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Brilliant Planet Child and Youth Safety Policy

1. Introduction

Brilliant Planet is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children and youth participating in our programs. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children and youth from harm, abuse, and neglect. It applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone else working with children and youth on behalf of Brilliant Planet.

2. Guiding Principles

  • Child and Youth Wellbeing: The best interests of the child or youth are paramount in all our activities.
  • Prevention: We prioritize proactive measures to prevent harm and create a culture of safety.
  • Respect and Dignity: We treat all children and youth with respect, dignity, and sensitivity.
  • Reporting: We have clear procedures for reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
  • Transparency and Accountability: We are transparent in our practices and accountable for our actions.

3. Definitions

  • Child/Youth: Any person under the age of 18.
  • Abuse: Physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse.
  • Neglect: Failure to provide adequate care, supervision, or protection.
  • Staff: Employees of Brilliant Planet.
  • Volunteer: Individuals who donate their time to Brilliant Planet.
  • Contractor: Individuals or organizations providing services to Brilliant Planet.

4. Screening and Training

  • All staff and volunteers who work regularly with children and youth will undergo background checks, including criminal record checks, where legally permissible.
  • All staff and volunteers will receive training on child and youth protection, including:
    • Recognizing signs of abuse and neglect.
    • Reporting procedures.
    • Appropriate interactions with children and youth.
    • Confidentiality.
  • Regular refresher training will be provided.

5. Code of Conduct

  • Staff and volunteers will maintain professional boundaries with children and youth.
  • Physical contact will be appropriate and necessary, such as providing assistance or comfort.
  • Staff and volunteers will avoid one-on-one situations with a child or youth in isolated areas, unless absolutely necessary and with clear visibility.
  • Inappropriate language, jokes, or behavior will not be tolerated.
  • Electronic communication with youth will be done through approved platforms, and with permission of parents/guardians.
  • Social media usage relating to youth will follow strict guidelines, and will require parental permission.

6. Reporting Procedures

  • Any person who suspects abuse or neglect of a child or youth must report it immediately to their supervisor or designated child protection officer.
  • Brilliant Planet will cooperate fully with child protective services and law enforcement agencies.
  • All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially, to the extent permitted by law.

7. Specific Safety Policies

7.1. Outdoor Adventures

  • Risk Assessment: A thorough risk assessment will be conducted before each outdoor activity.
  • Supervision: Adequate adult supervision will be provided, with appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
  • Emergency Procedures: Emergency procedures will be established and communicated to all participants and staff.
  • First Aid: Staff will be trained in first aid and CPR.
  • Equipment: All equipment will be checked for safety and suitability.
  • Weather: Activities will be adjusted or canceled in unsafe weather conditions.
  • Parental Consent: Parental consent forms will be obtained for all outdoor activities.
  • Specific activities:
    • Hiking: group stays together, planned routes, check in procedures, proper footwear, water, and sun protection required.
    • Water Activities: life jackets required, certified life guards when applicable, knowledge of water conditions, and weather conditions.
    • Camping: fire safety, wildlife awareness, proper food storage, and shelter setup.

7.2. In-Town Events

  • Supervision: Adequate adult supervision will be provided, with appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
  • Check-in/Check-out: A clear check-in and check-out procedure will be implemented.
  • Designated Meeting Points: Designated meeting points will be established in case of separation.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Emergency contact information for each child or youth will be readily available.
  • Event Specific Risk Assesment: Each event will be assessed for risk.

7.3. Transportation in Brilliant Planet Van

  • Driver Qualifications: Drivers will have valid driver’s licenses and clean driving records.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: The van will be regularly maintained and inspected.
  • Seat Belts: All passengers will wear seat belts.
  • Supervision: An adult supervisor will be present in the van.
  • Passenger List: A passenger list will be maintained for each trip.
  • Emergency Procedures: Emergency procedures will be established and communicated to all passengers.
  • No child left behind: The van will be checked thoroughly upon arrival at the destination.
  • Parental Permission: Parental permission will be recieved for transport.

7.4. Use of Technology

  • Staff will not take photos or videos of youth without explicit parental permission.
  • Electronic communication with youth will be done through approved platforms, and with permission of parents/guardians.
  • Social media usage relating to youth will follow strict guidelines, and will require parental permission.
  • Youth will be educated on internet safety.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually, or as needed, to ensure its effectiveness.

9. Policy Dissemination

This policy will be made available to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and parents/guardians of children and youth participating in Brilliant Planet programs.

10. Acknowledgement

All staff, volunteers, and contractors will be required to acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of this policy in writing.