TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Adam Lindsay, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Michael Gibson, Parks and Recreation Director
James McMillan, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
DATE: January 2, 2024
RE:
Title
Unaccompanied Minors in City Facilities
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal IV: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Executive Summary:
The purpose of this report is to address and discuss the request received from Council Member Jensen to research and provide a proposed policy regarding unaccompanied minors in City facilities.
North Carolina General Statute 14-318 remains the primary guidance acknowledged by the majority of organizations polled during research.
§ 14-318. Exposing children to fire. If any person shall leave any child under the age of eight years locked or otherwise confined in any dwelling, building or enclosure, and go away from such dwelling, building or enclosure without leaving some person of the age of discretion in charge of the same, so as to expose the child to danger by fire, the person so offending shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (1893, c. 12; Rev., s. 3795; C.S., s. 4443; 1983, c. 175, s. 9, 10, c. 720, s. 4; 1993, c. 539, s. 221; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
Most agencies surveyed do not have a standard policy or a specific training program that can be cited, to address unaccompanied children. Most responses received were consistent in leaning on parental discretion.
Background:
Summary of Research:
FCPR contacted the following agencies or groups.
• Seven (7) parks and recreation agencies within the State of North Carolina
• Three (3) additional parks and recreation agencies within the US of varying populations but similar amenities
• Cumberland County Schools
• Cumberland County Department of Social Services
• Cumberland County Child Advocacy Center
• Air, rail and automotive travel groups
FCPR Policy:
FCPR is operating at or above comparable department standards. Staff is empowered with the responsibility of site based management. This includes becoming familiar with the local community and exercising reasonable judgement.
Staff practices the “JDLR” method as defined by the City of Fayetteville Police (poc- Detective S. Conrad). When something “Just Doesn’t Look Right” staff take precautionary action. Staff also take precautionary measures as acknowledged by City of Fayetteville Fire (poc- Deputy Chief. Hieu N. Sifford) and Cumberland County Department of Social Services (poc- CPS Intake SW II, Erica Booher) citing North Carolina General Statute 14-318. FCPR does not allow school age children in the recreation centers without guardianship during school operating hours.
As stated in the FCPR Code of Conduct, “it is the department’s obligation to maintain a controlled, safe and healthy atmosphere for everyone.” When, in staff’s discretion, safety or health is compromised, they are authorized and expected to exercise prudent judgement. Staff is tasked with the responsibility of making every effort to achieve this goal as well as maintaining fairness and consistency across the board.
Even though FCPR’s facilities have scheduled, structured and paid programming, facilities provide free programs as well. Facilities are open to the general public and are considered to be safe havens where any citizen may gather/loiter/hang-out and take advantage of amenities such as air conditioning, heat, water, restrooms, etc… The City of Fayetteville and County of Cumberland consistently send out PSA’s to that effect.
In unfortunate circumstances, FCPR recreation centers are the best and safest places for unaccompanied minors to be.
Issues/Analysis:
N/A
Budget Impact:
N/A
Options:
City Council receives report
City Council receives report and provides additional guidance to staff
Recommended Action:
City Council receives report and provides additional guidance if needed.
Attachments:
N/A