Boundaries 101
Touching a child's hair or commenting on their body or appearance is...
Inappropriate for staff to do.
This crosses a professional boundary.
Instead: Compliment their effort, determination or grit in working towards a goal.
True or False: You should ALWAYS believe a child that has told you something concerning.
True!
(Even if you have suspicions that the child isn't telling the truth. Always behave as if you believe them.)
If you a fellow staff member on their phone/apple watch. What should you do?
Remind staff about the phone policies and how safety is jeopardized.
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.
A child comes two day in a row with the same shirt, shorts and a wet bathing suit. Is this a serious red flag?
No. There are many possible reasons for this. Document the observation and weave in some group conversation about taking care of our bodies and share ideas for rinsing clothes off and hanging them to dry in a shower or in the sun.
Children need to learn about personal space when?
Early and often!
(Calm, kind, consistent reminders are the most helpful.)
How should we end a conversation when a child discloses something concerning?
Thank them for coming to an adult & tell them they did the right thing.
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:
"Jimmy is filthy & smells horrible."
Subjective
(not used for documentation)
Instead: Jimmy arrived to camp & had an odor of feces. (He may have had a bathroom accident but he said he was fine.) He was sent to the nurse for a change of clothes.
Finger mark bruises on neck. Is this a red flag?
Yes, talk to supervisor and document the observation. Leadership will discuss next steps.
When is it appropriate to have outside contact with kids in your program? (Texting, following them on social media, etc.)
Never during your employment at Old Colony Y!
(Unless you have a documented pre-existing relationship with their family. Ie: Babysitting)
How should you act/respond when a child discloses something that is a sensitive topic?
Calm, kind, actively listening.
Thank them for telling an adult.
Let them know you will try to help.
If you see two children walking into one stall in the bathroom, what do you do?
Calmly stop them and explain about privacy and have them go into two different stalls.
A documentation report is like a photograph because...
It is clear & unbiased.
Child is putting their hands on their genital area while engaging in water play or after getting changed. Is this a red flag for sexualized behavior?
Not necessarily.
Redirect the child without shame.
"Private parts are private and right now there are lots of friends around." (Simple documentation.) Depending on the child's age & developmental level, a conversation with caregiver may be needed.
What are some nurturing alternatives to hugging?
High fives, special handshakes, side hugs, talking & listening with care.
Let's say a child just disclosed something concerning...should we ask lots more questions to try and learn more details?
No, as very few questions and when you...make sure they are open-ended questions.
"What else would you like me to know?"
"Is there anything else that's important?"
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.
At lunch a camper shares that their family has been sleeping in a car for two weeks. Is this a red flag?
This is a red flag, but it is not necessarily a type of Abuse or neglect.
Listen to the child with care. Ask how they are doing.
Document the disclosure & connect with your supervisor. A check in with caregivers will be needed to assess if housing support is needed.
Why is it so important for our staff to help children establish clear boundaries with adults in the community?
Because having a clear understanding of healthy boundaries will help that child avoid unsafe situations in the future.
We want children to develop that sense of discomfort when an adult or other child does something that crosses a boundary.
When should you document the interaction/Disclosure
Once you are away from the child, immediately
You over hear a child telling their peer..
"I saw s-e-x on my babysitter's phone!"
What are your next steps?
Do not question the child.
Document what you hear with as much detail as possible & share promptly with your supervisor.
Discuss the plan for follow up with your supervisor.
Should we tell a child that we are documenting something concerning or "writing them up?"
Absolutely not.
Doing so can escalate stress and cause the child to become more dysregulated or upset.
Simply document what you need to & share with supervisor.
You notice Billy has been not himself lately. He continues to say things like " I suck", " I hate myself", "I am a failure".
This is a red flag for possible emotional abuse.
Listen with care. Try to focus on his positives (Sparks), document and tell your supervisor.