What We’re doing…..: What We’re doing….. California 4-H Youth Development Program Policy Manual Section 815:Youth Protection Guidelines University of California 4-H Policy Advisory Committee Mignonne Pollard, Ed.D. © 2005 The University of California


Policies and Procedures: Policies and Procedures The slides are organized by: Policies = Requirements of the 4-H program outlined in the 4-H California Policy Handbook. *Some policies have 'should' and 'may' in their language to allow for local flexibility. Suggested Procedures= Policy Advisory Committee suggestions on how to implement these policies.


Leadership: A minimum of Two (2) Adults (815.2): Leadership: A minimum of Two (2) Adults (815.2) Policy : A minimum of 2 adults at all times with youth members at all program, events, and activities. The two adults may be: Two appointed volunteers (best practice) or One appointed volunteer and another adult who is at least 21 years old Additionally, The adult in charge must be an appointed 4-H volunteer as established by the County Director.


What about private conversations?: What about private conversations? Suggested Procedures: When speaking privately to a youth, do it within view of another adult. Speak to a youth in the corner of a room, with other members and adults present. Keep doors open when speaking with a youth, so that others may see you.


Transporting Youth (809 & 815.2]: Transporting Youth (809 andamp; 815.2] Policy: If two adults cannot be present in the vehicle, the alternative minimum is one adult and two or more youth members per vehicle. An adult should not be alone with a youth (other than his/her own child) without the advance written permission of the youth’s parents.


What about traveling alone in cars?: What about traveling alone in cars? Suggested Procedures: If you must be alone in a car with a youth, you need a permission slip from his/her parent or guardian stating you may transport him/her. You may transport a youth in your car if there are two or more youth members present at all times. Try to drop off all youth in an order that leaves you alone only with your own child.


Supervision of Youth 815.2 B: Supervision of Youth 815.2 B Policy: A 4-H member is the responsibility of the staff or adult volunteer in charge of event or activity. A 4-H member is not to be released to anyone who is not authorized by his/her parent or legal guardian. If parents do not arrive within half an hour of the scheduled end of event, it may be necessary to contact local law enforcement.


What if a youth is left at a meeting?: What if a youth is left at a meeting? Suggested Procedures: Ask a parent to stay with you until the youth member’s parent or guardian arrives. Ask a staff member to stay with you. Encourage each youth to have back-up transportation and permission slip ahead of time.


Sleeping Facilities (815.2 C): Sleeping Facilities (815.2 C) Policy: There should be separate sleeping facilities for each gender. Only adults of the same gender as the youth may supervise youth in sleeping areas of the events. No single youth is permitted to sleep in the room of an adult other than his/her parent and/or guardian.


How about hotels, motels, conferences?: How about hotels, motels, conferences? Suggested Procedures: Two or more adults may sleep in a room with multiple youth. Unrelated adults and youth should not share beds together. Youth may share rooms without adult supervision; adults may share adjoining rooms.


What about camping experiences?: What about camping experiences? Suggested Procedures: Two adults of same gender as youth should share cabin spaces. If camp sleeping area is in an open space—not inside a tent and clearly visible to all—there is no conflict with policy. Camp Directors may use one adult and one older teen to supervise sleep in cabins.


Restrooms (815.2 D): Restrooms (815.2 D) Policy: Restrooms should be separated by gender. If shower facilities are not separate for gender, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted.


How do we address restrooms use?: How do we address restrooms use? Suggested Procedures: Shower facility monitors are recommended. A buddy system (three buddies) among youth members should be maintained for restroom use. If no separate facilities are available, posted times for separate gender use is recommended. Adults should shower at separate times from youths’ schedule.


Respect for individual’s privacy (815.2 E): Respect for individual’s privacy (815.2 E) Policy: Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.


Youth Leader Training and Supervision(815.2 F): Youth Leader Training and Supervision (815.2 F) Policy: Youth leaders will be trained on what are appropriate and inappropriate interactions during 4-H events. Staff and volunteers will monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior and teen leaders.


Constructive Discipline (815.2 G): Constructive Discipline (815.2 G) Policy: Corporal punishment is never permitted in the 4-H program. Appropriate behavior expectations are set up and environments are created to minimize the need for discipline.


How do I create positive environment?: How do I create positive environment? Suggested Procedures: Use compliments when appropriate Clarify group expectations of appropriate behavior Redirect activities Model expected behaviors Provide time for reflection


We will protect our youth, ourselves and each other. : We will protect our youth, ourselves and each other. These policies are to be implemented by July, 2006. The policies are primarily for the protection of youth, but they protect all participants. We enact these policies as preventative steps in our 4-H program. State policies may be less restrictive than your county office. Please check with your county office staff.