Home Visitor Safety Deb Palmer

Training objectives Participants will identify and understand… Importance of maintaining a safe environment for working in homes and the community Potentially unsafe environments Strategies to ensure personal safety as well as safety of co-workers and families being served

Prior to the home visit Determine risk factors for family or environment Review records, inquire with other involved programs/partners if a question of safety is indicated Call to confirm parent is still expecting your visit prior to leaving the office, ask them to secure any pets/animals. Notify families if you are not able to keep the scheduled appointment or someone other than who you have indicated will be attending the visit with you or in your place. Based on the area, schedule visits to take place during the safest part of the day; avoid visits after dark unless approved by your supervisor.

Prior to the home visit cont. Be sure co-workers have the demographics of the family you will be visiting. Make co-workers aware of the time to expect you to return to the office. Bring a cell phone with 911 on speed dial. Always wear some kind of identification: name tag, photo id badge. Wear comfortable clothing which will allow you to move quickly.

Arriving at the home visit location Back into the parking area; aim vehicle in “drive out” direction Take a moment to assess your surroundings; look for animals which may be loose, persons who may be intoxicated, etc. Lock your vehicle Keep your car key separate from other keys on a key chain Be aware of the smells associated with substance abuse Stand to the side of the door when knocking Do not enter the home if you see or sense something is not right

Arriving at the home visit location Ask to speak to the client before entering the home if she/he is not the one who opens the door Stay near the door; position yourself between the client and the door Limit the amount of personal information you share Do not accept food or beverages Take a “fake call” if you sense danger, excuse yourself stating you are needed back at the office immediately Leave immediately if you feel unsafe Have keys and phone handy, easy to access, out of quick reach of client

Arriving at the home visit location LISTEN TO YOUR INSTINCTS!

Initial assessment When at all possible, staff should determine safety and appropriateness of services by inquiring about the following prior to the visit: Is there a current or past criminal history Is there a current or past mental health issue Is there a current or past abuse or neglect report Are you aware of any stressors or concerns Has the family expressed discipline issues

General safety guidelines IF IMMINENT DANGER: Leave immediately Call 911 Call local DHHS child welfare or abuse hotline Call supervisor to debrief In partnership with your supervisor, seek support from mental health consult as needed Contact family as safety permits and is guided by your supervisor

General safety guidelines cont. If you believe someone is in danger in the home: Once you have secured yourself, give as much information to the authorities about the situation as possible If you can get the person who is in danger on the phone with you, help them to remain calm Follow up with your supervisor as soon as possible Never give out your personal contact information unless pre-approved by your supervisor

Useful items to have available First aid kit Small amount of money or change Disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, paper towel Change of clothes

Other things to consider Have a code word established with your co-workers so they can send help if necessary Be sure your supervisor knows your schedule Have a response plan established if home visitor does not return to the office Encourage two person home visits when possible Be familiar with local authority Be sure to check the surrounding of your car before entering it to leave

Dealing with aggressive behavior If an aggressive incident occurs, remember to remain calm and leave the home as soon as possible Try to keep a barrier between you and the aggressor if at all possible Speak slowly, try not to say anything that could inflame the situation If you must lie to get out safely then do so; “Oh I forgot I have something in the car that I brought you”

Remember!! Trust your instincts! Leave immediately if you feel uncomfortable The safety of the home visitor is of utmost importance!