West End House Safety Policy
Dear Caregivers,
The safety of young people at the West End House is always our top priority. Youth who are mentally and physically safe are better able to learn, grow, and thrive. Here are our policies for the protection of youth:
Background Checks: West End House Boys & Girls Club conducts criminal background checks of all employees, volunteers, and board members.
State and Local Laws: We comply with federal, state and local safety laws, including those impacting facilities and vehicles.
Prohibiting One-on-One Contact: West End House Boys & Girls Club prohibits all one-on-one interactions between Club members and staff and volunteers (including board members). This applies to all interaction, including electronic communication. Any member who has one-on-one contact with another member will be sent home with time away from the club or may be subject to disciplinary action.
Required Immediate Reporting: West End House Boys & Girls Club staff and volunteers are all mandated reporters. We are required to report any critical incident/safety concern to local authorities immediately. We are also required to report any critical incident to Boys & Girls Clubs of America within 24 hours.
Supervision: All Club activities and program spaces are always under continuous supervision by adult staff. West End House has staff at the main entrance as kids check in and out. We kindly ask parents to please wait at the front desk while we call for your child to come down.
Technology Acceptable Use: Club devices and personally owned devices are permitted for use during approved Club times and in approved locations. The Club prohibits the use of devices in locker rooms, restrooms, and other areas where there is an expectation of privacy. Staff are not responsible for the security and condition of the member’s personal device. Any cyberbullying that disrupts the safety and/or well-being of the Club, Club members, Club staff or community is subject to disciplinary action.
WEH Aquatics: West End House Boys & Girls Club ensures aquatics safety on site, as well as field trips. On site, WEH will always have one certified adult lifeguard on deck during swimming. Young people must pass the deep end test to swim in the deep end. Off Site, WEH will always have at least one lifeguard on trips that involve swimming.
Safety Trainings: Ongoing training and supervision of staff is critical. We participate in a wide variety of child safety training each year. We also engage leading third-party safety experts to provide guidance for our policies and procedures.
Safety Committee: West End House Boys & Girls Club has a dedicated safety committee to provide input and guidance on local policies and safety strategies.