CONDUCTING UNSAFE OR UNCOMFORTABLE VISITS
Because you are entering private homes, you do not know what is going on in the home until you knock on the door. There are occasions when you may feel very uncomfortable.
UNCOMFORTABLE
There are many reasons why you may feel uncomfortable.
Determine why you are uncomfortable.
Ask yourself :
Why do I feel uncomfortable?
Is it only a certain time period that I feel uncomfortable?
Is there someone on the premises that makes me feel uncomfortable?
After you determine why you feel uncomfortable, you can then develop a strategy to minimize your discomfort.
For example: If you feel uncomfortable visiting during late afternoon when school is out because of kids milling around the area, reschedule your visits during school time. If there is a household member who is always there and confrontational, talk to the provider about scheduling a visit when the person is not there. There may be situations when you need a second person to accompany you on a visit.
UNSAFE
There is a difference between uncomfortable and unsafe. In uncomfortable situations you try to deal with it and find solutions to lessen your discomfort. In an unsafe situation you should remove yourself immediately and take appropriate actions to protect the children in the home.
Discuss with you Supervisor these Bethel and Providers policies:
What do you do if you feel your safety or the safety of the children is threatened?
Under what circumstances should the police be called?
SAFETY HAZARDS
You may also encounter safety issues or hazards in the homes or neighborhoods you visit.
For example: icy or snowy walkways, broken stairs or porches, unsafe railings or debris.
For the safety of yourself and the children these issues must be addressed right away. If you are unsafe then the children are unsafe.
Whenever you feel uncomfortable or unsafe always discuss this with your supervisor and together come up with a safe solution.