wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water
when done disposing of the gloves and any other first-aid materials.
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If bodily
fluids have been spilled or gotten on a surface, put on gloves, and clean up
with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water.
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Try to keep two
adults present at all times (in sleeping rooms, during program and free time,
etc.)
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Keep doors open
and windows unobstructed – striving to keep you and children visible to others
at all times.
- If you need to have a private conversation with a child – strive to stay in an open space whenever possible (i.e. the corner of the meeting room, on the front stairs, walking around an open visible space like the parking lot/front yard, etc.). Or, encourage another staffer to join you.
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If a child indicates that he/she needs assistance in the bathroom, (or has
wetting issues at nighttime, etc) summon another Staffer to be present also.
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Think about
maximizing the visibility of the situation so that the child doesn’t feel
uncomfortable, etc.
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Model good,
clear boundaries with fellow staff and children.
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Staffers should
not give or receive backrubs from children; Children may give other children
backrubs and Staffers can give other Staffers backrubs.
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As a matter of
course, let the child initiate the hug or contact. Having said that, we also
know that some children, given their age, seek physical contact and
nurture from staffers. Others do not. It's best to respond to the child's need
as indicated.
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Read body
language and respond appropriately. If you sense that a child seeks or needs
something you are not comfortable with providing, get another staffer to help.
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Be conscious of
how children are responding to situations – gently intervene to check-in with
people, offer an out for someone, clarify rules/language/expectations, etc.
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Follow-up with
concerns - “You looked really
upset during that game or activity. Can I ask you what’s going on?” (Etc.)
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Take care of
yourself – recognize when someone/something has pushed your own limits or
boundaries – take a time-out, talk to another staff person, journal, etc.
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If something
feels or seems weird, it may very well be. Acting on something that turns out to
be nothing is ALWAYS a better choice
than not acting. Bring any concerns or questions to the attention of the
coordinator.
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If a child asks
to speak with you in confidence, remember that we can never promise full
confidentiality. You can keep most information confidential, but always let the
child in question know that if they share information that leads you to believe
they are in danger, have been hurt or victimized, or are likely to hurt themselves or someone
else, that you will tell the coordinator. An important part of our work and
ministry is to help children to know that we care deeply about them and will do
what’s needed to keep them safe.
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Remember, we
are required by law to report cases of abuse and/or neglect. It is important
that you bring any concerns regarding a child’s safety to the attention of the
Retreat Coordinator.