AP 312
Background
The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines for Abbotsford School District personnel making home visits.
Procedures
A home visit is defined as entry to a student’s home at any time or occasion. Providing a student with a ride, or picking them up from a home, is not considered a home visit. Any home visit must be determined as essential by the principal and in the best interest of the student.
The district recognizes that in exceptional circumstances a home visit may be warranted. Home visits may be conducted by staff where it fits within the roles and responsibilities of their position, including, Hospital Homebound Teachers, Alternate Education Teachers, Indigenous Support Workers and/or Youth Care Workers. It is recommended that home visits include two staff members. Home visits fall outside the roles and responsibilities of Educational Assistants.
Principals are expected to:
1. Determine if the home visit is necessary. If there is concern that there is a risk to staff going to the home, principals should consult with the District Principal of Safe Schools before proceeding.
2. Inform the staff making the home visit that if the situation becomes unsafe, they must leave the home immediately and notify appropriate authorities.
3. Be notified by the staff (except the Hospital Homebound teachers) upon completion of a home visit.
4. Ensure that the parent/guardian has been notified about the home visit and that they will be present during the entire visit. If the parent/guardian will not be home during the visit, the visit must be rescheduled.
5. In the case of Hospital Homebound services, appropriate paperwork must be completed for approval by the Director of Instruction - Learning Support Services (or designate). A schedule of home visits will be monitored by the Hospital Homebound teacher's supervisor.
(Last Revised: June 2025)