Visitors can help youth maintain or develop positive social networks. At the same time, rules are in place to maintain safety and security of the youth, visitor, staff, other residents and the building itself.

CHT: Visitors are not allowed in the ROP program or other areas of the building with the exception of the McGill reception desk.

• Visitors can ask for an ROP resident between 10am and 10pm.
• They are allowed to wait in the lobby for five minutes maximum and then will be asked to leave the building.
• Youth need to organize their visitors and be available for their arrival as it may not be possible for staff to look for a resident.
• Confidentiality restricts staff from letting a visitor know whether a resident is in or out of the building.
• ROP residents may not let another ROP youth in their room at any time.

CHV: Visitors are allowed at ROP in Vancouver with certain conditions:

• Youth must sign their visitor in and out at the front desk.
• The visitor may be asked to show identification.
• Only two visitors per youth may be signed in at one time.
• Youth are not allowed to sign in a visitor if they are scheduled to be at school, work, on job search or otherwise engaged in their program.
• Prior approval must be obtained from the Program Manager to sign in a youth under 16.
• Visitors are allowed in the common spaces between 10am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 1am Friday and Saturday.
• Visitors are not allowed in any room occupied by youth.
• No physical contact is permitted between youth and their visitors.
• A visitor may not use an ROP computer or eat ROP food (with the exception of the community dinner).
• Visitors from the other floor may be signed in by an ROP member.
• Visitors from the Crisis shelter or other programs require advance permission from staff.
• ROP residents may not let another ROP youth in their room at any time.

Homeless Hub Thoughts:

Creating opportunities for youth to maintain or create positive social relationships are important for growth and healing. At the same time, an organization has to maintain security and safety of all of its residents and staff. The layout of space may also restrict the ability of an organization to allow youth to have visitors.

Where possible, we recommend that youth be able to have visitors in common areas. This is particularly important in the case of family, close friendships or mentors. Having clear rules and guidelines for visitors (per CHV) is beneficial and important. Not allowing people within the youth’s room is a good security measure and can help prevent complaints of theft or damage.