6. Unattended children
There will be times when staff must use their best judgement in responding to an unattended child. Their responses will be informed by this Policy and align with the department’s commitment to safeguarding children and prioritising the best interests of the child.
If staff are unsure about how to respond and have any concerns, they will contact the Strong Families Safe Kids Advice Referral Line (ARL) on 1800 000 123 for advice. This Policy makes a distinction between a younger child (aged 0-11 years) and an older child (aged 12-17 years). This distinction acknowledges that a younger unattended child may require a different response to an unattended older child.
6.1. Unattended younger child
There may be occasions when an unattended younger child is in the library, but their presence does not, by itself, raise any specific safety concern. Staff will exercise their best judgement and seek support from their manager if needed.
However, staff must follow the prescribed procedure if a younger child (or who appears to be under 12 years) is unattended, and:
- appears distressed, or
- is being disruptive or displaying other concerning behaviour, or
- is frequently left unattended at the library (see note below) or
- remains in the library past closing time (see 6.1.1).
In the first instance, staff will attempt to contact the child’s parent.
Note: If a parent repeatedly leaves a young child unattended at the library, despite being informed not to, or if staff have concerns about the child’s wellbeing, it may indicate a risk of abuse or neglect.
An unattended younger child should not be left alone with a staff member away from public spaces.
6.1.1. Responding to an unattended younger child at closing
If an unattended younger child is in the library at closing time, and their parent is uncontactable or fails to collect them within 15 minutes (see note below), staff must contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 and make a report to the ARL.
Where possible, two staff-members will remain with the child until their parent or Police arrive.
Note: 15 minutes is only a guide. Depending on the level of risk to the child, the staff member may contact Tasmania Police sooner (eg a vulnerable child).
6.2. Unattended older child
Staff will only approach an unattended older child aged 12 -17 years (or who appears to be within this age range) if there are safety concerns or if the older child is displaying unacceptable behaviour as per Libraries Tasmania’s Responsible Conduct Policy. This includes an older child visiting a library during standard school hours. A staff member will only contact the child’s school if the school Principal or delegate has initiated specific arrangements with a library Manager.
Older children, may use the library without parental supervision and should be able to:
- make contact their parent immediately if needed
- follow staff directions and library policies, particularly Libraries Tasmania’s Responsible Conduct Policy.