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
