Policy

Staff must know how to help any child lost in the library. Also, the parent or guardian looking for a lost child needs prompt assistance from staff.

Procedure

If a child looks lost, tells you they are lost, or is alone and crying:

• Be as calm, casual and non-threatening as possible.
• Ask the child what is wrong; if they are lost, ask the child who came with them to the library. Ask what the person looks like, and try to get a name. Look in the immediate area with the child, and call out the name. Often, the person will be found in close proximity.
• If adult is not found quickly, call the branch supervisor or person in charge (PIC).
• The supervisor or PIC assumes responsibility and stays with the child:
  • Get as much information as possible: child's name, age, parent or guardian's name, and any information the adult gave the child about the adult's possible location in or out of the building.
  • The supervisor or PIC may take child through premises to look for the adult. Make sure the staff in the area the child was lost know that the child is with a supervisor or PIC in case the parent shows up.
  • DO NOT TRANSPORT THE CHILD OR TAKE THEM AWAY FROM THE PREMISES.
  • If search does not locate the adult, find out telephone number(s) from the child. If the phone is not answered, ask for names and/or telephone numbers of other adults who could come for the child.
  • If the adult is still not found or contacted by phone, call 9-911.
  • If the police have been called and the adult arrives before they do:
  • Wait for the police and explain what has happened with the child.
  • Talk with the adult about the incident, especially if the child is under six and has been left unattended which is against library policy. View the library's Behavior Rules.
• Report what has occurred on a Security or Incident Log .

If an adult tells you they have lost a child in the library:

• Be as calm and reassuring as possible.
• Call the supervisor or PIC.
• Supervisor or PIC assumes responsibility and stays with the adult:
  • Get child's name, age, description, and photo if available. Ask adult where child was last seen.
  • PIC conducts thorough search of premises with adult and other staff.
  • If the child is not found, call 9-911. A police officer will be sent.
  • If police have been called and the child is found first, call 9-911 to cancel the call, and/or wait to explain to police what happened.
  • Fill out a Security or Incident Log .