Most agencies have policies on personal safety. Here is a sampler of suggestions:

• Be aware of predictors of potentially dangerous situations in the family history, e.g., substance abuse, non-compliance with medication, anger management issues, etc.
• Always ensure that office staff know where you are and when you are supposed to be back
• Be honest about fears/discomforts of dogs and try to arrive at a mutually agreeable arrangement with the family to control the dog
• Insist on team visits in particularly dangerous neighbourhoods; supervisors can routinely accompany their staff to very high-risk situations
• Cell phones should be made available for use in crisis situations or in unsafe locations
• Always consult with a child protection agency if there are concerns for the safety of the children