What to do when something goes wrong
Making an emergency plan to manage each identified risk/loss is about having simple clear plans of what you’ll do. The less complex, the more likely you are to recall it short notice.
For basic activities, this is simple…
Have phone charged and on, with phone number of parent and your Coordinator.
Have a First Aid Kit on you wherever possible. Consider completing a basic First Aid certificate. BBBS will fund this for you.
When something goes wrong,
Stay as calm as possible, despite the best risk management and assessment, things don’t go to plan. Clear thinking will allow you to navigate your way through this.
Administer First Aid as appropriate and contact emergency services if required. If not required,
Contact your Coordinator. They will help you to process what to do next. If the injury/incident is minor, this can be done after you drop off your young person.
Contact the parent. If the injury/incident is minor, this can be done when you drop off your young person.
Contacting Big Brothers Big Sisters in an emergency
Your Mentoring Coordinator is your first port of call in an emergency, unless it requires immediate attention from emergency services such as the Police or an Ambulance. However, if you attempt to contact your Mentoring Coordinator regarding an emergency but they are not contactable, try to call other Staff at the Branch including other Mentoring Coordinators or the Manager. We recommend you adding the contact numbers of other Staff to your phone. And ask your branch what their emergency contact plan is for mentors so you know who to contact.
It is recommended that you document the incident as soon as possible after it occurs. Click here to complete a form - it will be forwarded on to your branch and you will receive a copy.
Child Abuse - How do I know?
One of the common concerns mentors have is knowing how to identify abuse and neglect. Mentors can find it challenging to see a young person with challenging or limited home environments, but it can be hard to know if what we are observing warrants reporting. Be assured that it is always better to talk to your Coordinator about any concerns you may have.
Here are two very helpful resources to help you feel more confident in identifying concerns:
How Can I Tell - A free resource from Child Matters to assist with recognising child abuse
Fundamentals of Safeguarding and Child Protection
Online Learning course. Cost $65 (Ask your branch if they can cover this cost for you)
Online Learning course. Cost $65 (Ask your branch if they can cover this cost for you)
What will I learn?
• How prevalent child abuse and neglect is in New Zealand.
• How to recognise and confidently respond to signs of abuse and neglect.
• The vital role Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies play in keeping children safe.
• To understand and navigate the challenges which may impede helping a child.
• Relevant legislation and guidance established to protect children.