Security and Self-Harm Procedures

Security

All staff are responsible for helping maintain security.  The following outlines the various procedures and  rules relating to security.Security is essential to protect residents and staff, as well as agency property. Failure to adhere to procedures may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

shelter keys

There are a variety of sets of keys, including the RC keys, the RS keys, 2 sets of spare Shelter keys and 2 sets of van keys. Only staff can handle any of the keys. Residents are never to handle any keys. The RC should contact the On-Call in the event that any keys are lost. 

The RCs and RSs are required to keep their sets of keys on their person. Any other staff, such as an Assistant, using the RC or RS keys should return the keys to the RC/RS as soon as that staff is finished using the keys. Also, when the RS keys are not being used for a certain period of time, such as on a weekday morning, they are stored in a locked cabinet in the RC closet. Keys to the van are also stored in a locked cabinet in the RC closet. Any time staff have the van way from the Shelter and must park the van, such as on activity, the staff driving the van should keep the keys on his/her person. 

A spare set of the RC keys is stored in the RC bathroom.  The Care Coordinator is responsible for storing the spare set of van keys and extra Shelter keys.

restricted areas

There are areas in and around the Shelter's building that the residents are restricted from having access to unless supervised by staff; there are some areas the residents can never have access. 

Locked Storage Areas:

Residents cannot have access to any of the locked storage areas, such as the pantry, RC office cabinets and resident files the linen closets, the extra clothes closet (referred to as the Shelter Mall), unless they are continuously supervised by a staff member.

Staff Offices:

Residents are not allowed in any of the staff offices unless "invited" in by its occupants. Residents should only be "invited" in the RC office for the admission process, for first aid/medical purposes, to use the phone, or to address a discipline issue or a personal or sensitive issue. When residents are in the RC office they are not allowed beyond the left, front corner of the RC desk. There is a taped line in the RC office that clearly marks this boundary. Under no circumstances are residents allowed in the RC closet.  Also, residents cannot use the RC bathroom under normal circumstances.  When residents need things from the RC office, they should knock and gain permission to enter before coming into the staff office. Residents should never be in the office unless a staff member is present at all times.

Residents are "invited" into other staff offices for counseling or to discuss a discipline issue. During non-office hours (evenings, weekends and holidays) the door leading to the other staff offices must remain locked.

Outside Grounds:

Residents as a group are not allowed outside on the grounds without paid staff supervision. A single resident is allowed to be alone outside.

Van & Staff Vehicles:

Residents are not allowed in the Shelter van or any staff's vehicle unless supervised by staff. Under no circumstances are residents allowed to operate the van or any staff's vehicle. For more details, refer to the write up on the Transportation Policy in the section on Resident Policies and Daily Operation.

staff personal possessions

As a general rule, staff should only bring to work those personal possessions that are used during work. Staff's personal possessions must be kept in the RC office or bathroom.  Staff who bring in smoking materials or medications must keep such items locked in the RC closet. Staff are not to leave their personal possessions, such as purses, book bags, etc., in the Shelter where the residents have access to them. If staff choose to bring in personal items for the residents or Shelter to use, such as a board game, a Nintendo game, a VHS tape, etc., the Shelter is not responsible if the item is lost, stolen, or damaged.

security checks

The RCs regularly conduct security checks of the building.  The evening RC conducts a security check after the residents go to bed and before the overnight RC comes on duty. The overnight RC conducts a security check on a school morning approximately 1/2 hour before awaking the residents and on a non-school day approximately 1 hour before the day time RC comes on duty. The day time RC conducts a security check of the residents' dorm and bedrooms during bedroom maintenance check.

If, during the course of any of the security checks, the RC discovers a discrepancy, such as an unlocked, office window, the RC should make a note in his/her Log entry. If it appears that a resident or otherwise unauthorized person has been in the building or a restricted area of the building without staff permission, the RC should notify the Shelter Manager or On-Call. Also, if the RC discovers property damage or contraband materials he/she should refer to the Behavior Modification Program to decide who should be held accountable and what is the appropriate consequence.  The RC can consult with the Care Coordinator or On-Call as needed.

bed checks

From Bedtime to Wake-Up:

Staff regularly do bed checks from the time the residents go to bed until the residents awake.  Staff do bed checks on the average of every 15 minutes from bed time until the residents are asleep.  Once the residents are asleep, bed checks are done approximately every 1/2 hour until wake-up.  Ultimately, the RC is responsible for ensuring bed checks are done; however the RC can assign other staff to assist with the checks.  During the hours of 11:00PM - 1:00AM, the RS is responsible for doing bed checks.  The RC should note in his/her Log entry who did checks and the times the checks were done.  Bed check should vary so that residents cannot anticipate the exact time a check will be done or discern a predictable pattern, e.g. do not do bed checks exactly every half hour.

There are times that, due to a resident(s) disruptive behavior, staff will have to supervise residents more closely than the staggered bed checks allow for.  In these instances staff may have to sit in close proximity to the residents' hall or bedroom until all the residents are asleep, or at least quiet. 

When a Resident is Ill:

When there is a resident on bed rest, the RC is responsible for making sure bed checks are conducted approximately every 1/2 hour.  The RC should note in Log who did bed checks and the times the checks were done.

weapons

Neither staff nor residents can keep weapons on their person or any where on the Shelter's property; this includes staff vehicles.  If a staff member carries a pocket knife, he/she should lock it in the RC closet upon arriving to work.  State licensing regulations specifically prohibit the storage or use of firearms anywhere on the Shelter's property.  Again, this includes staff vehicles.

Any weapons found on the residents or anywhere on the Shelter's property are to be turned over to the Care Coordinator.  If such items are found when the Care Coordinator is not working, the RC should contact the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director for instructions in how to store or dispose of the weapon.  Any firearms that are found should be immediately reported to the police; the RC should then immediately notify the Assistant Director. The RC should notify the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director in the event that he/she has any concerns regarding weapons.