Safety at the Centre

• Make sure Centre staff involved in your child's services know all important information regarding your child’s health
• If you don't understand aspects of your child's condition or treatment, ask your clinician to explain why things are being done the way they are. If you still have concerns, ask again
• If you or your child have allergies, please inform each Centre staff member you are involved with. If your child requires an EpiPen®, please ensure that you have one with you when attending appointments
• Ensure Centre staff are aware of the name and any possible side effects of any medication your child is taking
• If your child uses specific equipment, please use this equipment only as directed
• Make sure your child's equipment is clean and in good working order. Ask your child's occupational therapist or physiotherapist to check that your equipment is safe

• Centre staff are trained in First Aid and CPR and there are First Aid Stations throughout the building. The Centre regularly holds fire and emergency preparedness drills
• Familiarize yourself with the Centre Emergency procedures posted in the reception area of our main building and on bulletin boards in the hallways
• The Centre is obligated to practice emergency procedures on a regular basis. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause while you are attending an appointment
• Centre staff will assist you in the case of an emergency procedure
• Please let us know if we need to make any special accommodations for you or your child in the case of an emergency procedure

• The Centre does not take responsibility for the loss of personal items while you are on Centre property. Please ensure that you keep any valuables with you at all times

• Please do not bring any food or other products that contain either peanuts or latex to the Centre

Know Your Niagara Children’s Centre Team

• If you are not sure who one of your clinicians is, or what their role is, please ask

• Help keep hallways free of clutter and obstacles. Report any tripping hazards both inside and outside the building
• Always watch your child/children in our waiting room or therapy areas
• Make sure your children are wearing appropriate footwear and be careful of slippery floors during poor weather
• Encourage all children to walk and hold your hand (not run) while at our sites
• Do not smoke on Centre property
• In the case of Centre staff visiting your home to provide services, please:
• Do not smoke while Centre staff are in your home
• Keep animals under control while Centre staff are in your home. Staff will inform you of any pet allergies
• Make sure that there is a clean and safe area in your home when Centre staff visit

Ontario's Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) requires by law those who perform professional or official duties with respect to children to report suspected child abuse where there are reasonable grounds. Niagara Children’s Centre staff are obliged to immediately report suspected and/or actual harm of a child to the Children's Aid Society (CAS) and/or Family and Children’s Services Niagara (FACS). Centre staff are required to report abuse or harm that is physical, emotional, sexual or neglectful in nature.

What is Physical Child Abuse?

Physical abuse can include items such as beating, slapping, hitting, pushing, throwing, shaking and/or burning.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse happens when a parent or other person in charge of a child sexually molests or uses a child for sexual purposes or knowingly fails to protect a child from sexual abuse.

What is Emotional Abuse?

Emotional abuse can include yelling at, screaming at, threatening, frightening, bullying, and/or humiliating the child, as well as name-calling or saying things like: “You're no good,” “You're worthless,” or showing little to no physical affection or attention toward the child.

What is Neglect?

Neglect includes not providing proper food and clothing, supervision or medical care.

What To Do If You Witness or Suspect Abuse

To report the abuse of a child, contact Children’s Aid at 1-888-937-7731. Children’s Aid operates a 24-Hour Emergency Service. You can also call 911 for emergencies. 

• Keeping your hands clean is the best way to prevent the spread of germs
• Use the hand sanitizers in the front lobby when you enter the building
• Wash your hands after using the bathroom or after handling any type of soiled material
• Our staff are committed to sanitizing their hands prior to and after working with your child. Feel free to ask them if they have done so
• Therapy equipment and surfaces are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure everyone's wellness and safety

Alignment – Correct posture allows our body to act as efficiently as possible

Base of Support – A good base of support allows you to be more stable – place feet shoulder-width apart and point your feet in the direction of what you are lifting

Centre of Gravity – Try to match your centre of gravity with the centre of gravity of what you are carrying

Remember these tips to reduce the risk of back injury when caring for children:

• Store heavy items at waist level in an easily accessible area
• Squat or kneel to interact with children instead of bending at the waist
• Use appropriate postures when seated on the floor (if sitting for long periods, use a wall or piece of furniture to support your back)
• Avoid holding toddlers on one hip
• Allow child to participate in the lift when possible
• When lifting from the floor, break activity down into steps

Consult with your child’s clinician about specific instructions related to your child or if you have experienced back pain or a previous back injury.

• All children should be secured in a car using an appropriate car seat
• Niagara Region offers car seat safety classes for parents