3.17.12: In the event of the death of a child
- Page ID
- 41691
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Emergency Procedure: Death of a Child
Purpose
This procedure provides a clear, compassionate, and structured response to the tragic and rare event of a child’s death at the program. The goal is to handle the situation with care, support the child’s family, notify appropriate authorities, and address the emotional needs of staff, children, and families.
Procedure
1. Immediate Response
- Assess the Situation:
- Immediately check for signs of life.
- Begin CPR or administer other life-saving measures if appropriate and safe to do so, following your training.
- Call Emergency Services:
- Dial 911 immediately to report the incident.
- Provide:
- The center’s name and address.
- A description of the child’s condition and any actions taken.
- Notify the Director:
- Inform the center director or designated supervisor immediately.
- The director will take responsibility for coordinating the response and further communications.
- Move Other Children:
- Discreetly relocate other children to a separate area to ensure they are not exposed to the situation.
- Assign staff to supervise and reassure the children.
2. Secure the Area
- Limit Access:
- Secure the area where the incident occurred to preserve the scene for emergency responders and investigators.
- Ensure no unauthorized individuals enter the area.
- Document Initial Details:
- Record the time and details of the incident, including:
- The child’s name and age.
- The activity or circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Any first aid or life-saving measures performed.
- Record the time and details of the incident, including:
3. Notification
- Contact the Family:
- The director or a designated staff member should notify the child’s parents/guardians immediately with compassion and clarity.
- Arrange for the family to come to the center or meet at the hospital if applicable.
- Inform Authorities:
- Cooperate with law enforcement or child protective services as required by law.
- Notify licensing or regulatory agencies in accordance with state requirements.
4. Support for Staff, Children, and Families
- Provide Emotional Support:
- Arrange for grief counselors to support staff, children, and families.
- Reassure children and provide age-appropriate explanations, avoiding unnecessary details.
- Communicate with Families:
- Notify other families about the incident with sensitivity, while maintaining confidentiality.
- Offer counseling resources and support services.
5. Documentation
- Complete an Incident Report:
- Include a factual account of the incident, steps taken, and communications made.
- Ensure all documentation is detailed, accurate, and filed securely.
- Preserve Records:
- Maintain all records related to the incident, including attendance logs, medical records, and staff actions.
6. Follow-Up
- Debrief Staff:
- Conduct a meeting to review the incident, provide emotional support, and discuss any procedural changes needed.
- Evaluate Policies:
- Review and update safety and emergency procedures as necessary.
- Schedule additional training if gaps in knowledge or practice are identified.
- Ongoing Support:
- Continue providing counseling or mental health resources for staff, children, and families as needed.
Responsibilities
Staff
- Respond immediately with first aid or life-saving measures.
- Supervise other children and maintain calm during the situation.
- Document actions taken and assist the director as needed.
Director
- Coordinate the response, including notifying emergency services and the child’s family.
- Communicate with authorities and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
- Oversee post-incident reviews and provide support to the program community.
Confidentiality
- Protect the privacy of the child and their family at all times.
- Share information only with authorized individuals, including emergency responders and regulatory agencies.
This procedure ensures a compassionate, organized, and professional response to a tragic event, prioritizing the care and well-being of the center community.