Policy on Unattended, Lost or Missing Children
Statement
of Purpose
It is the intention of this policy to enlist the cooperation of
parents and other adults responsible for children to ensure that
the Duluth Public Library provides a safe and pleasant experience
for all who use it. This policy is to be implemented when children
are lost, frighteened, stranded or otherwise need assistance because
they are alone.
Policy
Statement
Children age seven and under may not be left alone in the Library.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for children's behavior.
Child
Left Unattended During Open Hours
If it is determined that a child is lost or left unattended, a
staff member should try to identify and locate the parent/caregiver,
according to the following procedure:
1. Children left unattended are often frightened and
crying and should be reassured by the staff.
2. Walk around the area with the child, looking for
the parent/caregiver and informally asking for assistance. Often
other people in the area can provide information.
3. Page the child's parent/caregiver, using his/her
name, if known, or the child's name, if known. If no name is available,
describe the child's physical appearance. Repeat the page as needed.
A sample page is: "May I have your attention please. Will
Johnny's mother please come to the Children's Area? Johnny is
wearing red overalls and a Power Rangers turtleneck."
4. When an adult is located, gently remind him/her
about the Library policy on unattended children. For example,
"Your child was scared. The Library thinks it's important
that an adult stay with a child under age 8."
5. If the parent/caregiver is not found in the building,
a staff member should stay with the child until someone can be
located, through searching the computer database, phone book,
city directory, etc.
6. If, after making an attempt, the parent/caregiver
has not been located, the staff member will call the police (9-911).
Explain to the child that no-one is in trouble but that we want
to make sure the child gets home safely.
7. Under no circumstances will a staff member take
the child out of the building.
Child
Left Unattended at Closing
1. Check through the building and page the child's
parent/caregiver. Repeat the page as needed.
2. If the parent/caregiver is not in the building,
two staff members should stay with the child until someone can
be located. Normal efforts to locate parents, relatives, neighbors/family
friends, etc. should be made, using information from the child.
The computer database, phone book and city directory may be used
if necessary.
3. If, after making an attempt, the parent or another
responsible adult has not been located, call the police (9-911).
Explain to the child that no-one is in trouble but that we want
to make sure the child gets home safely.
4. Under no circumstances will a staff member take
the child out of the building.
Child
Reported Lost or Missing
If a parent/caregiver reports a child missing, staff will follow
this procedure:
1. Obtain name, age and description of the child.
2. Page staff to request their assistance in locating the
child, or page the child, depending on his/her age. Provide a
name and/or description of the child. Watch exits.
3. Check all areas thoroughly, including bathrooms, offices
and the elevator.
4. Check outside the Library.
5. Call the police (9-911) if unable to locate the child.
6. If the child is found and the staff was paged, make
an announcement that the child has been found.
Timelines and actions may vary with the maturity of the child, the time of year, the weather and staff availability. The goal is to be helpful and to keep library patrons safe.
Adopted May 8, 1996
Duluth Public Library Board
