Child Safety

Our daily commitment is to create a secure, engaging environment where children can seize every opportunity to thrive in life. We maintain a ZERO tolerance policy for any inappropriate behavior, including child sexual abuse or misconduct, and allocate resources to support this stance.

Culture of Safety:

The Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County consistently updates its extensive safety policies, programs, and training for our staff and volunteers, all of which are designed to promote child safety and shield young people from threats present in our society. We implement layers of safety policies and guidelines to keep our children secure.

Safety Policies:

The Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County enforces comprehensive safety policies to protect our youth, covering aspects such as supervision, transportation, communication, and the prohibition of private one-on-one contact.

24-hour Toll-free Child Safety Hotline:

We encourage all staff, members, and families to report any unsafe incidents or situations. Through our national partnership with Praesidium, a leading safety expert, the Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County members and staff have access to a confidential 24-hour toll-free Child Safety Hotline, 866-607-SAFE (7233), or email SafeClub@Praesidiuminc.com.

Mandatory Background Checks:

Criminal background checks are mandatory every year for every staff member, board member, and volunteer who has direct contact with children at the Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County. All potential employees and volunteers are also screened through the National Sex Offender Registry.

Required Immediate Reporting:

Staff and volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County are mandated reporters. They are obligated to report any critical incidents or safety concerns to local authorities immediately and notify Boys & Girls Clubs of America within 24 hours.

Mandatory Annual Safety Assessments:

We conduct safety assessments each year to continuously enhance safety measures at our Clubs.

Safety Trainings:

Ongoing training and supervision of staff are crucial. We participate in various child safety training programs, such as seminars, conferences, webinars, and semi-annual safety symposiums. Leading third-party safety experts, including Praesidium, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the National Children's Advocacy Center, provide guidance for our policies and approaches.

Safety Committee:

The Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County has a dedicated safety committee to offer input and guidance on local policies and safety strategies.

Mandatory Employee Reference:

Employees seeking a position at another Boys & Girls Club must provide a reference from their previous Club, even if the Clubs are within the same community.

State and Local Laws:

We adhere to federal, state, and local safety laws, including those concerning facilities and vehicles.

Safety Partnerships:

Nationally, Boys & Girls Clubs of America collaborates with leading experts in safety, security, and technology to develop cutting-edge solutions for Clubs. Partners include:

• National Child Safety Advisory Task Force, comprising leading experts and organizations
• Blue Ribbon Taskforce, consisting of local Club leaders who provide input on safety direction and key initiatives
• Mental Health First Aid, a national program teaching skills to recognize and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse
• Crisis Text Line, a confidential text message service for youth in times of crisis
• Opioid Prevention Resources: DrugFreeCharlotteCounty.org

Nationally, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has advocated for the passage of the U.S. PROTECT Act, which enhances background screening systems and access. The national organization has also partnered with the FBI, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the Centers for Disease Control to contribute to the development of safety practices benefiting ALL youth-serving organizations.

America's youth warrant unwavering attention to their safety and our steadfast dedication to safeguarding every child under the care of the Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County. To further explore our national safety policies and initiatives, please visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Child Safety page HERE.