Youth Protection Policy (YPP)
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Approved By: Board of Directors
Purpose
TxSTEMed is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for all children and youth participating in our programs. We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misconduct. This policy outlines our standards to prevent harm, promote safety, and respond appropriately to concerns. All staff, volunteers, board members, contractors, and participants must adhere to these guidelines.
Definitions
- Minor/Child/Youth: Any individual under the age of 18.
- Child Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation as defined by Texas Family Code § 261.001.
- Staff/Volunteers: Any paid employee, volunteer, intern, or contractor who interacts with minors on behalf of the organization.
- One-on-One Contact: Any private interaction between an adult and a minor without another adult or group present.
Key Standards and Procedures
- Screening and Background Checks
– All staff and volunteers who have regular or direct contact with minors must undergo:
– Criminal background checks (national and state-level).
– Sex offender registry checks.
– Background checks must be completed before any interaction with minors and renewed at least every [2-3 years].
– Any concerning findings will result in disqualification or removal.
Training
- All staff and volunteers must complete youth protection training (including recognition of abuse signs, grooming behaviors, boundaries, and mandatory reporting) before working with minors.
- Refresher training is required annually or every two years.
- Training records will be maintained by organization.
Code of Conduct
- Prohibit one-on-one contact between adults and minors (except in emergencies or with parental consent and documentation).
- Require “two-deep” supervision: At least two adults present during activities involving minors.
- Prohibit physical punishment, hazing, bullying, or inappropriate physical contact.
- Limit electronic communication: No private messaging; use group platforms or organization-approved channels with parental involvement where possible.
- Prohibit gifts, overnight stays (unless supervised and approved), or transportation of minors without another adult or parental consent.
- All adults, minors (age-appropriate), and parents/guardians must sign acknowledgment of this code annually.
Supervision and Risk Management
- Programs must have adequate adult-to-youth ratios (e.g., 1:8 for younger children; adjust based on activity and ages).
- Physical environments must be safe and open (e.g., no locked private rooms).
- Tailor practices to program risks (e.g., higher supervision for overnight or off-site activities).
Reporting Suspected Abuse or Policy Violations
- Mandatory Reporting: Any suspicion of child abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to Texas DFPS (1-800-252-5400) or law enforcement, even if not occurring within organization activities.
- Internal Reporting: Report concerns to the designated Youth Protection Coordinator [name/contact] or Executive Director. Anonymous reports are accepted via [hotline/email/form].
- The organization will promptly investigate violations, relieve accused individuals of duties pending review, and cooperate with authorities.
No retaliation against good-faith reporters.
Response to Allegations
- Respond promptly and compassionately to complaints.
- Support victims and families while respecting privacy.
- Document all reports and actions.
- Notify insurer, board, and authorities as required.
- Review incidents to improve policies.
Communication and Enforcement
- This policy will be distributed to all staff, volunteers, participants, and families.
- Violations may result in removal from programs, termination, or legal action.
- The policy will be reviewed annually by the Board.
Designated Youth Protection Coordinator: Edgar Sifuentes – [email protected]
All individuals (including volunteers and staff) are mandatory reporters under Texas Family Code Chapter 261. Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect must immediately report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400 or online at www.txabusehotline.org) or law enforcement. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties.
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Approved By: Board of Directors
Purpose
TxSTEMed is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for all children and youth participating in our programs. We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misconduct. This policy outlines our standards to prevent harm, promote safety, and respond appropriately to concerns. All staff, volunteers, board members, contractors, and participants must adhere to these guidelines.
Definitions
- Minor/Child/Youth: Any individual under the age of 18.
- Child Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation as defined by Texas Family Code § 261.001.
- Staff/Volunteers: Any paid employee, volunteer, intern, or contractor who interacts with minors on behalf of the organization.
- One-on-One Contact: Any private interaction between an adult and a minor without another adult or group present.
Key Standards and Procedures
- Screening and Background Checks
– All staff and volunteers who have regular or direct contact with minors must undergo:
– Criminal background checks (national and state-level).
– Sex offender registry checks.
– Background checks must be completed before any interaction with minors and renewed at least every [2-3 years].
– Any concerning findings will result in disqualification or removal.
Training
- All staff and volunteers must complete youth protection training (including recognition of abuse signs, grooming behaviors, boundaries, and mandatory reporting) before working with minors.
- Refresher training is required annually or every two years.
- Training records will be maintained by organization.
Code of Conduct
- Prohibit one-on-one contact between adults and minors (except in emergencies or with parental consent and documentation).
- Require “two-deep” supervision: At least two adults present during activities involving minors.
- Prohibit physical punishment, hazing, bullying, or inappropriate physical contact.
- Limit electronic communication: No private messaging; use group platforms or organization-approved channels with parental involvement where possible.
- Prohibit gifts, overnight stays (unless supervised and approved), or transportation of minors without another adult or parental consent.
- All adults, minors (age-appropriate), and parents/guardians must sign acknowledgment of this code annually.
Supervision and Risk Management
- Programs must have adequate adult-to-youth ratios (e.g., 1:8 for younger children; adjust based on activity and ages).
- Physical environments must be safe and open (e.g., no locked private rooms).
- Tailor practices to program risks (e.g., higher supervision for overnight or off-site activities).
Reporting Suspected Abuse or Policy Violations
- Mandatory Reporting: Any suspicion of child abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to Texas DFPS (1-800-252-5400) or law enforcement, even if not occurring within organization activities.
- Internal Reporting: Report concerns to the designated Youth Protection Coordinator [name/contact] or Executive Director. Anonymous reports are accepted via [hotline/email/form].
- The organization will promptly investigate violations, relieve accused individuals of duties pending review, and cooperate with authorities.
No retaliation against good-faith reporters.
Response to Allegations
- Respond promptly and compassionately to complaints.
- Support victims and families while respecting privacy.
- Document all reports and actions.
- Notify insurer, board, and authorities as required.
- Review incidents to improve policies.
Communication and Enforcement
- This policy will be distributed to all staff, volunteers, participants, and families.
- Violations may result in removal from programs, termination, or legal action.
- The policy will be reviewed annually by the Board.
Designated Youth Protection Coordinator: Edgar Sifuentes – [email protected]
All individuals (including volunteers and staff) are mandatory reporters under Texas Family Code Chapter 261. Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect must immediately report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400 or online at www.txabusehotline.org) or law enforcement. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties.