Why Home Visitor Safety?

1. Why Home Visitor Safety? 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.

2. IPDE • Identify • Predict • Decide • Execute

3. Preparing before the visit 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

4. Approaching the House 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.

5. During the visit 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.

6. Just in case… 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.

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

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

9. 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.

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

11. Boundaries and Limit Setting 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.

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

13. 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.

14. Client Awareness 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.

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

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

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

18. 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?

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