Client Injury During Visitation Policy

Step-by-Step Protocol

Step 1

Ensure Safety

  • Immediately stop the visitation session.
  • Remain calm and keep other children/clients away from the area.
  • Do not move the injured client unless there is danger in staying where they are.
  • Provide basic first aid only if trained to do so.

Step 2

Assess Injury Severity

  • Use the Injury Triage Decision Chart to decide whether emergency medical services (911) are required.
  • If unsure, call your supervisor immediately to help decide.

Step 3

Notify Required Parties

  • Notify your supervisor immediately by phone.
  • If applicable, notify the child’s parent/guardian.
  • Notify the assigned Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) Family Case Manager (FCM).
  • If the incident occurred at a public location, alert site staff if appropriate.

Step 4

Document the Incident

  • Complete an Incident Report Form within 24 hours.
  • Include: date/time/location, who was present, what happened, injury description, first aid given, and witnesses.
  • Submit the report to your supervisor, the Program Director, and the DCS FCM.

Step 5

Follow-Up

  • Cooperate with any investigation by DCS, law enforcement, or Ignite Families supervisors.
  • Resume visitation only after approval from a supervisor.
  • If traumatic, staff may request mental health support or debriefing.

Confidentiality Reminder

Do not discuss or share details of the incident with anyone except your supervisor, the Program Director, and the DCS FCM. All staff are mandatory reporters.

Injury Triage Decision Chart

Severity Examples Action
Emergency — Call 911 Loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, head injury, difficulty breathing, suspected broken bone, seizure, major allergic reaction Call 911 immediately, notify supervisor, stay with client until help arrives
Minor Injury Small cut, bruise, scrape, minor nosebleed, mild emotional distress Provide basic first aid, notify supervisor and DCS FCM, complete Incident Report
Uncertain Not clearly life-threatening but possibly serious Call supervisor on the spot to help determine if 911 is needed

Golden Rule: When in doubt, call your supervisor while still with the client.

Purpose:To ensure the safety of clients and staff during supervised visitation, and to establish a clear response process when a client is injured.