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Safety Tips for Students Serving in the Community

Communicate

  • Ask your agency supervisor for tips on staying safe.
  • Tell someone your destination and your tentative return time.
  • Ask for help from your supervisor or another staff member when in doubt.
  • Request an alternate service site if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with your current site.

Plan Ahead

  • Plan for “what if’s” (what if car breaks down, what if I can’t find clients or agency address, etc.)
  • Wear appropriate, modest, easy-to-move in attire, consistent with agency policy. Wear sturdy shoes.
  • Don’t engage in activities beyond the scope of your class or your student/agency agreement, appropriate to the service provided.
  • Plan to go in pairs if visiting people in private homes.

Transportation

  • Drive carefully; the university is not liable for risks involved in students getting to and from their service sites.
  • Do not give a client a ride in a personal vehicle. Note: driving cannot be a requirement of your service.

Children Serving with You

  • If you would like to take your children with you make sure you get prior permission from the agency.

NOTE: BSU liability insurance does not cover students’ children. For that reason, BSU recommends you do not take your children with you.

Boundaries

  • ONCE AGAIN: Even if asked, don’t give a client a ride in a personal vehicle.
  • DON’T give or loan clients money or other personal belongings.
  • DON’T share too much personal information (phone number, address, Facebook, etc.)
  • DON’T tolerate talk or behavior of a sexual nature. If you feel harassed, tell your supervisor or instructor immediately.
  • DON’T engage in any type of business with clients during the term of your service.
  • DON’T enter into any sort of personal relationship with a client during the term of your service.

Home Visits

  • Get information about the client, cultural norms, and their situation prior to the home visit.
  • ONCE AGAIN: Go in pairs when possible.
  • Try not to be alone with clients without adequate supervision.
  • Consider meeting at a neutral place (at the agency or at a public building) or going with another student.
  • Keep your agency informed of your plans and itinerary and check in by phone on a prearranged schedule.
  • When you arrive, think about where to sit (keep an unobstructed path to the door).
  • Trust your intuition; if something does not feel right, leave. Talk to your agency supervisor about your concerns and ask to switch clients.

Injuries

  • Protect yourself: carry your own health insurance** (BSU student health insurance is a good option).

**Boise State liability insurance does not cover student injuries (but it will cover third party injuries or damage). Agency liability insurance will cover student injuries as long as the student’s activities are within the scope of course guidelines and the student/agency agreement.

If Something Does Happen or You are Unsure

  • If an incident occurs or if you are injured, contact your agency supervisor and your instructor to discuss what actions the agency and school should take to insure your physical and emotional well-being.
  • You should fill out an accident/incident report form within 48 hours. For additional information see the Boise State Service-Learning Incident Report Procedure
  • Stay calm. Your instructor, the agency, and the SL staff will help you (call (208) 426-2380 or (208) 426-1004 for SL staff).
  • If you are unsure whether an incident warrants a report, it is better to err on the side of caution and ask.  The SL staff is available to help you.