What We Do To Keep Kids Safe in Our Clubs

To ensure safety, the organization prohibits all one-on-one interactions between youth and staff and volunteers, including board members. Our One on One Interaction Policy states that: 

Staff/Volunteers shall not:

• Initiate one-on-one contact with a member.
• Have a private meeting or communication with a member. This includes in-person meetings and virtual communications such as texting, video chat, and social media.
• Transport one member at a time. This includes personal and private vehicles.
• Volunteers are not allowed one on one interaction without the presence of another staff member

Staff/Volunteers shall:

• Ensure meetings and communications (in-person and virtual) between members and staff and volunteers include at least three individuals.
• Ensure in-person meetings take place in areas where other staff and/or members are present.
• Communicate to another staff if an emergency arises.

Exceptions may only be made when delivering medical or counseling services by a licensed, trained therapist, or similar professional or in an emergency. All exceptions will be documented and provided to Club leadership. 

Staff shall immediately inform Club leadership if a staff member, volunteer, or board member violates this policy. Should any adult staff, volunteer, or board member violate this policy, the Organization will take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Additional Policies for Club Member Safety Include: 

• Pre-employment screening includes a national background check including sex offender registry check. 
• Strict requirements around “barrier crimes" that prohibit job candidates from working or volunteering at a Club. 
• A strong the reference check requirement where all Clubs must obtain rehire eligibility information for all prospective staff or volunteers that previously worked at another Club before being allowed to be employed or volunteer at another Club.
• Clubs are required to report failures in licensing inspection within 24-hours to the national organization. 
• A Club Safety Committee meets regularly to ensure that each of our  Clubs is being held accountable to the same metrics and responsibilities. 
• Clubs prominently display key safety resources and information, including the Child Safety Helpline and Crisis Text Line.  
• Upon registration, Clubs inform parents and guardians of safety policies. 

When kids don’t feel safe and supported, they are unable to learn, grow, or develop resiliency skills that will aid them throughout their lives. Boys & Girls Clubs create a refuge, a second home, and a safe space where young people have the freedom to focus on reaching their full potential. Our commitment to the safety of young people is unyielding, and we will never stop doing whatever it takes to protect kids.