Safe Child

 A safe environment is imperative for all people to reach their fullest potential. The Estes Valley Library (Library) is committed to being a safe place, where children and youth are recognized as respected individuals. 

The youth areas of the Library are designed to serve the needs of age-appropriate users. Adults unaccompanied by a minor in a designated youth area will be asked to use other areas of the Library.

Unattended Child

Parents and guardians are responsible for the supervision, including safety and behavior, of their children at all times in the Library. The Library respects the privacy of all patrons and will intervene only when a child is believed to be at risk, disturbing other patrons, or is endangering themselves.

Children may use the Library unattended, at the discretion of a responsible adult. However, if the adult feels it is unsafe for the child to leave the building without adult supervision, the child should not be left at the Library unattended. The Library staff cannot provide childcare or assume parental responsibility for children’s safety.

Children, like all Library users, are expected to behave in a manner that respects the Library property and that is appropriate to the use and function of the Library. If a child behaves in a disruptive manner, the child may be asked to correct their behavior. Library staff may, at their discretion, contact a parent, guardian, caregiver or police officer, or direct that the child leave the Library.

When an unattended child has not been picked up at the close of Library business, the child has a health emergency, or other similar circumstances, the staff will assist the child in contacting an appropriate adult. In the event that no one can be contacted within 30 minutes, the Library staff may call the Estes Park Police Department and place the child in their protective custody.

Child Abuse Prevention

To contribute to a safe environment for children and youth, and in the pursuit to protect them from abuse, the Library has established a staff Code of Conduct with Youth and commensurate procedures. 

The Code, contained within the Employee Handbook, is an acknowledgement of the Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act. The Code requires employees to follow mandatory reporting guidelines, should they witness a life-threatening situation or suspected child abuse. Code procedures specify appropriate and inappropriate behavior for Library staff, volunteers and others involved with youth programs or activities, and are part of regular staff and volunteer training.

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Please refer to the Patron and Management policy sets for more information.

The Estes Valley Library Safe Child Policy was adopted and approved by the Estes Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees on February 21, 2006, revised on June 15, 2009, February 19, 2013 and June 20, 2016, reviewed on June 20, 2019, revised on May 16, 2022 and April 17, 2023.

                                                             

Lynn Lawson, President,                           John Krueger, Secretary