Balancing safety and privacy in pediatric units, part two

In Part 1 of this series, I explored the unique challenges facing security professionals in pediatric healthcare—from legal custody disputes to human trafficking risks. I also looked at how regulatory compliance and privacy considerations complicate even the most routine security decisions.

In Part 2, we’re turning our focus to solutions. How can healthcare leaders ensure that safety protocols are not only effective but also respectful, trauma-informed, and child-centered? From officer training to visitor screening and facility design, here’s how to turn principles into practice. 

Trauma-informed approaches in pediatric security

Trauma-informed care is a framework increasingly used in healthcare to ensure that all interactions are grounded in an understanding of trauma and its impact on behavior. In the context of pediatric security, trauma-informed practices are critical.

Security officers trained in trauma-informed principles learn to approach situations with empathy, patience, and awareness. This includes recognizing signs of trauma responses, such as withdrawal, hyper-vigilance, or aggression and understanding how to de-escalate situations without exacerbating the child’s fear.

Well trained officers are also taught to use non-threatening body language, lower their voice when speaking to children, and avoid physical contact except as a last resort. They learn to communicate with both the child and the caregiver in a calm, reassuring way that promotes trust.

In pediatric behavioral health units, where patients may be in crisis, trauma-informed officers are particularly critical. These units often handle complex cases involving self-harm, severe anxiety, or PTSD. A trauma-informed security officer can help prevent incidents from escalating and can work alongside clinical staff to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. 

Best practices for balancing safety and privacy

Successfully securing pediatric units requires more than just good intentions. It involves concrete policies, thoughtful design choices, and ongoing training. Here are some of the key best practices that healthcare facilities can implement to strike the right balance. 

1. Design physical spaces to reduce friction

Security infrastructure should be both effective and unobtrusive. Access control systems should prevent unauthorized entry without making the unit feel like a fortress. Infant-matching systems, locked nurseries, and staff ID checks should be part of the baseline, but executed discreetly.

Silent alarms and discreet panic buttons allow staff to summon help without creating a scene. Surveillance cameras should be positioned to monitor entrances, corridors, and waiting areas, but not private rooms or sensitive spaces unless absolutely necessary.

Thoughtful space design can also support trafficking prevention, ensuring there are areas where patients can speak privately with medical or security staff if they are in danger or under coercion.

For organizations facing budget constraints, consider a phased approach to tech upgrades—prioritizing high-impact areas like access control and infant-matching systems first.  

2. Train security officers for empathy and communication

Security personnel in pediatric units should undergo specialized training in pediatric care principles, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation techniques. This includes training on how to speak to children in age-appropriate ways and how to defuse tensions with stressed family members.

Training should also cover cultural sensitivity and the nuances of family dynamics. For example, officers should understand that not all families look the same and that situations involving foster care or joint custody may require discretion and care.

When security professionals act as calm, respectful collaborators, they become valued members of the pediatric care team rather than outsiders imposing rules.

These training recommendations align closely with the principles outlined in the IAHSS Security Guidelines and Security Design Guidelines, which advocate for patient-centered, trauma-informed approaches in healthcare security planning. 

3. Set clear visitor protocols and communicate them well

Visitor management is one of the most sensitive aspects of pediatric security. Clear and consistent check-in procedures are essential to prevent unauthorized access and protect patients. This includes verifying the identity and relationship of all visitors and maintaining a current list of approved guardians or caregivers.

In situations where custody is contested or visitation is limited by court order, coordination with legal and clinical teams is essential. Security officers must know how to handle these situations with discretion, avoiding public confrontations or emotional distress for the child.

To support consistent, compliant responses, many hospitals are integrating security decision-making directly into care workflows. Below is a sample decision tree to help guide frontline staff and security personnel through restricted visitation scenarios: 

4. Involve security in family-centered care planning

Security should not be an afterthought in care planning. In high-risk situations—such as patients with a history of elopement, behavioral outbursts, or family conflict—officers should be involved in care team briefings.

This will allow them to anticipate potential issues, support clinical staff proactively, and respond more effectively when incidents arise. When security professionals are integrated into the care team, they can contribute meaningfully to a calm and safe environment. 

Case snapshot: what “good” looks like in action

Phoenix Children’s Hospital took a proactive approach to pediatric security by developing a multi-disciplined team that included specially trained security officers. 

Recognizing that pediatric patients face unique physical and emotional risks, the hospital invested in crisis prevention and de-escalation training, while also fostering open communication between security, medical teams, and social services. Officers were educated on recognizing signs of trauma and human trafficking, equipping them to intervene with empathy and discretion.

In one notable case, the hospital’s collaborative model enabled the security team to play a key role in identifying a potential human trafficking situation. A nurse expressed concerns about inconsistencies in a child’s story and the behavior of the accompanying adult.

Because of their training and trust-based relationships with staff, security officers were able to respond thoughtfully, assist in the investigation, and help protect the child without creating panic. 

Read more: Phoenix’s Children – Providing Specialized Services for a Children’s Hospital  

GardaWorld Security recommendations

Securing pediatric units requires more than standard protocols. It demands sensitivity, specialized training, and a deep understanding of the unique emotional dynamics at play. When security officers are equipped to act as both protectors and partners, they help create an environment where children can heal, families can feel supported, and staff can focus on care.

Healthcare leaders should regularly review their pediatric security protocols, examine how privacy and safety intersect, and ensure their teams are prepared to handle these environments with care.

Specific recommendations include:

• Access control: Use RFID-enabled ID systems that require dual authentication (badge + PIN) for high-risk areas like NICUs.
• Infant-matching systems: Employ tamper-proof RFID tags that lock exits if unmatched tags approach.
• Surveillance: Deploy AI-based cameras with behavioral recognition (only in approved zones).
• Silent alarms: Install under reception desks, exam rooms, and in visitor interview rooms.
• Private consultation rooms: Required for social services and security briefings.

At GardaWorld Security, we work alongside healthcare leaders to address the very challenges outlined in this article, from staffing models and escalation protocols to discreet surveillance tech and trauma-informed officer training. 

If you're navigating how to operationalize visitor screening, implement unobtrusive infrastructure, or define the right KPIs for your pediatric unit (for example, number of unauthorized visitor attempts detected, average time to de-escalate behavioral incidents, etc.), our healthcare security experts are here to help. 

Contact us now.