You are valued, and you have a very tough job! This training is to educate you on safety procedures, hazards, and principles of communication, and teaches interaction with individuals in stressful circumstances. Why Home Visitor Safety?

IPDE  Identify  Predict  Decide  Execute

 Keep your calendar up to date!!!  Review the intake form  Mentally rehearse what you need to accomplish  Don’t wear excessive jewelry; dress appropriately  Take ID but don’t wear it around your neck  Carry cell phone Preparing before the visit

 Be aware of your surroundings!  Park vehicle in a way to make a quick exit.  Park in a well-lit area.  Do not park in driveway or block someone’s parking spot. Approaching the House

 Know your exits!!!  Sit near the exit where you can view the hall and bedrooms if possible.  Use non-threatening body language and remain calm and polite.  Respect client’s home and emotions.  Leave if you feel threatened. During the visit

 Make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition and has at least ¼ tank of gas.  Have a flashlight and first aid kit in your car.  Limit the personal information that you tell clients. Just in case…

 Wear long hair up.  Limit large jewelry.  Have your ID, but don’t wear it around your neck Clothing

Animals Ask for animals to be put up if you are not comfortable. Use common sense. Follow safety precautions with animals.

Communicable Diseases Wash Hands!! Use hand sanitizer when you leave; as soon as you can, wash your hands with soap and water. Sit in a high back wooden chair if possible. Protect yourself from lice/bugs.

Drugs You may not know what your client is like on drugs. Follow your instincts.

Your role and boundaries do so much to keep you safe! Tell the family up front what you can and cannot do and stick with what you said. Explain that you talk about their case with DCS. Don’t agree to keep secrets. Keep the relationship professional. Don’t bend the rules for some. Boundaries and Limit Setting

Do you get mad when people yell at you? Do you get fearful when someone gets angry? Self-Awareness and Understanding your Limits

Communication Verbal Am I respecting this individual through my word choice? Non Verbal and Paraverbal Be aware of your body language. If someone becomes agitated, you may notice an increase in rate of speech.

Client’s power is reduced when involved with DCS. Consider the following:  Power needs to be recognized and acknowledged  Facilitate sense of control and give power whenever you can.  Do not be defensive.  Do not make client show you that they must be respected.  Avoid putting clients in positions that embarrass them. Client Awareness

Maintain your own health We don’t think as clearly when we are stressed or anxious.

During the home visit, mom’s boyfriend comes home. He glares at you and paces around the room. What do you do? Case Study

You approach the home and notice that there is yelling within the home. What do you do? Case Study

Your client received a court report, and there were negative things in it as reported by you. Your client begins to cuss at you. What do you do? Case Study

You are at the office. A man begins to hit a woman in the parking lot. What do you do? Case Study