Unattended Children at Closing

Occasionally children will remain at the library after closing.

To prevent this from happening as much as possible follow these steps as laid out in Policies & Procedures, 2.3 Procedures Relating to Library Security, Section E. Unattended Children in the Library, Part 2. At Closing.

• 1. One hour before closing staff should walk around the library looking for unattended children before announcing when the library will close.

  2. Children, who have been identified as unattended, should be asked:

     1. • If parent/caregiver/guardian is in the library

        • If they know the library is closing in one hour

        • If they have a way to get home

        • If they have called or need to call home

        • If they are going to be picked up

        • Children who need to make phone calls may do so at the appropriate desk

        • Repeat process at half hour before closing

1. If children under the age of fifteen are observed waiting at the entrance after closing, the following steps are taken:

   1. • Child is asked if parent/caregiver/guardian has been notified.

      • If not, supervisor in charge asks for name and phone number of parent/caregiver/guardian. Supervisor in charge places call to ascertain estimated time of arrival. Parent/caregiver/guardian is expected to arrive within 15 minutes and should be told police will be called if this does not occur.

      • Person in charge and one staff member wait at a distance from the child. Child cannot wait in a vehicle with a staff member

      • If the child is not picked up within the specified time HPD is called at the non- emergency number (713-884-3131). Staff waits for police to arrive.

      • Give police child’s name, age, and phone number.

      • If parent arrives before police:

        • • Inform them of the library hours and consequences of child being left after closing.

          • Call police to cancel the request.

      • NOTE: Be sure to file an incident report after staff waits with any and all unattended children at closing.

      • Be sure to inform the child and parent that not being picked up in a timely manner is subject to suspension.

• • • • First Offense: 1 day suspension

      • Second Offense: 7 day suspension

      • Third Offense: 30 day suspension

      • Fourth Offense: 60 day suspension (also reported to Child Protective Services)

• • Unattended Child Packet should also be given to the parent/caregiver.