Child Abuse Prevention Month | Our YMCA Employee Code of Conduct
The development of children is the core of which the Y’s values were built. This is why the safety of all children in our care is our number one priority. Staff and volunteers at the YMCA of Parkersburg follow our Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of all children who come through our doors, whether they’re regular program participants or only visit once a year.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Y wants to make sure that all members understand this Code of Conduct. A key tool in abuse prevention is knowledge, so it’s important that parents and caregivers are informed of the Y’s policies around children. Together we can work to ensure all children in the Mid-Ohio Valley reach their full potential.
YMCA OF PARKERSBURG’S CHILD PROTECTION CODE OF CONDUCT
Will respond to children with respect and consideration and treat all children equally regardless of gender, race, religion, or culture.
Will be a positive role model for youth by exhibiting professionalism in all interactions, portray an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity.
Will always maintain confidentiality to children and families.
Will not physically, verbally, sexually, or mentally abuse or neglect children. Any type of abuse will not be tolerated and will be cause for immediate dismissal.
Will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one youth by another youth. In
addition, our organization will not tolerate any behavior that is classified under
the definition of bullying.
Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, is repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take on various forms, including physical bullying, verbal bullying, nonverbal or relational bullying, cyberbullying, and sexualized bullying.
Will not touch youth inappropriately, or in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and will respect their right to say “no.” Other than diapering or safe toileting instructional methods, children are not to be touched on areas of their bodies that would be covered by a bathing suit.
Will refrain from the use of inappropriate language, physical conduct, or behavior, which is sexually suggestive, harassing or intimidating to youth, staff, volunteers, or other YMCA participants.
Will conduct a health check on each child, each day, as they enter the program, noting any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, unusual marks, etc. Questions or concerns will be addressed to the parent or child in an open ended, non-threatening way. Any questionable marks or responses will be documented and reported to the YMCA management.
Shall not leave a child unsupervised in a YMCA program. Youth must always be within sight and sound of a qualified staff member.
Ratios are to be maintained or exceeded, at all times. Volunteers and teen aides may not count in the staff: child ratio.
Will utilize the “rule of three” and headcounts during all transitions. The “rule of three” specifies that there should always be at least three people present – i.e., one employee and two children or two employees and one child.
May not be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others. As staff/volunteers supervise children, they should space themselves in a way that other staff can see them. Volunteers, student interns, and teen aides may never be alone with children without a qualified staff member present. Shuttle and bus transportation could be an exception to this requirement.
14.Shall use positive techniques of guidance including redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement, rather than competition, comparison, and criticism. Staff and volunteers will have age-appropriate expectations and set up guidelines and environments that minimize the need for discipline.
Physical restraint (supportively holding a child in the least restrictive way) is used only in pre-determined situations (necessary when a child’s behavior places the child or others around the child at risk of physical harm). The staff person must be an experienced staff member and one that is known to the child and shall only restrain the child for as long as is necessary for the child to regain control. All incidents must be immediately reported to the supervisor, parent notified, and documented.
Will not release children to anyone other than the authorized parent, guardian, or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian. Drop-off and pick-up procedures must always be followed, and IDs must be verified.
May not be alone with children they meet in YMCA programs outside of the YMCA programs outside of the YMCA. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, and inviting children to one’s home unless one of the following conditions exist:
Staff and volunteers have a relationship with the child, family, or guardians, which predates the child’s enrollment in a YMCA program.
Staff and volunteers and the child or the child’s family or guardian are related.
May not transport participants in YMCA programs in personal vehicles.
Will not give gifts (even small gifts), ask children to keep secrets, or show favoritism to certain children.
May not date or become romantically involved with employees, members, or program participants under the age of 18.
Will refrain from intimate displays of affection in the presence of children, parents, staff, and volunteers.
Will not use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours or while on YMCA premise.
Will not smoke or use tobacco in the presence of children or parents during working hours
Must be free of physical and psychological conditions that might adversely affect children’s physical or mental health.
Shall not share their personal contact information with any youth participating in YMCA programs.
Understands that any contact with youth members or program participants via private electronic communication, including, but not limited to, phone calls, text messages, email, social media accounts, friend requests, etc. is prohibited. If you receive correspondence via electronic communications from any youth whom you know from YMCA programming, you should immediately contact your supervisor. Any response to them is a violation of your no-contact promise to the YMCA.
Will not have sexually oriented materials including printed or online pornography, on our organization’s property.
Must obtain parental permission to take photos/videos of YMCA participants under the age of 18.
The use of personal cell phones to photograph/video YMCA participants is prohibited. Only YMCA personnel in a manager position are able to photograph/video YMCA participants if it is going to be used for marketing purposes. Staff and volunteers cannot use photographs/videos taken at YMCA programs and/or of YMCA participants for any personal use.
May not use personal cell phones while supervising children.
In addition to our Code of Conduct, the Y also has a number of safety measures intended to keep kids safe. This includes criminal background checks on staff and volunteers; required staff training on recognizing and preventing abuse; and prohibiting staff/volunteers from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others; limiting staff contact with children outside of Y programs; and reporting any allegations or suspicions of abuse to law enforcement.
If you have questions about the Y’s Code of Conduct or our child safety measures policy, please contact us at (304) 485-5585.