Policies & Guidance
Youth Protection Policy
purpose
The purpose of this Youth Protection Policy (the “Policy”) is to acknowledge the importance and necessity of protecting youth, to provide procedures for appropriate supervision of youth under the age of 18 (hereinafter referred to as “minors” or “youth”) who participate in activities and programs with League of Women Voters Minnesota (also referred to as “LWVMN,” or “we”), and to provide clarity about the extent of our liability when working with youth.
POLICY STATEMENT AND SCOPE
League of Women Voters Minnesota is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone with whom we interact, including minors. LVWMN engages in a wide range of activities and programs, some of which include the participation of minors, and the organization expects its leagues, employees, independent contractors, and volunteers (“LVWMN Staff”) to foster and maintain an appropriate and safe environment for minors at all times.
Accordingly, this policy establishes procedures for:
Minimum orientation and training requirements for LWVMN Staff who oversee programs and activities that involve minors.
Minimum standards of conduct and best practices for LWVMN Staff who interact with minors.
The required use of communication and liability waivers for youth/youth guardians and LWVMN volunteers.
This Policy does not apply to a parent, guardian, or other adult who is accompanying a minor while participating in LWVMN activities or programs.
PROCEDURES
Training and Orientation
Training and orientation will be provided to LWVMN Staff who formally supervise or accompany youth as part of his/her official LWVMN activities, to include:
Review of the LWVMN Code of Conduct and this Policy;
Best practices in working with Youth to ensure their safety and to promote an inclusive environment;
Overview of the required waivers.
Standard of Conduct and Supervision
Standard of Conduct: Communications
LWVMN will promote positive values and youth protection strategies in its programs and in the community:
Parents will receive regular written communications about program content and schedules involving youth;
Parents will be allowed to observe programs, as appropriate;
Parents and the community will be made aware of the of this Policy through written and/or electronic communication.
Supervision
Supervision of youth, programs, facilities, and LWVMN staff will be designed to protect youth. Practices to ensure a safe and caring environment will include:
LWVMN Staff are encouraged to never be alone with a minor where they are not observable by others.
LWVMN Staff will utilize constructive methods for maintaining group control and managing youth behavior.
LWVMN Staff will not disrobe a minor other than outer garments without the presence of another LWVMN Staff member.
LWVMN Staff will avoid changing clothes in front of minors.
LWVMN Staff will appear and behave in a manner consistent with the mission and values of LWVMN at all times, while on or off duty, including electronic, written, and verbal communications.
Exceptions
Only in rare and unusual situations will an exception to this Policy be granted. Individuals may submit a written request to LWVMN’s Board of Directors. LWVMN, in consultation with any professional advisors the Board of Directors sees fit to engage in the matter, will be responsible for determining whether an exception to this Policy will be granted.