Boundaries 101
When do children need to learn about personal space?
Early and often!
How should we end a conversation when a child discloses any information
Thank them for coming to a trusted adult
You observe two staff members kissing when kids are at the program. What should you do?
If comfortable approaching staff remind them of Y USA touch policy.
What kind of writing is this: Subjective or Objective:
"Jimmy smells horrible."
Subjective
Red Flag: Yes or No
Finger mark bruises on neck.
Yes, talk to supervisor and review other documents in the file.
When should we begin helping children feel in control of their bodies?
As early as possible!
How should you act when a child discloses information
Calm and controlled
If you see two children walking into one stall in the bathroom, what do you do?
Stop them, and explain about privacy and have them go into two different stalls.
Give us an example of objective writing.
Judges will decide :)
Red Flag: Yes or No
Child is constantly inching their private parts.
Depending on the age. Have a conversation with parents, might just need to be medical treated.
What are some way we can connect with children that does not include physical touch? (no hugs, high fives, etc,)
talking & listening with care, dance moves, Elbow or foot bumps.
What type of Questions should you be asking the Child
Open-Ended questions
You see a staff giving another child a piggy back ride. What should you do?
Intervene and redirect. Speak to staff about safety and explain why this should not be happening.
What do you do if you make a spelling error on a documentation sheet?
Cross out with one line and initial at the top of the word.
Red Flag: Yes or No
A child comes in and tells you that he has been sleeping in a car for two weeks with his family.
Yes, but it is not a type of Abuse or neglect. Have a conversation with the caregivers, they might need extra support.
Should we give piggyback rides to campers?
NO! NEVER
When should you document the interaction/Disclosure
Once you are away from the child, immediately
You over hear a child telling another child something that is not age appropriate, and alarming. What should you do?
Share with supervisor and document
Follow up with the other child. Even follow up with the parent if necessary.
If a child has a nickname, what do you use in their documentation?
no nick name, full name!
Red Flag: Yes or No
You notice Billy has been not himself lately. He continues to say things like " I suck", " I hate myself", "I am a failure".
Yes, emotional abuse. Try to focus on his positives (Spark), be a positive light in his day, document and tell your superior.
True or False: Staff should always ask for permission before touching a Camper's body.
True, Campers still might need help applying sun screen.
Yes or No: Should we tell a camper to stop disclosing something by saying "we don't talk about that here" or "What happens at home stays at home"? and why
NO, if a child feels comfortable to disclose something to you, you should never stop them, you might be the only person that they have trusted to tell this information to.
If you a fellow staff member on their phone/apple watch. What should you do.
If more than once, go to supervisor.
If there is more than one child involved in a documentation what should you do?
Write out individual documentations for each child. Do not use different children's name in documentation.
Red Flag: Yes or No
A child comes two day in a row with the same shirt and pants.
No, has to be chronic. Just document the observation. Encouraged to have a strength based conversation