Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is committed to providing a safe environment and enforces the following transportation policy for members, staff, volunteers, and other adults.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County only provides transportation to and from the Clubhouse
and various approved off-site locations. The Club only transports youth in Club vehicles or other
vehicles approved by Club leadership.

Driver Policies:

• Must allow for DMV background check and be cleared to transport youth per the barrier
crime policy of the organization.
• Must keep an updated list of all youth who are transported to and from the Clubhouse and Club- related activities.
• Must confirm that no children are left on a vehicle after every trip (based on a seat-by-seat scan of each vehicle); log must be signed daily to ensure compliance.
• Must perform regular checks to ensure that all members are picked up and dropped off at the appropriate times and locations.
• Must submit written reports detailing issues or incidents involving transportation of members
to and from the Clubhouse or to and from Club-related activities.
• Must only transport members in official Club vehicles.
• Must ensure that at least three individuals are present when transporting members. If one child remains to be dropped off, two adults (18 or over) must be present in vehicle.
• Must never transport Club members in personal vehicles.
• Must never use cell phones, PDAs or other communication devices while transporting
members to and from the Clubhouse or Club-related activities.
• Vehicles must be turned off and keys removed from ignition when there are passengers in the vehicle and you are not in transit.
• All passengers must cross in front of vehicle, when the driver indicates it is safe to do so.
• No children under the age of 13 are allowed in the front seats of any vehicle.
• Drivers and monitors are responsible for ensuring all children are released to an authorized adult as indicated on the member’s registration form. IDs MUST be checked until familiarity is determined.
• Staff should never release a child to an adult that is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• While transporting Members to school: Members will be released to school personal directly.
It is the Staff’s responsibility to ensure the chain of custody is not broken for any member in our care.

Rules Members Must Follow

• No throwing items out of the vehicles.
• Passengers are responsible for any damage caused by them.
• Conversations and language must be appropriate.
• Seat belts MUST BE worn at all times.
• Behave and do not distract the driver.
• Keep your body to yourself.
• Arms and legs must remain in the vehicle at all times.
• Keep emergency exit doors free from any clutter, no back packs blocking emergency exits.
• No food or drinks besides water are allowed in club vehicles.
• The radio is a privilege for good behaviour and safe riding, passengers must earn the right to the radio.

Vehicles Safety and Inspections

• Each agency vehicle should meet all local, state, and federal inspection and licensing requirements.
• Each vehicle should be inspected as outlined by DMV by staff before every trip for which youth are being transported; any problems with the vehicle must be addressed promptly.
• Regular maintenance should be performed on vehicles and documents/records reflecting that maintenance should be maintained.
• Each vehicle must provide a seat belt for every passenger and fully comply with state and federal seat belt regulations.
• Each vehicle must have a complete first-aid kit that satisfies state licensing  requirements.
• Each vehicle must have a working and current fire extinguisher that satisfies state licensing requirements.
• Each vehicle must have reflective traffic warning signs (e.g., triangles or flares) that are stored securely during transport.
• The vehicle must be clean and well maintained and exterior physical damage must be repaired promptly.
• Refuel vehicle(s) when there are no passengers present. Refuel vehicles when the tanks reaches ¼ tank.
• Unscheduled and unauthorised stops are not permissible, unless an emergency occurs.

Field Trips
Shared-Use Restrooms
• On a field trip or when using a public restroom, youth shall never enter the restroom alone unless it is a single-stall restroom that is empty.
• Youth shall follow the “rule of three” in using public restrooms, with at least two youth and an adult walking to the restrooms and three youth entering a multi-stall facility together. The adult will remain outside the restroom door to provide auditory surveillance.
• Whenever possible, staff/volunteers will monitor and clear public restrooms before use by members to ensure that the facility is free of adults – and clear of youth not involved in the Club program – before allowing youth to use the facilities. Alternatively, staff members will stand in the restroom doorway and/or hold the door at least partially open when supervising member use of public restrooms. Staff may position themselves inside the restroom near the sinks if positioning at the door is not feasible or is deemed ineffective.
• In a shared-use facility, Boys & Girls Clubs will utilise the best practice of shutting the exterior door to the restroom and using an “Occupied” sign outside of the door to alert others that they must wait until Club members have exited the restroom before they can enter.

Accident or Emergency Protocol
• Driver should immediately notify Club leadership if there is a delay or issue (e.g., breakdown, accident, emergency) with transporting members to and from the Clubhouse or Club-related activities.
• Staff shall immediately inform Club leadership if a staff member, volunteer, or board member violates this policy. In such case, the organization will take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Through the appropriate use of Club and community resources, Boys & Girls Clubs strive to mitigate the immediate effects of an emergency and its long-term effects on Club operations and mission by being prepared to effectively respond to and recovery from an emergency.

If you have questions regarding any of the above policies, please speak with your supervisor to seek clarity. By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the above policies. Your signature also indicates that you are responsible to adhere and follow the above policies. Misconduct hereafter will result in disciplinary actions up to and including
termination.

Supervision

Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County is committed to providing a safe environment. All Club activities and program spaces shall always be under continuous supervision by sight or sound (for restroom supervision) by an appropriate adult staff (18 or over). To ensure appropriate
supervision, staff, and volunteers:
• Must abide by the prohibition of private one-on-one interaction policy.
• Must abide by all the organization’s disciplinary policies and procedures.
• Must ensure that at least one adult staff (18 and over) is present when supervising members.
• Must always maintain proper supervision ratios.
• Must be trained on appropriate supervision tactics and behavior patterns.
• Must ensure that all youth staff and volunteers are supervised by an adult (18 and over) staff member.
• Must immediately notify Club leadership and/or submit written reports detailing supervision issues, accidents, or critical incidents.
• Must never use electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs or other communication devices while supervising members unless for Club purposes, as defined in the Acceptable Technology Use Policy.

Restroom Usage

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is committed to providing a safe, clean environment and enforces the following restroom policy for members, staff, volunteers, and other adults.

• There will be either a designated adult restroom or procedures to ensure adults and minors never utilize a restroom at the same time.
• Club will either have single-user restrooms or multi-user restrooms with single stalls that can be secured from the inside.
• When using restrooms at public facilities during field trips, a minimum of three youth will be escorted by one staff member, who will wait outside the main entrance of the restroom.

Restroom Monitoring

Restrooms shall be regularly monitored by designated staff according to a schedule set by Club leadership. Monitoring includes walk-throughs, inspections and/or any of the best practices outlined below:

• Implementing procedures to limit the number of children using restrooms at the same time.
• Prohibiting younger children and teens from sharing a restroom.
• Positioning staff near restroom entries to maintain auditory supervision of space.
• Designing or renovating multi-user restrooms to eliminate outer doors, while maintaining privacy with individual stalls.

Staff observing unacceptable restroom conditions or incidents shall:
• Immediately notify Club leadership of the incident.
• Document, in writing, restroom conduct incidents and report them to Club leadership as soon as possible in compliance with the Club’s Incident Reporting Policy.

Entrance and Exit Control

All facility entries and exits shall be controlled and monitored by paid adult staff (18 or over) during all hours of operation, along with a system to monitor and track everyone who is in the facility.

All exit doors have an audible alarm to discourage unauthorized use to exit or enter the facility.

Only designated adult staff (18 or over) shall be authorized to possess keys and/or badges to open any facility. If an employee is supervising a scheduled activity, they shall be responsible for the security of their program space.

Facility Condition

All program spaces shall have clear lines of visibility and be monitored by adult staff when in use. Areas that are not in use shall remain locked and only accessible by adult staff.

All interior and exterior spaces, hallways, stairs, and stairways shall be monitored, maintained, well-lit, clean, and free of hazards and obstructions. All storage closets and other unused spaces are to be locked during operational hours.

Damages to facilities shall be repaired in a reasonable manner. Damages that pose imminent risk to the health and safety of members, staff or volunteers shall be repaired immediately. If immediate repair to damage that poses imminent risk is not possible, Club leadership shall determine whether temporary or permanent closure of the facility may be required. Any damage to a facility that results in an incident deemed critical to the organization shall be reported to the appropriate authorities as a critical incident.

Food and Drink

Any distribution, preparation, or consumption of food and/or drink at any facility shall comply with all applicable food services sanitation and public health codes. If food is prepared and served on site, required city or county health department inspection certificates shall be posted.

Any dangerous kitchen utensils, including knives, shall be properly and securely stored.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is committed to selecting and retaining effective staff and volunteers to serve our youth. As part of the selection process and in accordance with state background check regulations, background checks and screening procedures are conducted in accordance with this policy.

Background Checks

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County conducts criminal background checks of all employees, including minors; board volunteers and others who serve on a standing committee; and all other volunteers, including partners and minors, who have direct repetitive contact with minors.
Name‐based or fingerprint‐based record searches may be used in any combination, but the background check shall at a minimum:

• Verify the person’s identity and legal aliases through verification of a social security number.
• Provide a national Sex Offender Registry search.
• Provide a comprehensive criminal search that includes a national search.
• Provide a comprehensive local criminal search that includes either a statewide or county level criminal search, depending on jurisdiction (a current list of jurisdictions can be found at www.bgca.net/childsafety).
• Include any additional background check criteria required by organizational policies, funding or licensing agencies or required in the applicable jurisdiction, such as motor vehicle records, child abuse registry or credit checks.

Such checks will be conducted prior to employment and at regular intervals not to exceed twelve months.

All background check findings shall be considered when making employment or volunteer decisions, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County will not employ potential staff or engage potential volunteers if such individual:

a. Refuses to consent to a criminal background check.
b. Makes a false statement in connection with such criminal background check.
c. Is registered, or is required to be registered, on a state or national sex offender registry.
d. Has been convicted of a felony consisting of:

1. Murder
2. Child abuse
3. Domestic violence
4. Abduction or human trafficking
5. A crime involving rape or sexual assault
6. Arson
7. Weapons
8. Physical assault or battery
9. Drug possession, use or distribution in the last five years

e. Has been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony against children, including child pornography.

Interviewing

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County will conduct in-person behavioral-based interviews with every candidate for employment or program volunteer service. BGCA will provide behavioral-based interview questions for local use.

Reference Checks

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County conducts reference checks on any candidate for employment or volunteer with direct repetitive contact with young people. Should candidates for employment have
previous experience with a Boys & Girls Club, information on the candidate’s eligibility for
rehire/volunteering must be obtained from all previous Boys & Girls Clubs for which the candidate worked prior to extending an offer for employment or volunteer service. Additionally, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County provides reference materials when asked by other Member Organizations.

Staff and Volunteer Onboarding

Upon offer of a position, each new Club employee shall receive and confirm in writing receipt of an up-todate employee policies and procedures manual or handbook that, at a minimum, articulates current:
• Conditions of employment;
• Benefits;
• Rights and responsibilities of employees;
• Club safety policies; and
• Any other important employment-related information.

Before working with any Club members, all staff and volunteers at a minimum shall be given an orientation that includes an overview of the following:

• The organization’s mission, goals, policies and procedures and schedule;
• Job descriptions and performance standards for their position;
• The needs and other relevant characteristics of program participants, including cultural and socioeconomic characteristics;
• Personnel and volunteer policies and procedures, including expectations regarding work hours and schedules, breaks and planning time;
• Operational policies and procedures related to safety, supervision, transportation, facilities, emergency operations, etc.; and
• Completion of the required Child Abuse Prevention Trainings approved by BGCA

If you have questions regarding any of the above policies, please speak with your supervisor to seek clarity. By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the above policies. Your signature also indicates that you are responsible to adhere and follow the above policies. Misconduct hereafter will result in disciplinary actions up to and including termination.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is committed to selecting and retaining effective staff and volunteers to serve our youth. As part of the selection process and in accordance with state background check regulations, background checks and screening procedures are conducted in accordance with this policy.

Background Checks

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County conducts criminal background checks of all employees, including minors; board volunteers and others who serve on a standing committee; and all other volunteers, including partners and minors, who have direct repetitive contact with minors.

Name‐based or fingerprint‐based record searches may be used in any combination, but the background check shall at a minimum:

• Verify the person’s identity and legal aliases through verification of a social security number.
• Provide a national Sex Offender Registry search.
• Provide a comprehensive criminal search that includes a national search.
• Provide a comprehensive local criminal search that includes either a statewide or county level criminal search, depending on jurisdiction (a current list of jurisdictions can be found at www.bgca.net/childsafety).
• Include any additional background check criteria required by organizational policies, funding or licensing agencies or required in the applicable jurisdiction, such as motor vehicle records, child abuse registry or credit checks.

Such checks will be conducted prior to employment and at regular intervals not to exceed twelve months.

All background check findings shall be considered when making employment or volunteer decisions, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County will not employ potential staff or engage potential volunteers if such individual:

a. Refuses to consent to a criminal background check.
b. Makes a false statement in connection with such criminal background check.
c. Is registered, or is required to be registered, on a state or national sex offender registry.
d. Has been convicted of a felony consisting of:

1. Murder
2. Child abuse
3. Domestic violence
4. Abduction or human trafficking
5. A crime involving rape or sexual assault
6. Arson
7. Weapons
8. Physical assault or battery
9. Drug possession, use or distribution in the last five years

e. Has been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony against children, including child pornography.

Interviewing

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County will conduct in-person behavioral-based interviews with every candidate for employment or program volunteer service. BGCA will provide behavioral-based interview questions for local use.

Reference Checks

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County conducts reference checks on any candidate for employment or volunteer with direct repetitive contact with young people. Should candidates for employment have previous experience with a Boys & Girls Club, information on the candidate’s eligibility for rehire/volunteering must be obtained from all previous Boys & Girls Clubs for which the candidate worked prior to extending an offer for employment or volunteer service. Additionally, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County provides reference materials when asked by other Member Organizations.

Staff and Volunteer Onboarding

Upon offer of a position, each new Club employee shall receive and confirm in writing receipt of an up-todate employee policies and procedures manual or handbook that, at a minimum, articulates current:
• Conditions of employment;
• Benefits;
• Rights and responsibilities of employees;
• Club safety policies; and
• Any other important employment-related information.

Before working with any Club members, all staff and volunteers at a minimum shall be given an orientation that includes an overview of the following:

• The organization’s mission, goals, policies and procedures and schedule;
• Job descriptions and performance standards for their position;
• The needs and other relevant characteristics of program participants, including cultural and socioeconomic characteristics;
• Personnel and volunteer policies and procedures, including expectations regarding work hours and schedules, breaks and planning time;
• Operational policies and procedures related to safety, supervision, transportation, facilities, emergency operations, etc.; and
• Completion of the required Child Abuse Prevention Trainings approved by BGCA.

If you have questions regarding any of the above policies, please speak with your supervisor to seek clarity. By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the above policies. Your signature also indicates that you are responsible to adhere and follow the above policies. Misconduct hereafter will result in disciplinary actions up to and including termination.

BGC’s of Newport County (BGCNC) Member Expectations

Behavior Expectations

In order to maintain a safe, respectful, and positive Club environment, Members agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Members will use appropriate language toward every staff and Club Member.
2. Members will not participate in bullying, threatening, or violence.
3. Members will respect the equipment and property of the Club and other participants at all times.
4. Members will participate in Club activities, including Power Hour.
5. Members will have fun and keep a positive attitude.

The Member & his/her family understand that if at any time the Member refuses to obey the above terms, creates
a continued disruption to Club programs, or threatens the safety of other Club Members the following will apply:

• Step 1- Staff will attempt redirection and offer a chance to change the behavior
• Step 2- Call home and request immediate pickup of the Member
• Step 3- Suspend the MEMBER from the program for the following day
• Step 4- Suspend for 1 week or longer, depending on the severity of the behavior

Violence, Bullying, theft or harassment will result in suspension and/or reporting to the proper authorities.

Staff/ Member Interactions

BGCNC is committed to providing a safe environment for members, staff, and volunteers. To further ensure their safety,
the organization prohibits all one-on-one interactions between Club members and staff and volunteers (including board
members). All staff and volunteers must abide by the following:

• Ensure all meetings and communications between members and staff or volunteers are never private
• Ensure in-person meetings take place in areas where other staff and/or members are present.
• Communicate to another staff member whenever an emergency arises that necessitates an exception to this policy.
• Never initiate private or isolated one-on-one contact with a member.
• Never have a private or isolated meeting or communication with a member. This includes in-person meetings and virtual communications such as texting, video chat and social media between only a staff member or volunteer and a single member.
• Never transport one Club member at a time. This includes transportation in Club or leased vehicles

Exceptions may only be made when delivering medical or counseling services by a licensed, trained therapist or similar professional. All exceptions shall be documented and provided to Club leadership in advance. If an emergency arises that necessitates an exception to this policy, the emergency exception shall be communicated to Club leadership as soon as practicable, and ideally before engaging in one-on-one interaction.

Technology Policy

Appropriate use: Inappropriate use of a Club or personally owned device, as determined by Club staff, can lead to disciplinary action which may include confiscation of the device, immediate suspension from the Club, termination of membership or other disciplinary actions d including, if applicable, referral to local law enforcement. Inappropriate communication is prohibited in any public or private messages, as well as material posted online. Inappropriate communication or technology use includes but is not limited to the following:

• Obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language or images typed, posted, or spoken by members;
• Information that could cause damage to an individual or the Club community or create the danger of disruption of the Club environment;
• Personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks;
• Harassment (persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person) or stalking of others;
• Knowingly or recklessly posting false or defamatory information about a person or organization; or
• Communication that promotes the destruction of property, including the acquisition or creation of weapons or other destructive devices.
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Clubs network or to computers within that network.

If a member is told to stop sending communications, that member must cease the activity immediately.

Cyberbullying: Members may not utilize any technology to harass, threaten, demean, humiliate, intimidate, embarrass,  or annoy their peers or others in their community. This behavior is cyberbullying, which is defined as bullying that takes place using emerging technologies and devices. Examples of cyberbullying include, but are not limited to:
• Harassing, threatening or hurtful text messages, emails, or comments on social media.
• Rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites.
• Embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Loss and damage: Members are responsible for keeping devices with them at all times. Staff are not responsible for the security and condition of the member’s personal device. Furthermore, the Club is not liable for the loss, damage, misuse, or theft of any personally owned device brought to the Club.

Monitoring and inspection: BGCNC reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, and review files stored on Club-owned devices or networks. In addition, BGCNC reserves the right to inspect and/or review personally owned devices that are brought to the Club. Parents/guardians will be notified before such an inspection takes place and may be present, at their choice, during the inspection. Parents/guardians may refuse to allow such inspections, but the member may be barred from bringing personally owned devices to the Club in the future.

Internet access: Personally owned devices used at the Club must access the internet via the Club’s content-filtered wireless network and are not permitted to directly connect to the internet through a phone network or other content service provider. BGCNC reserves the right to monitor communication and internet traffic, and to manage, open or close access to specific online websites, portals, networks, or other services. Members must follow Club procedures to access the Club’s internet service.

Parental notification and responsibility: While the BGCNC Technology Acceptable Use Policy restricts the access of inappropriate material, supervision of internet usage might not always be possible. Due to the wide range of material available on the internet, some material might not fit the particular values of members and/or their families. Because of this, it is not considered practical for BGCNC to monitor and enforce a wide range of social values in student use of the internet. If parents/guardians do not want members to access information beyond the scope of the Technology Acceptable Use Policy, they should instruct members not to access such materials.

Digital citizenship and technology safety training: All members who wish to use BGC’s device or equipment will be required to complete a BGCA provided technology safety training. This training is required for all members annually. All other safety policies may be found on our website. By signing below, you agree to abide by these policies.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. The unlawful or improper use of drugs – including marijuana, controlled substances, or alcohol in the workplace – presents a danger to everyone. The organization also has a duty to comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

• Employees are prohibited from reporting to work or working while under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal or unauthorized drugs.
• Employees are prohibited from reporting to work or working when the employee is using any legal drugs; exceptions can be made in accordance with state law when the use is pursuant to a doctor’s orders and the doctor has advised the employee that the substance does not adversely affect the employee’s ability to safely perform his or her job duties. Employees taking any legal drugs that potentially affect job safety or performance are responsible for notifying their supervisor and/orClub leadership so that a determination of job performance or a reasonable accommodation can be made. An employee may not perform his or her job duties unless such a determination or reasonable accommodation has been made.
• Employees are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful or unauthorized manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, sale or possession of illegal drugs and alcohol.
• Employees must notify their supervisor and/or Club leadership immediately of any criminal drug or alcohol violation.
• Employment with the organization is conditional upon full compliance with the foregoing drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy. Any violation of this policy might result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Smoking Policy

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding non-smoking in the workplace in order to provide a work environment that promotes productivity and the well-being of its employees. Smoking in the workplace can adversely affect members, employees, and volunteers. Accordingly, smoking is restricted at all its facilities.

Smoking is defined to include the use of any tobacco-containing products, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, as well as the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaporizers.

Smoking is prohibited at all Boys & Girls Clubs properties except for external areas where it is specifically authorized. The smoking policy applies to employees, volunteers, and members while on Club premises or during Club activities (on or off site).

Reasonable Suspicion

Staff and or volunteers shall immediately notify Club leadership of any action by an employee or volunteer who demonstrates an unusual pattern of behavior suggesting that they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County
further reserves the right to take any and all appropriate and lawful actions necessary to enforce this drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy, including but not limited to the inspection of organization-issued lockers, desks, or other suspected areas of concealment,
as well as an employee’s personal property when the organization has reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee is in violation. Club leadership will determine whether the employee should be examined by a physician or clinic and/or tested for drugs or alcohol in accordance with the Club’s drug-testing policies. Employees and volunteers believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be required to leave the premises. Any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency
and may result in criminal prosecution.

Examples of behavior suggesting that employees or volunteers are under the influence of drugs
or alcohol include but are not limited to:

• Odors (smell of alcohol or marijuana, body odor or urine);
• Movements (unsteady, fidgety, dizzy);
• Eyes (dilated, constricted or watery eyes or involuntary eye movements);
• Face (flushed, sweating, confused or blank look);
• Speech (slurred, slow, distracted mid-thought, inability to verbalize thoughts);
• Emotions (argumentative, agitated, irritable, drowsy);
• Actions (yawning, twitching); or
• Inactions (sleeping, unconscious, no reaction to questions).

Unusual patterns of behavior that may suggest drug or alcohol misuse include but are not limited to:

• Repeatedly calling in sick;
• Being absent directly before or after holidays and weekends;
• Repeatedly damaging inventory or failing to meet reasonable work schedules; and
• Being involved in frequent accidents that can be related to the use of drugs or other substances.

Inspection and Testing

Screening, testing and security measures may be used as methods of enforcement, as permitted by applicable state law. It is a violation of this policy to refuse to submit to testing. Tests that are paid for by the organization are the property of the organization, and the examination records will be treated as confidential and held in separate medical files. However, records of specific examinations will be made available, if required by law or regulation, to the employee, persons designated and authorized by the employee, public agencies, relevant
insurance companies and/or the employee’s doctor.

Prescription Mwdication and Legal Drugs

Employees and volunteers are prohibited from reporting to work or working when using any legal drugs, except when the use is pursuant to a doctor’s orders and the doctor has advised the employee or volunteer that the substance does not adversely affect the employee’s or
volunteer’s ability to safely perform his or her duties.

Employees and volunteers taking a legal drug, such as prescription medication or medical marijuana, that potentially affects job safety or performance are responsible for notifying their supervisor and/or Club leadership so that a determination of job performance or reasonable
accommodation can be made. An employee/volunteer may not be permitted to perform his or her job duties unless such a determination or reasonable  accommodation is made.

If you have questions regarding any of the above policies, please speak with your supervisor to seek clarity. By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the above policies. Your signature also indicates that you are responsible to adhere and follow the above policies. Misconduct hereafter will result in disciplinary actions up to and including termination.

The priority of Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is the physical and emotional safety of its members, staff, and volunteers. Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County maintains a zerotolerance policy for child abuse. Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County implements policies and procedures for members, employees, volunteers, visitors or any victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to report any suspicion or allegation of abuse.

Definitions

One-on-Contact Prohibition: Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County prohibits isolated one-onone interaction between Club participants and staff or volunteers, including board members. This includes prohibiting one- on-one contact at any time at the Club, in vehicles or by phone, text, social media or any other means.

Exceptions may only be made when delivering approved medical or counseling services by a licensed, trained therapist or similar professional according to professional guidelines. All staff and volunteers, including minor staff (under age 18), are strictly prohibited from meeting Club participants outside of any Club-sponsored activities. The only exception to this rule is if the Club participant is a child or sibling of a staff member or volunteer.

Child abuse is when an adult or another child, whether through action or by failing to act, causes serious emotional or physical harm to a child. Sexual abuse or misconduct may include but is not limited to:

• Any sexual activity, involvement or attempt of sexual contact with a person who is a minor (under 18 years old).
• Sexual activity with another who is legally incompetent.
• Physical assault or sexual violence, such as rape, statutory rape, abuse, molestation, or any attempt to commit such acts.
• Unwanted and intentional physical conduct that is sexual in nature, such as touching, pinching, patting, brushing, massaging someone’s neck or shoulders and/or pulling against another’s body or clothes.
• Inappropriate activities, advances, comments, bullying, gestures, electronic communications, or messages (e.g., by email, text, or social media).

Grooming is when someone builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for  the purposes of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or trafficking. Grooming behaviors may include but are not limited to:
• Targeting specific youth for special attention, activities, or gifts.
• Isolating youth from family members and friends physically or emotionally. This can include one-on- one interactions such as sleepovers, camping trips and day activities.
• Gradually crossing physical boundaries, full-frontal hugs that last too long, lap sitting or other “accidental” touches.

Mandated Reporting

Every staff member or volunteer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County who becomes aware of or has suspicion of child abuse or neglect must immediately report to Club leadership. Club leadership is responsible for reporting the incident immediately to the appropriate authorities according to statewide mandated reporting laws, as well as to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) within 24 hours via the critical incident system.

Required Training

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County conducts and reports through a BGCA-approved process the following training for all staff members and volunteers with direct repetitive contact with young people.

Before providing services to young people, and annually thereafter:

1. BGCA-approved child abuse prevention
2. BGCA-approved mandated reporting
3. BGCA-approved grooming prevention

Annually:
• All the policies, including all safety policies, for Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County.

Physical Interactions

Every staff member and volunteer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is required to maintain appropriate physical contact with minors. Appropriate and inappropriate interactions include but are not limited to the following:

Verbal Interactions

Every staff member and volunteer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is required to maintain appropriate verbal interactions with minors. Appropriate and inappropriate interactions include but are not limited to the following:

Interactions with members and their families

• Staff will refrain from intimate displays of affection towards others in the presence of children, parents and staff.
• Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and any kind of harassment in the presence of children or parents is prohibited.
• Staff will portray a positive role model for youth by maintaining an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact and maturity.
• staff should not post any pictures or videos of Club members in a public way including any form of social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, etc.)
• Staff are not to transport children in their own vehicles.
• Staff may not date program participants.

Member Health Check: Staff will conduct a health check of each child, each day, as they enter the program, noting any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, etc. Questions or comments will be addressed to the parent or child in a non-threatening way; any questionable marks or
responses will be documented and may be reported to authorities, depending on circumstances.

Strategies to Help Prevent Child Abuse

1. Staff understands their legal obligation to report suspected abuse.
2. Policies, procedures and training are available relating to discipline, supervision, staff/participant interaction, and staff and volunteer Code of Conduct, etc.
3. Staff understands what practices may be considered abusive and the difference between what may be considered appropriate and inappropriate touch.
4. Staff communicate frequently with parents regarding day-to-day activities and encourage parents to report or question any behavior or event their child may share that appears out of the ordinary.
5. Parents know they can visit, unannounced, any program their child participates in.
6. Staff tries to identify stressed parents and offer support and referrals for help.
7. Staff protect themselves and the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County by agreeing not to be alone with Boys & Girls Club members or program participants outside the Boys & Girls Club programs or facilities (i.e.: baby sit, take children on trips, have them in their homes when
others are not present, etc.)
8. All staff will keep themselves apprised of and abide by all regulations for licensure of School
9. Age Child Care Program as well as any state laws governing child abuse and neglect.

Note: These preventive strategies are designed to protect the children in Boys & Girls Club programs and to protect the Boys & Girls Club staff and volunteers from being wrongly accused of child abuse.

Abuse and Safety Resources

Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County prominently displays BGCA-approved collateral that shares ethics hotline, crisis text line and safety helpline information with members, staff, volunteers, and families. We also share all safety policies with parents and guardians upon receiving a youth membership application.

If you have questions regarding any of the above policies, please speak with your supervisor to seek clarity. By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the above policies. Your signature also indicates that you are responsible to adhere and follow the above policies. Misconduct hereafter will result in disciplinary actions up to and including termination.