Flower City Work Camp : Volunteer

YOUTH PROTECTION PROGRAM

Overall Responsibility
All adult leaders and youth participants have responsibility for acting in accordance with FCWC policies and to:

  • Enforce the Youth Protection Policy
  • Protect youth campers through all phases of Camp
  • Stop any policy violation or abuse
  • Separate alleged victim(s) from alleged perpetrator(s)
  • Summon needed assistance (911, EMS, additional leaders, etc.)
  • Notify the Home Base Coordinator (East or West Side host church)

General Rules

  • Two-Adult Rule: At least two screened adults must be present at every function and in each classroom, or other enclosed area during all activities involving youth, or;
  • Rule of Three: At least three individuals (at least one must be a screened adult and the remaining two no younger than 5 years of age) must be present at every function and in each classroom, vehicle, or other enclosed area during all activities involving youth.

All FCWC affiliated premises must always have at least two adults supervising each room, or other enclosed space, even if only one or two youth are present.

When one-on-one counseling is necessary, the session will take place in an observable location.

Additional adults will be present to act as supervisors for large group gatherings.

It is prohibited to allow one adult alone with youth in unobservable private rooms, changing areas or shower areas.

Training – General

  • Required training – FCWC Youth Protection Policy training is required for all FCWC adult leaders.
  • Training must be taken every year.
  • A record of training participation will be maintained by the FCWC Executive Team.
  • If a volunteer’s training record is not current at the time of camp, the volunteer will not be permitted to participate.

Training – Awareness

  • Recognize that anyone could be a molester, adult or youth.
  • Respond when someone is doing something that goes against your gut or against the safety guidelines.
  • Report attempted or actual molestation or any activity that you think is wrong.

Reporting – Two Types

Notify the Home Base Coordinator:

A. When you witness or suspect any youth has been abused or neglected:

  • physically, sexually, emotionally abused, or neglected
  • exposed to any form of violence, threat, or sexual exploitation

You may not abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.

B. When you witness a violation of the FCWC Youth Protection Policy.

Reporting – Steps

  • Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
  • In cases of child abuse or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
  • Immediately notify the Home Base Coordinator.