When planning to visit the child on campus or to take the child for an outing, check with the child care worker, the case worker, or the Unit Director. This consultation on scheduling the visit should take place before the visit or before inviting the child on an outing.

Visits and trips of more than 48 hours require approval from people beyond the Children’s Home staff such as a parent or managing conservator. Two weeks notice is requested in these cases to facilitate these approval contacts and to avoid the possibility of the disappointment of a missed opportunity for the child.

While the child is under your supervision, the child must be properly supervised, fed and hydrated, and provided with safe housing accommodations for any overnight visits.

While the child is under your supervision, the child’s health, safety, and well-being must be protected.

You, the mentor, must have all necessary medical information concerning the child, and must know how to proceed with a medical emergency.

Much of our discipline program is based on a behavioral level system with each level having corresponding privileges or restrictions. A child must be on the appropriate level to participate in an outing. Other plans or extenuating circumstances may need to be considered before allowing a child to leave for a visit.

Honor time frames established in the cottage and return children at the time agreed with staff. This will generally be at least thirty minutes before the child’s bedtime.

You are welcome to visit the child in his/her home. Remember that this is also the home of several other people. Extended or frequent visits in the cottage during meals, bath time or bed time can be a distraction to the regular routine of cottage life. Cottage visits should be concluded at the time agreed with staff. This will generally be at least an hour before the child’s bedtime.

You, the mentor, are chosen to be a special friend to one or two children. Focusing on the children selected for you to mentor gives that child extra attention and really strengthens relationships.

On special occasions, you may want to take several children on an outing. If you are planning for more than three children, arrange to have other adults involved so that you will have at least one adult for each three children. Appropriate supervision for these children is critical. Unit Director approval is required if your plans involve children from more than one cottage.

Please remember that the staff has the responsibility to fill the “parent” role for the child. As with any parenting situation, there may be times when you do not agree with the style or technique the staff employ. It is okay to not agree. The children should not be aware of your disagreement.  Helpful suggestions may be appropriately taken to the direct care staff. Disagreements where you feel that action stronger than a suggestion is required should be directed to supervisory staff.

Corporal punishment is prohibited for children in the care of the Children's Home of Lubbock. Many of our children have experienced abuse from adults and corporal punishment will deter the healing process for them.

Making appointments with school personnel, managing conservators, family members or therapists is a function of the staff of the Children's Home of Lubbock. Confidentiality issues must be respected in these matters. The staff will be happy to share with you what is appropriate information and observations you have regarding the child. Please talk to the child’s staff regarding concerns that you have.

Mentor families are to meet the same guidelines as childcare staff.

High risk recreational activities are not permitted. If questions arise, please contact the child’s Unit Director.