Safe Places Are Our Foundation
young people deserve a safe environment to grow.
Since the Club opened in 2004, with the purpose of giving local kids a positive place to go, safety has been the No. 1 priority of Boys & Girls Clubs.
When kids feel safe, they’re empowered to learn, connect with their peers, and explore their interests. Data shows that safe, positive, and inclusive environments are essential for the development of youth. Kids and teens can rely on a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at the Boys & Girls Club, where they can focus on what is most important- being a kid.
The landscape of youth safety has drastically changed in our modern history. From public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic to the Internet’s impact on bullying and self-esteem, kids face new threats to their stability and well-being each day.
To meet the evolving safety needs of kids, families and communities, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint works continuously to enhance safety policies, practices, and trainings to ensure youth are safe and protected. Providing safe spaces for youth is our No. 1 job.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint works continuously to enhance robust safety policies and actions to ensure young people remain safe in our program. Through the national Child & Club Safety Department at Boys & Girls Clubs of America we implement layers of safety policies and guidelines to keep our kids safe including:
Background Checks: Mandatory annual criminal background checks for staff and volunteers.
Mandatory Reporting: Local Boys & Girls Clubs are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or victimization to the appropriate authorities and then to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Safety Committees: Each Club has a Board- led Safety Committee elevating safety to the highest level of governance, and are required to fulfill the same responsibilities at every Club.
Mandatory Safety Assessments: Clubs are required to complete a mandatory annual safety assessment.
3rd Party Experts: BGCA and local Clubs engage leading 3rd party safety experts on training, policies and resources. Recently BGCA worked with RAINN, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to abuse prevention, awareness, and response to conduct a safety review.
Reference Requirement: Any employee looking to move to another Club, MUST have a reference from the previous Club to be eligible for rehire.
Continuous Enhancement: Continual updates to Clubs’ sexual abuse prevention polices, practices, and trainings that align with best practices of healthcare and school-based settings.
Resources for Families and Staff: Impactful training and resources for Club youth and families focused on mental health and social-emotional development.
Resources for Youth Members: Clubs are required to prominently display key safety resources and information, including the Child Safety Helpline and Crisis Text Line
Policy Communications: Clubs must inform parents and guardians of safety policies when they receive a youth membership application.