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Line of sight

This key information outlines how to put into action the line of sight section of the Working with Children and Young People in Residences policy.

Children and young people in a residence have a right to:

express their views
participate safely in the life of their residence
have private conversations.

It is also very important that we know children and young people are safe in our residences. We need to know they are not being bullied and that they are not planning actions that may threaten themselves, other young people, staff or the residence.

What the policy says

The Working with Children and Young People in Residences policy says that:

The primary task of the residence’s care team is to engage the child or young person and proactively manage their behaviour, in line with Behaviour Change practice and the Punctuated Practice approach.

During each shift, all staff members must be in the line of sight of at least one other staff member and all children and young people must be in the line of sight of at least one staff member.

Working with Children and Young People in Residences policy

Operational principles

Plan all operational activities so we can maximise the direct supervision of young people.
During each shift, we must try to be in the line of sight of at least one other staff member.
All children and young people must be in the line of sight of at least one staff member unless they are in their bedrooms.
We remain within hearing distance of children and young people, especially if we believe, or are suspicious, that unsafe actions are being planned.
If we cannot maintain line of sight, we need to remain in line of sight of a security camera.

Keeping staff in line of sight

We need to be aware of where each team member is during any shift.
We should never be alone with a young person.
We should always carry a radio or cell phone in case we require urgent assistance.
We limit the number of areas open to children and young people at any given time so we can keep an eye on each other.
We minimise the amount of time we spend in the staff hub.
Within the unit, we need to know where all young people are at all times
Young people are not to be left alone together.
When young people are in their rooms, the rooms are monitored and the bedroom alarms are on.
At night time when young people come out of their rooms, we monitor to make sure they return to their own room.

Keeping children and young people safe at night

Rules for the kitchen

During any meals, children and young people have to be seated in the dining room area.
Children and young people are not allowed in the kitchen unless under staff supervision.
We should count the cutlery at the start and end of every shift, and after each meal to make sure we spot any missing cutlery as early as possible.

Managing staff breaks

The shift leader approves any breaks taken and makes sure that the safety of the young people and staff are a priority.
Breaks must always be: 2 x 10min breaks and a 1 x 30min break.
Breaks are not to be combined as one long 50min break.

Stay in hearing distance

We should always be aware of group dynamics and any potential risky situations.
While we should be within hearing distance, best practice would ensure that we are also engaging in the conversations or activities to avoid having to intervene into any inappropriate conversations or unsafe practice.
When we detect any suspicious behaviour, we discuss how to manage it with the team.

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