Child Safety Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes clear guidelines and expectations to ensure consistency, compliance, and accountability within the Fort Erie Public Library (FEPL). It outlines the principles and procedures that govern the safety and supervision of children using library facilities to support our mission of providing a safe, welcoming environment for all patrons while ensuring legal and duty-of-care obligations are met.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, board members, volunteers, and contractors. It extends to all activities, decisions, and operations conducted under the FEPL’s authority, regardless of location, specifically concerning the supervision and safety of minors (children under the age of 18) within library premises.

3. Definitions

• Direct Line of Sight: A position where a parent or guardian can visually monitor their child (aged 5 or younger) without obstruction at all times while in the library.
• Responsible Caregiver: An individual aged 16 or older who has been entrusted by a parent or guardian to supervise a child.
• Unattended Child: A child who is not accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver as defined by this policy.

Policy Statement

Section 1: Supervision Requirements

• General Rule: Parents or guardians must ensure that children requiring supervision are accompanied by a responsible caregiver at all times.
• Ages 5 and Under: A parent or guardian must remain in the direct line of sight of their child at all times.
• Library Programs: Children requiring supervision should not be left unattended during library programs. While parents/guardians are not required to attend the program itself, they must remain inside the Library building.

Section 2: Emergency and Closing Procedures

• Closing Time: If a child is found unattended at the time the Library closes, staff will make every reasonable attempt to contact a parent or guardian.
• Police Involvement: If a parent or guardian is unavailable, the Niagara Regional Police will be contacted.
• Staff Protocol: Wherever and whenever possible, two staff members will remain with the unattended child until the parent or authorities arrive.
• Medical Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency involving an unaccompanied child, Library staff will call for emergency medical assistance immediately before attempting to reach the child’s parent or guardian.

Section 3: Restrictions and Confidentiality

• Transportation and Accommodation: Under no circumstances will Library staff provide transportation for children nor accommodate them away from the library premises.
• Confidentiality: Staff will not disclose information to any person, whether in person or over the telephone, regarding if a child is currently in the library or has been there recently. Any person asking about a child in person must provide identification and proof that they are the child’s parent or guardian.

5. Responsibilities

• Board of Directors: Oversees compliance with this policy, reviews policy updates, and ensures alignment with municipal and provincial child protection laws.
• CEO: Ensures enforcement of the policy, provides necessary resources for staff training, and manages escalation of complex incidents.
• Branch Services Coordinator: Communicates expectations to teams, monitors adherence to supervision rules, and handles incidents involving unattended children.
• Employees/Volunteers: Follows policy guidelines strictly, identifies unattended children, initiates contact procedures when necessary, and reports violations or safety concerns immediately.

6. Compliance & Consequences

Failure to comply with this policy, particularly regarding the safety of minors and emergency protocols, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, depending on the severity of the violation. Reports of non-compliance will be investigated promptly and addressed in accordance with FEPL’s disciplinary procedures.

7. Communication

This policy will be distributed to all applicable parties via Rise. An updated copy of the Policy Manual will be located in Sharepoint and at the circulation desk. Updates will be communicated in a timely manner to ensure all stakeholders are aware of their obligations.

8. Related Documents

• Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act
• Niagara Regional Police Service Protocols
• FEPL Incident Reporting Procedure
• FEPL Code of Conduct

Anticipated Review Date

April 2029