DC TRUST Guide 1023 - Children & Youth Investment Trust ...

c. All indoor and outdoor program areas meet all applicable DC laws and regulations for
use of space and occupancy.
d. All toxic materials are kept in original, labeled containers which are inaccessible to
young people.
e. Hot water pipes and other sources of heat exceeding 110 degrees F that are accessible
to young people are equipped with protective guards or insulated to prevent contact.
f. All electrical outlets and wiring are covered.
g. Unsafe areas or areas under construction or repair are fenced off and inaccessible to
young people.
h. Hallways and exits are unobstructed and not locked to inside access.
i. Staff intensifies supervision for activities that can be potentially harmful to young people.
j. An adequately supplied first aid kit is always available and locatable both at the program
site and during trips off site.
3. Program protects the safety and security of its young people during off-site
activities.
a. Staff monitors whether young people are adequately prepared for outdoor climate and
temperature and informs families of what young people will need for off-site activities
(e.g. maintains supplies of sun hats, sun block and bug repellent).
b. Adequate water and snacks are either brought or accessed on all outdoor and off-site
activities, especially in summer.
c. When possible, staff is equipped with means of intercommunication when working
off-site.
d. Up-to-date emergency and medical information is readily available for each young
person during all off-site activities.
e. Parental permission is required for all off-site activities, and families are kept informed
of any requirements for safety.
f. Program solicits information on all physical and medical conditions, allergies and
psychological conditions on program intake and registration forms.
g. All staff are knowledgeable of their individual responsibilities during off-site activities
(e.g. communication, monitoring, medical, transportation, etc.).
h. Program establishes clear codes of conduct and behavior while off-site.
i. Program informs young people on the dangers and consequences of leaving the group
when off site.
j. Monitoring systems and check-off systems are in place to ensure staff knowledge of
young people’ s whereabouts just before, during and just after trips off-site.
k. Program establishes a safe meeting place in case a young person gets lost during an
off-site activity as well as phone contact for at least one staff.
4. Program provides safe transportation to off-site activities.
a. The operator of any vehicle transporting young people shall be 18 years-of-age or older
and possess a valid driver’s license and adequate insurance coverage.
b. Staff-to-young person ratios do not include drivers when off-site.
Field Guide to OST Best Practices / Organizational Infrastructure / 41