Creating Physical Safety
Safety is a large topic and one which all shelter workers need to know well. Creating safety is one of the prime jobs of shelter staff and it comes before we can help women and children in the shelter with counselling and other problem-solving.
Most shelters have rules and procedures for ensuring the physical safety of the staff and of the women and children who go to the shelter.
Here is an example of safety guidelines for one shelter in the North
Sample: Tukkuvik Shelter — Safety Guidelines
- Telephone numbers posted beside telephone:
RCMP
Nursing Station
Social Services
Community group contact
Any other support people
Fire department - Notify RCMP when there is a client at the house to ensure safety.
- Ensure all doors are properly locked.
- If the client is seriously injured or is in pain, call the Nursing Station immediately.
- Do not admit any client who appears to be intoxicated or on drugs, refer to the RCMP immediately.
- Notify the social worker as soon as possible after a client is admitted.
- Inform client of confidentiality restrictions (abuse towards children and other criminal offenses).
- Inform client of Tukkuvik Shelter complaint process towards facility and staff.
- Inform the client about the rules of the house: exiting and entry to the shelter, childcare, appointments, family visits, respect for the shelter, laundry, cleaning, caring for children, using the phone (Social Services does not pay for long distance phone bills).
- Complete intake assessment as soon as possible to ensure appropriate referral.
- Refer the client to the social worker in order to get information about future referral, violence, legal advice and other support.
- Provide where possible a private room for the client(s).
- Ensure there are good meals for the clients.
- Consult with the social worker if the client needs the shelter for more than 7 days.