Day-to-Day Procedures to Follow
- When setting up your drive please contact all necessary parties the night before whenever possible. It is good practice to leave a message and text the client to help ensure they get the message. (You will not always receive a response)
- When you speak with the care provider, please determine what cars seats are needed, if any. If you are informed of a drive cancellation at this time, please contact your supervisor immediately. If you are going to be late for any reason, please call and notify the client.
- Never transport anyone not named on the drive request. Company liability only covers those who are approved by the worker. Never trust what a client or family that claims things have already been cleared by their worker. Always call your supervisor to confirm. - If you are unable to contact the supervisor, call CRISIS and ask for the on-call worker for the district office involved. CRISIS is 1(800) 638-0715.
- If you are transporting a child with medication, document the name of the ADULT that you give the meds to. Document the name in your contact notes. Under no circumstance are meds to be in a child’s possession.
- To protect yourself from allegations, please include pick up and drop off times, as well as all stops, in contact notes. When you arrive at a destination you must ensure an adult is there to take custody of the child. We are liable for the care of the child until an approved adult is available.
- If you are involved in an accident, notify your supervisor immediately. If unavailable, call CRISIS. The client must be checked at the hospital as soon as possible.
- When supervising a visit never leave clients unattended. Listen to all conversations as closely as possible. Let them youth know that if they are uncomfortable, that you are there for them and they can leave if they want to.
- Children 12 years of age and younger must be in the back seat. If a teenager is less than 110lbs they should be in the back seat.
- When transporting young children in 5-point car seats please remove their bulky coats. This is mainly a concern during the colder months.
- Occasionally someone other than the driver will secure the child into the vehicle. It is the driver’s responsibility to check that the seatbelts are fastened, and straps are adjusted properly.
- Proper clothes are to be brought with the client so that they are prepared for any potential weather.
- It is company policy to forbid children from eating while the vehicle is in motion. They can have their bottle or non-spill cup. If you choose to allow a colored drink, you will be responsible for any stains to your vehicle. Do not purchase food or drinks without the approval of your supervisor, as you do not know what allergies they may have.
- Timesheets are submitted on the last day of the month and the 15th. Contact notes are due at the same time. Late notes can result in withholding of paychecks. Please proofread before sending them. Do not document any personal information regarding the foster parents, such as names, phone numbers, or addresses. If contact notes are needed for court, this information becomes public knowledge.
- Caution - When transporting parents or other family members, they might make it sound like they are aware of things like the location of their children. We do not confirm information. We refer them back to their social worker to obtain clarification.
If you are ever unsure of anything, or need any information, or clarification, call your supervisor.