Training Modules Children and Youth Module 13 Protective Behaviours
Training Modules Children and Youth Module 13
Protective Behaviours
A child is 0-16 years of age.
Under no circumstances is it appropriate for a staff member to be alone in a room or space with an unattended child/ren. In such a situation always ensure there is another staff member nearby who can see you and the child. Keep doors open so members of the public can see in the room.
Working with Children Check number
All staff who do children's work must have a current Working with Children Check number.
This is part of the essential qualifications for the role.
Contact
Librarians should not be making physical contact with the children. If a child wants to give you a hug, please check with their parents if it is o.k. There are times when you might touch a child-when giving a stamp, during storytime as part of a game or other incidental moments. Make sure their parent/carer is always in view.
If a child does try to hold your hand or hug you, don't react, or say 'No' as you might scare the child and they may think something is wrong, just make eye contact with the parents/carer and give a quick hug and move on. If the parent is not nearby try to move calmly away from the child and suggest a 'high five', fist bump or elbow tap.
Unattended children in the library
The library has a policy for children in the library. It is included in the circulation procedures manual. Please make yourself familiar with this
Three points that we must be aware of:
- Children under the age of 10 years should be in the care of a parent, guardian or carer.
- The carer can be an older sibling over the age of 14 years but must have a contact number for the parent in case of an emergency.
- A child is unattended when out of sight of a parent, guardian or carer.
If you have a child who is unattended in the library you do need to speak to the parent. Please be firm and fair about the rules of the library while being respectful and using empathy driven enforcement. The below image is from the Homelessness training and is from one of the later segments "Unattended Children"
Observing inappropriate behaviour-what do you do?
What is the definition of an unattended child in the library?
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How old can a child be if coming to the library unattended?
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How old must a carer be of a child under 10 within the library?
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What must they have with them?
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If you see inappropriate behaviours or actions toward children who do you speak to about it?
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