My name is Brenda Dolan I've been a home visitor for 14 years
I love being able to coach a parent and see the joy that they have.
The light in their eyes when they know that they have made a difference in their child's life.
One of the most rewarding things about being a home visitor is the relationship
that you get to establish working with the families, but it can be very challenging
because it's a dynamic environment you never know what
situation you will face walking up to that home, and when you walk inside the door.
Today I'm heading to visit Brian and Raquel and they have recently moved.
This will be my first time seeing them at their new home.
[background music and quiet conversation]
Today's visit with Raquel and Brian was great
but thinking back there were a number of things that I did to ensure my own personal safety.
First, before the visit I let my supervisor know who I was going to visit,
where I was going, and when I planned to return. Second, because Raquel had moved and this
was the first time I would be visiting her in her new home
I called ahead of time to gather important information that would keep me safe.
I confirmed the address, asked her about where to park,
and if there were any safety hazards in the neighborhood, like dangerous animals
to watch out for. I also asked her who would be in the home
during the visit.
As I was arriving in my car I took some time to drive around a bit and orient
myself to the location. I always try to be aware of any people or
groups of people that might be lingering around the home.
In some cases I've had to reschedule my visit if there were an unavoidable group
of people between myself and the home I plan to visit.
I was also looking for any no trespassing signs or beware of dog signs,
or any other indication of animals in the neighborhood.
After doing my usual scan from the car, I decided it looks safe
I chose a parking spot on the street so I wouldn't be blocked in a driveway if
needed to leave quickly. I parked my car facing away from the home
for that same reason, and lock the doors - being sure to leave any valuables
in the car and out of sight.
I put my phone away so I could stay vigilant to my surroundings as I
approached her door. Raquel's apartment was a good distance away
from where i had to park. You never know who else is aware of your arrival
and what their intentions are so I always try to walk tall and confidently
toward the home. Raquel's home was on the ground level but
when I visit families who live on the second floor of an apartment complex,
I'm always cautious about entryways and stairwells. in this case, I told Raquel to be looking
for me at the time of our scheduled visit.
As I entered Raquel's home there were a whole new set of safety challenges.
My goal was to make a warm introduction and then make sure that I would be safe
inside her home. After asking Raquel for permission to sit
down, I chose to avoid any locations where I wouldn't be able to see what was going
on behind me.
When possible, I try to sit close to an exit so I can leave quickly if necessary.
Once seated, I asked Raquel who else was in the home and if she expected anyone else to
join us.
[Spanish] No As I walked out the door, I took out my keys,
so that when I got to my car I could easily unlock it.
I began looking around to notice any people, activity or
animals.
Checking to see if the environment had changed while I was
inside the home Within a few minutes I was at my car and on
my way back to the office.
Home visiting is an exciting, rewarding, challenging job.
It's important to remember we can't get our job done if we're not taking steps
to actively keep ourselves safe in the field I've learned from years of experience that
we always have to be aware of our surroundings and trust our instincts.
Know and follow your agency safety policies.
Enjoy the relationships you make along the way, but remember ultimately
you're responsible for keeping yourself safe.
Well I found out, as I came into the home, that there had been a shooting in that
neighborhood.
And I've been on a visit far away where I haven't charged my phone
The abuser came to the house, and came in.
And was loud and aggressive.
As I got out of my car this man approaches me asks if I need help.
Baby's father's friends would go and drive around her driveway to see if she was home.
She was afraid that he was gonna come in any minute and
I was afraid that he would get upset about her sharing this story with me
And when I got to the home, boyfriend was there and several other friends of mom were
there.
She would say "No, I feel comfortable in my apartment"
but I wasn't really feeling comfortable.
Let people know where you're going.
Make sure that you have a cell phone on you.
Park on the side street so it's east to get out.
Make sure that you look like you know where you're going.
Making sure that you're there when there are other people around.
Carrying yourself in a way that says: I'm present, I'm in the moment
and I'm aware of my surroundings.
Having a good comfortable shoes on so that you can walk safely.
Generally I try not to go to a back bedroom or somewhere that, you know, is a little bit
more isolated.
Making sure you know where the exits are.
If you sense danger you can you can always repair later.
You can always call the person.
Trust yourself and your own intuition Listen to your body, and say "okay this isn't
feeling right," and think about the next step you're gonna take.
If you're aware of what's going on then you can stay safe.
My name is Gabby Cervantes.
My name is Jennifer Becerril I'm Dannette Barkel.
Gabriela Maldonado-Bell.
My name's Courtney Salzano.
Bonnie Colbourne My name's Jennifer Ruks.
My name is Yesenia Lopez-Duran.
My name is Delphia Perezselsky.
And I've been a home visitor for 25 years, here in Yamhill County.