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.Why Home Visitor Safety?IPDEIdentifyPredictDecideExecute

Keep your calendar up to date!!!Review the intake formMentally rehearse what you need to accomplishDont wear excessive jewelry; dress appropriatelyTake ID but dont wear it around your neckCarry cell phonePreparing before the visitBe 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 someones parking spot.Approaching the HouseKnow 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 clients home and emotions.Leave if you feel threatened.During the visitMake sure that your vehicle is in good working condition and has at least tank of gas.Have a flashlight and first aid kit in your car.Limit the personal information that you tell clients.Just in caseWear long hair up.Limit large jewelry.Have your ID, but dont wear it around your neckClothingAnimalsAsk for animals to be put up if you are not comfortable.Use common sense.Follow safety precautions with animals.

Communicable DiseasesWash 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.

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

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.Dont agree to keep secrets.Keep the relationship professional.Dont bend the rules for some.Boundaries and Limit SettingDo you get mad when people yell at you?Do you get fearful when someone gets angry?Self-Awareness and Understanding your LimitsCommunicationVerbalAm I respecting this individual through my word choice?Non Verbal and ParaverbalBe aware of your body language. If someone becomes agitated, you may notice an increase in rate of speech.Clients power is reduced when involved with DCS. Consider the following:Power needs to be recognized and acknowledgedFacilitate 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.Client AwarenessMaintain your own healthWe dont think as clearly when we are stressed or anxious.

During the home visit, moms boyfriend comes home. He glares at you and paces around the room. What do you do?Case StudyYou approach the home and notice that there is yelling within the home. What do you do?Case StudyYour 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?Case StudyYou are at the office. A man begins to hit a woman in the parking lot. What do you do?Case Study