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CHILD AND VULNERABLE ADULT PROTECTION POLICY

Adopted by Administration and the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 10/28/2021
Revised - 04/25/2024

This policy applies to all Lake County Public Library (LCPL) buildings and offsite events.

Child: Individual who is less than 18 years of age

Vulnerable Adult: Individual aged 18 or over whose ability to protect themself from violence, abuse or neglect is significantly impaired through physical or mental disability, illness, advanced age or otherwise

Staff: Employees of the Library who have contact with children and vulnerable adults in connection with their work duties

Volunteer: Individuals who have regular contact with children and vulnerable adults in connection with their volunteer activities at the Library

LCPL seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for children and vulnerable adults who visit the Library or are involved in Library programs and activities. The Library’s goal is to protect youth from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting staff and volunteers from false accusations.

LCPL encourages and welcomes children and vulnerable adults of all ages to use its facilities and services and to participate in its programs and activities. However, responsibility for the safety and behavior of children and vulnerable adults while at the Library rests solely with the parent, guardian or authorized caregiver and not with Library staff or volunteers. The following policies apply with respect to children and vulnerable adults on Library premises:

  • Library Staff and volunteers are not responsible for monitoring or supervising the safety and behavior of children or vulnerable adults on Library premises.
  • The parent or guardian of children or vulnerable adults on Library premises is solely responsible for ensuring the children or vulnerable adults are appropriately supervised and for the safety and behavior of the children or vulnerable adults.
  • If a child’s or vulnerable adult's behavior becomes disruptive to the operations of the Library, to other patrons or to Library staff, appropriate action in accordance with the Library’s policies and practices will be taken.

Staff and Volunteer Interaction with Children or Vulnerable Adults

The following policies apply with respect to interaction with children or vulnerable adults by Library staff and volunteers:

Staff and volunteers shall not accept or assume the responsibility for monitoring or supervising the safety and behavior of children or vulnerable adults on Library premises.

  • Staff and Volunteers shall not contact or communicate with children or vulnerable adults outside of the operations, programs and activities of the Library unless they have a prior, independent relationship with the children or vulnerable adults.
  • Staff and volunteers shall not use profanities, vulgarities; sexual innuendo, banter or jokes; or emotionally abusive language.
  • Staff and volunteers shall not share pornography or other obscene material with children or vulnerable adults Staff and volunteers shall not give or accept gifts or money without prior authorization from the employee’s supervisor.
  • Staff and volunteers shall not engage in conduct that involves using physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult (including without limitation touching, hugging, or kissing)
  • Staff and volunteers shall not engage in conduct that involves using physical contact to discipline a child or vulnerable adult (including without limitation touching, striking or hitting the child or vulnerable adult) except in the case of a necessity related to the health and welfare of the child, vulnerable adult, Library patrons, or Library staff or volunteers.
  • Staff and volunteers will not be in one-on-one no-visibility situations with children or vulnerable adults.
  • Staff and volunteers, to the extent possible and when feasible, should keep doors to rooms where programs and activities involving children and vulnerable adults are conducted open during the program or activity unless there is a window in the door or a window to the room.
  • Staff and volunteers should ensure that doors to rooms where programs and activities involving children and vulnerable adults are conducted should never be locked during the program or activity.
  • Staff and volunteers shall never assist any child or vulnerable adult with restroom usage. Any child or vulnerable adult too young or otherwise unable to provide for themselves regarding restroom usage should have a parent, guardian or authorized caregiver present to assist them.
  • Library staff shall not leave volunteers unattended with children and vulnerable adults.
  • Staff and volunteers are not permitted to remain alone after closing time with a child or vulnerable adult. Staff and volunteers will not give a child or vulnerable adult a ride home. Staff will not transport children or vulnerable adults to or from offsite activities.

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Indiana Code (IC 31-33-5) requires that any individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect must immediately report such directly to the Indiana Department of Child Services (“DCS”) or to a local law enforcement agency. This mandatory reporting requirement includes reporting child abuse, including any sex offense against a child, committed by any Library Staff or Volunteers while on Library premises or while attending an offsite Library event. The following reporting procedures apply if a Library employee or volunteer has reason to believe that an act of child abuse or neglect has occurred, by any person, including any Library employee or volunteer:

  • The Library employee or volunteer shall themselves immediately report the occurrence directly to DCS or local law enforcement. DCS operates a toll-free hotline (1-800-800-5556) for people to call and report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
  • The Library employee or volunteer shall immediately report the occurrence to the Library’s Director. An incident report shall be written and emailed to director@lcplin.org. All incident reports of this nature are confidential and only accessible by the Director or their designated representative.
  • Documented reports of suspected abuse will be disclosed to outside sources only by a subpoena. A subpoena or summons served on the Library for disclosure of a report of abuse can only be accepted by the Director.
  • The Director shall also report the occurrence to DCS or local law enforcement.
  • Director shall inform the Library Board of Trustee of the situation in an Executive Board session.
  • If the alleged child abuse or neglect involves allegations against a Library employee or volunteer, the Library employee or volunteer shall be immediately suspended from employment and/or volunteer activities pending the investigation of the allegations. The Library’s Director shall immediately notify the Library’s liability insurance provider.
  • All Library employees and volunteers shall cooperate with any investigation of the incident by state or local authorities.
  • If the alleged child abuse or neglect involves allegations against a Library employee or volunteer, the Library’s Director will investigate the circumstances of the alleged child abuse or neglect.
  • Any Library employee or volunteer who is not determined to be innocent of the alleged child abuse or neglect shall be subject to permanent removal from any contact with children and vulnerable adults in connection with their work duties or volunteer activities as well as additional corrective and disciplinary action up to and including termination as an employee or volunteer as appropriate.

Reporting Vulnerable Adult Abuse and Neglect 

The same reporting procedure should be followed for any suspected acts of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults as stated with children with the exception of notifying the Indiana Department of Child Services (“DCS”).

Children and Vulnerable Adults Protection Training

All Library staff and volunteers will be trained regarding youth protection issues. Such training for Staff and volunteers shall involve a review of the Library’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Indiana’s mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements.

Upcoming Events
Thu, Aug 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us for this small group class all about learning library apps. You must bring your own device. Registration required.

Thu, Aug 28, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Aug 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Rescheduled
Thu, Aug 28, 11:15am - 12:30pm
New date Wednesday, August 20, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Beyond That, the Sea" by Laura Spence-Ash. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Aug 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Dr. Tasha Eurich about Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos.

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at... more
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Colleen Oakley's "The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The... more
Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The Libratory. https://www.lcplin.org/libratory

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Every last Thursday, meet for an hour to read, drink tea or coffee, and casual conversation about reading.

Thu, Aug 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Aug 28, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about California. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Sep 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Baby, toddler and caregiver hour to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and toys!

Tue, Sep 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Sep 02, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration required.

Tue, Sep 02, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Sep 02, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2-5, are invited to join us in the Children's Programming Room to play with unique toys and socialize.

Tue, Sep 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 02, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Come in to the library and enjoy some crafting!

Wed, Sep 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Sep 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Explore writing about milestones and memories in short, powerful micro memoirs.

Wed, Sep 03, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include art projects, movies, science... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include art projects, movies, science projects, games, and more! No registration required.

Cancelled
Wed, Sep 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Wed, Sep 03, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Library - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on! 

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the... more
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer about Accomplice to the Villain, and the Assistant to the Villain series.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every... more
Teens can earn volunteer hours by making decorations and displays for TeenTober, a nationwide celebration of teens every October! Grades 6-12. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 04, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register.

Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.  

Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month. 
This event is full

Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 04, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.... more
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Sep 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of A Death in Cornwall, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for September. Pick up a copy at... more
Join the discussion of A Death in Cornwall, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for September. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Sep 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 04, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this... more
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this adventure. New players are welcome.

Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's Area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.
This event is full

Fri, Sep 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Drop in and make new connections while doing puzzles, games, coloring pages, and other mind stimulating activities. Light refreshments... more
Drop in and make new connections while doing puzzles, games, coloring pages, and other mind stimulating activities. Light refreshments will be served. All supplies will be provided.

Sat, Sep 06, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your... more
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Sep 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, Sep 06, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Lower Level
Come join the fun - free for all ages! Get geeky with video games, children's activities, an artist alley, and cosplay contests!... more
Come join the fun - free for all ages! Get geeky with video games, children's activities, an artist alley, and cosplay contests! Costumes are encouraged.