Abuse Prevention Policies
Are there clear procedures for reporting suspicions or incidences of abuse? Encourage organizations to require mandated reporter training for staff— over half of mandated reporters fail to report suspected abuse, often due to confusion or lack of awareness. Share this message, and if you suspect abuse, trust your instincts and report it.
More questions to ask youthserving organizations:
• Are parents encouraged to drop in at any time?
• Can parents tour the facilities?
• Are your staff and volunteers trained in sexual abuse prevention and response?
• Do you have a code of conduct? May I have it?
• How are your policies disseminated and to whom?
• Are the children aware of the rules?
• How are older youth and adult athletes screened, monitored and supervised?
• Do you train, allow and empower your staff and volunteers to report suspicions of sexual abuse?
• If a staff member or volunteer violates the child sexual abuse prevention policy, what procedures and penalties will they follow?
If you don’ t like the answers to any of these questions, you do not have to leave your child.
DARKNESS TO LIGHT https:// www. d2l. org.
Abuse Prevention Policies
The USASF requires each USASF member club to have abuse prevention policies with clear, written guidelines that prohibit adults who have contact with minors from engaging in conduct that is either inappropriate and / or illegal. The policy requires the following for each member club:
1. Post the Abuse Prevention Information poster for participants, their guardians, coaches and staff to confirm they are meeting those standards. Scan right to view poster.
2. Share and make available resources for parents to educate themselves.
3. Implement policies and training designed to prevent abuse and practices that lead to the appropriate reporting, response and resolution of allegations of misconduct.
Each USASF member club is required to follow the mandated reporter laws of their state. A mandated reporter is someone required by law to report if they suspect or know that child abuse is occurring. It is the responsibility of the club owner to:
1. Know the laws that are specific for their state;
2. Post the legal requirements and reporting procedures for their state for all coaches and adult staff to reference; and
3. Conduct an annual staff meeting that includes training on the legal requirements and reporting procedures for their state.
Reporting Concerns
The U. S. All Star Federation is committed to a safe, positive environment for athletes’ physical, emotional and social well-being— free from abuse and misconduct. Through awareness, training and education, we work to remove barriers to reporting. All adult members are required to report suspected child abuse immediately upon learning of concerning facts or allegations. Learn more at usasf. net / reporting.
Abuse Prevention Information
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