What is the recommended staff-to-youth ratio during an emergency?

The recommended staff-to-youth ratio during an emergency prioritizes safety, oversight, and effective management of the situation. A lower staff-to-youth ratio may imply that fewer staff members are available to monitor and support a larger number of youths, which can lead to challenges in managing behaviors and ensuring the safety of both staff and youths during a crisis.

Conversely, during emergencies, a higher staff presence can help maintain control, provide direct supervision, de-escalate tensions, and ensure the well-being of all involved. Therefore, having a higher ratio rather than a lower one fosters an environment where staff can actively engage with and manage the youth effectively, especially in unpredictable and challenging situations.

This approach emphasizes the importance of adequate staffing to ensure a robust response when issues arise, keeping both the youths and the environment secure.