Adult, Youth and Child Safety Policy

The South Fork Valley Community Association (SFVCA) supports social, educational and informational programs and events for residents
of the South Fork Valley and neighboring communities. Formed in 1985 and driven largely by volunteers, the Association fulfills its mission
by scheduling, maintaining and improving the Community Hall in Van Zandt and the adjacent Josh Vander Yacht Memorial Park.
The SFVCA connects and informs community members through a monthly email newsletter, social media, and a community radio station (KAVZ 102.5 FM)
that features local programming, music and news.

The SFVCA engages all community members, including youth. The purpose of this policy is to:
• Protect youth from abuse while participating in SFVCA events, projects and programs, and
• Provide SFVCA representatives and designated caretakers with guidance on youth safety.

The SFVCA believes that no one should experience abuse of any kind. Abusive behavior takes many forms, including physical or sexual abuse,
mental or psychological mistreatment, fighting, taunting and bullying. We are committed to protecting all vulnerable people, regardless of age, disability,
gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity. The public and private conduct of board members, designated caretakers and hall
renters can inspire and motivate, or it can cause great harm if inappropriate. We should be aware of our responsibilities, especially when working with youth,
and be particularly aware that we are responsible for maintaining physical, emotional and sexual boundaries. We must avoid any suggestive or overt
sexual behaviors with youth. This includes seductive speech or gestures, as well as physical contact that exploits, abuses or harasses.

We must show prudent discretion before touching another person, especially youth, and be aware of how physical touch will be perceived or received,
and whether it would be an appropriate expression of greeting, care, concern or celebration.

Physical contact with youth can be misconstrued both by the recipient and by those who observe it, and should occur only when completely non-sexual and
otherwise appropriate, and never in private. SFVCA representatives and designated caretakers are prohibited at all times from physically disciplining a child.

People who are designated to work with children will refrain from the use of tobacco products, alcohol and/or drugs while working. Adults should never provide youth
with alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or inappropriate videos or reading material. Board members and designated caretakers should not accept gifts from, or give gifts to youth
without the knowledge of their parents or guardians.

Communication and interaction with youth is governed by the key safety concept of transparency. One-on-one meetings with youth are best held in a public area, where
the interaction can be (or is being) observed, or in a room with the door left open, and another responsible adult is notified about the meeting. Communication between
SFVCA (including designated caretakers) and youth that is outside the role of the professional or volunteer relationship is discouraged, unless there is a transparent
personal relationship with the child’s family. Board members and designated caretakers who use any form of online communications, including social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
and text messaging, to communicate with youth should limit discussions to SFVCA-related activities.

SFVCA board members and designated caretakers are considered mandated reporters. We must intervene when there is evidence of, or there is reasonable cause to suspect, that youth are being abused in any way. An Incident Report must be completed for any instance of suspected abuse or neglect.

The SFVCA typically does not offer ongoing youth programs, such as day care, summer camps, or sports leagues. However, community members are sometimes designated as caretakers at SFVCA-sponsored events. There are different levels of responsibility for SFVCA board members, caretakers, and hall renters, as follows:

SFVCA Board Members

  • Read and sign the SFVCA Adult, Youth and Child Safety Policy

  • Complete a child safety training by an authorized organization (e.g., Brigid Collins)

  • Submit to background checks (National Sex Offender Registry and WA State Patrol felony report)*

  • Review the Adult, Youth and Child Safety Policy with designated caretakers prior to a SFVCA-sponsored event

  • Promptly complete Incident Reports and submit to the SFVCA board for review

  • Follow up with authorities, as necessary

Designated Caretakers

  • Background checks (National Sex Offender Registry and WA State Patrol felony report)*

  • Read and sign the Adult, Youth and Child Safety Policy

  • Report incidents of abuse to an SFVCA representative

Hall/Park Renters

  • Read and sign the Rental Agreement (including the Code of Conduct)

  • Report incidents of abuse to an SFVCA representative

* Any result in the National Sex Offender Registry and/or violent or sexual felony convictions will disqualify an SFVCA representative or designated caretaker from working with youth.

In the case of an incident, SFVCA board members, designated caretakers and/or renters of the hall/park will take the following steps:

  • Take appropriate measures to ensure immediate safety for the youth involved

  • Immediately report all concerns to an SFVCA board member. Contact the SFVCA at 360 592-2297.

  • The SFVCA representative who receives a report will complete an Incident Report for review by the full board.

  • The SFVCA board will determine appropriate measures and next steps. This may include informing law enforcement, agencies, authorities, teachers and parents as needed.

  • Every effort will be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned parties. Information will be handled and disseminated on a need-to-know basis only.

  • Any person under suspicion of abuse will be immediately suspended from any SFVCA events, projects or programs pending investigation.