Child Safety Policy & Code of Conduct

Children participating in a basketball practice in an indoor gym, dribbling basketballs.

Creating a Safe, Respectful, and Supportive Environment for Every Child

At Youth Center of Arts & Sports, the safety and well-being of every child is a top priority. We are committed to providing a positive environment where youth can learn, grow, compete, and create with confidence. Safety is built into every part of our daily program, from how activities are structured to how staff interact with every participant.

This policy outlines the standards, expectations, and responsibilities for staff, volunteers, parents, guardians, and program participants to help maintain a safe and respectful space for all.

Group of students having a conversation in a classroom, two of them smiling and engaging in discussion, with books and notebooks on the table.

Purpose

This policy exists to clearly define how we protect and support every child who participates in our programs. It serves as a foundation for accountability and helps ensure consistency across all activities and staff interactions.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all children participating in Youth Center of Arts & Sports programs are protected, respected, and provided with a safe environment.

All staff, volunteers, coaches, and program leaders are responsible for maintaining a safe and positive space for youth at all times.

Commitment to Child Safety

We believe that safety is not just a requirement, but a core value that shapes everything we do. Our commitment extends beyond physical safety to include emotional well-being, respect, and positive development. This commitment is reflected not just in our policies, but in how our programs are run every day.

Youth Center of Arts & Sports is committed to:

  • Promoting a positive, respectful, and supportive environment

  • Ensuring all staff and volunteers follow professional conduct standards

  • Encouraging open communication between youth, parents, and staff

  • Protecting youth from abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation

We believe every child deserves to participate in programs that are safe, structured, and focused on healthy development.

Where Programs Take Place 

All programs take place at the Zablocki Center, a structured indoor facility designed to support both athletic training and academic development.

This allows us to provide a consistent, supervised environment where all activities, from basketball training to tutoring, happen in one secure location.

Parents can feel confident knowing their child is in a centralized setting where staff oversight, safety procedures, and program structure are maintained at all times.

Staff & Volunteer Requirements

Strong programs begin with responsible and well-trained adults. These requirements are designed to ensure that everyone working with youth is prepared, accountable, and aligned with our safety standards.

All staff members, coaches, and volunteers must:

  • Pass background checks when required

  • Complete child safety training

  • Follow all program rules and supervision guidelines

  • Maintain professional boundaries with youth participants

  • Report any safety concerns immediately

These expectations help create a culture of responsibility and trust throughout the organization.

Staff & Volunteer Requirements

Strong programs begin with responsible and well-trained adults. These requirements are designed to ensure that everyone working with youth is prepared, accountable, and aligned with our safety standards.

All staff members, coaches, and volunteers must:

  • Pass background checks when required

  • Complete child safety training

  • Follow all program rules and supervision guidelines

  • Maintain professional boundaries with youth participants

  • Report any safety concerns immediately

These expectations help create a culture of responsibility and trust throughout the organization.

Code of Conduct for Staff & Coaches

The behavior of staff and coaches directly influences the experience of every participant. This code of conduct establishes clear expectations for professionalism, respect, and appropriate interactions.

Staff and volunteers must always:

  • Treat all youth with respect and dignity

  • Provide encouragement and positive guidance

  • Maintain appropriate physical and verbal boundaries

  • Supervise youth during all activities

  • Use appropriate language and behavior

  • Follow all program rules and safety procedures

Staff and volunteers must never:

  • Use abusive, threatening, or inappropriate language

  • Engage in bullying, harassment, or discrimination

  • Be alone with a child in a private or isolated area

  • Share inappropriate content with youth

  • Engage in physical punishment or harmful discipline

  • Form inappropriate relationships with youth participants

All adults representing the Youth Center of Arts & Sports are expected to model leadership, integrity, and self-control at all times.

Supervision Guidelines

Proper supervision is essential to ensuring that youth remain safe during all activities. These guidelines are in place to create structure, visibility, and accountability.

We maintain structured supervision ratios to ensure every child receives attention, guidance, and support:

  • 1 adult per 12 youth participants

  • Additional staff added as group sizes increase

  • Volunteers present to assist during activities

To help ensure participant safety:

  • Youth are supervised by staff at all times during activities

  • At least two adults are present during program activities whenever possible

  • Staff avoid being alone with a child in closed or isolated spaces

  • Parents and guardians must provide current emergency contact information

Consistent supervision allows us to respond quickly, maintain structure, and ensure every child is supported throughout the program.

Bullying Prevention

We are committed to creating an environment where every child feels respected, included, and valued. Bullying in any form undermines that mission and will not be tolerated.

Youth Center of Arts & Sports has zero tolerance for bullying.

Bullying includes, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal harassment

  • Physical intimidation

  • Cyberbullying

  • Social exclusion or humiliation

If bullying occurs:

  • Staff will intervene immediately

  • The incident will be documented

  • Parents or guardians will be notified

  • Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken

We take every report seriously and work proactively to prevent bullying before it begins.

Reporting Safety Concerns

Open communication and timely reporting are critical to maintaining a safe environment. Everyone involved in our programs shares responsibility for speaking up when something is wrong.

If any staff member, volunteer, parent, guardian, or participant witnesses behavior that threatens the safety of a child, it must be reported immediately.

Reports should be made to:

 Devonte Pratt, Program Director

Reports may include:

  • Suspected abuse

  • Harassment

  • Unsafe environments

  • Violations of program conduct

All reports will be taken seriously and handled as confidentially as possible.


Parent & Guardian Responsibilities

Parents and guardians are key partners in ensuring a safe and successful program experience. Clear communication and cooperation help us better support every child.

Parents and guardians are expected to:

  • Ensure children follow program rules

  • Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information

  • Inform staff of any medical conditions or special needs

  • Pick up children on time after program activities

Working together allows us to create a more supportive and structured environment for youth.

Youth Code of Conduct

We expect all participants to contribute to a positive and respectful environment. These guidelines help youth understand expectations and develop responsibility, discipline, and character.

All participants are expected to:

  • Show respect to coaches, staff, and fellow participants

  • Follow program rules and instructions

  • Practice good sportsmanship

  • Use appropriate language and behavior

  • Treat facilities and equipment responsibly

Participants may not:

  • Fight or bully others

  • Use offensive language

  • Damage property

  • Bring weapons, drugs, or alcohol to the program

Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or removal from the program, depending on the seriousness of the behavior.

Safe Environment Standards

A safe environment goes beyond supervision. It includes the condition of facilities, equipment, and overall organization. We are committed to maintaining spaces that support both safety and performance.

Youth Center of Arts & Sports will ensure:

  • Safe training and activity environments

  • Proper equipment usage

  • Emergency procedures for injuries

  • Clean and organized facilities

These standards help create an environment where youth can focus, grow, and succeed.

Parents can feel confident knowing their child is in a structured and supervised environment designed to support both safety and growth.

Policy Agreement

Clear agreement and understanding of this policy are essential for maintaining consistency and accountability across all participants and staff.

All staff, volunteers, parents, guardians, and participants must agree to follow this Child Safety Policy & Code of Conduct.

By participating in Youth Center of Arts & Sports programs, all parties acknowledge their commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for youth.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • We maintain structured supervision at all times, enforce clear staff conduct standards, and ensure all activities take place in monitored, organized environments. Safety is built into every part of our program, from training sessions to facility management.

  • All staff and volunteers are required to complete child safety training and understand proper supervision, communication, and behavior standards. This ensures they are prepared to support youth in a safe and professional manner.

  • Staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies. We follow established procedures, provide immediate care, and contact parents or guardians using the emergency information on file.

  • Communication is a priority. If any issue arises, whether related to behavior, safety, or well-being, parents or guardians will be notified promptly and involved in the resolution process.

  • Yes. We encourage anyone with concerns to come forward, and reports can be handled confidentially. Our focus is on protecting children and addressing issues quickly and responsibly.

  • We take a proactive approach by combining clear policies, trained staff, structured supervision, and a culture of respect. Our goal is not just to prevent problems, but to create an environment where youth feel safe, supported, and empowered.