District Youth Protection Policy
Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth
Rotary International District 5960 is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, spouses or partners of Rotarians, and any other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the abuse or neglect of youth with whom they come into contact in Rotary Youth activities.
The District's new Youth Protection Policy will bring a change in the way we do business as we deal with youth. Please keep in mind its purpose of Protecting Youth We Cherish, Your Rotary Club and You.
More details will be covered and questions answered in the Youth Protection Training that will be available no later than May 1, 2010. Presidents elect will receive training on the new policy at PETS in February.
Have questions? Please contact Janet Newberg, volunteer District 5960 Youth Protection Officer at cell 612-810-6776 or work 651-653-4587 or Andy Goke, volunteer District 5960 Youth Protection Taskforce Chair, 763-231-7231.
Summary of District 5960 Youth Protection Policy 2/4/10
A volunteer, who has significant interaction with Rotary youth programs, must become a Certified Volunteer.
The two major items that must be completed, to become a Certified Volunteer are:
- Complete an application/ background check
- Participate in youth protection training
Investigation Guidelines have been formed, to deal with how volunteers should handle allegations of abuse or neglect. In the case of an allegation: Listen to the youth, Report to District Youth Protection Officer (You may also report any allegation of suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to child protective services), if an offence doesn’t rise to the level of violation of state law the District Youth Protection Officer will conduct an independent investigation of the allegations and report findings to District Governor in which the District Governor may take disciplinary action.
No one-one-one contact (being alone with a youth out of sight of others). Two exceptions: Host family members, and Certified Volunteers that are transporting Youth Exchange Students to and from Rotary meetings or events.
Overnight Accommodations requirements:
Separate sleeping areas/ zones for youth and adults, minimum number of youth/adults in the room for overnights, separate shower facilities or times for male/female & youth/ adult, and coed overnights must have male and female adults present.
The District will require and appoint a District Youth Protection Officer.
Club Youth Protection Officers are required for each club.
A resolution, agreeing to abide by the District’s Youth Protection Policy, is required to be completed annually by each club.