SCCYO

St. Charles County Youth Orchestra

Child Protection Policy

I. General. Child abuse is a threat that we must all take seriously today. The primary goal of this child protection policy is to minimize the risk of child abuse. The St. Charles County Youth Orchestra is committed to the goal of preventing abuse to children or youth while they are involved in promoting orchestral music in our organization. If child abuse is reported, however, a secondary goal of the program is to provide all persons concerned with knowledge as to how to properly respond.

II. Definitions.

A. Child abuse. For the purposes of this program, the definition of child abuse is that of the Missouri state law (Section 210.110): "...any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means by those responsible for his care, custody, and control..."

Physical injury. Includes violent assault with an implement such as a knife or strap, burns, fractures, or other actions leading to possible injury to the child.

Sexual abuse. Includes sexual molestation, incest, and exploitation for prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.

Emotional abuse. Includes verbal or emotional assault; close confinement such as tying or locking in a closet; inadequate nurturing affection; knowingly permitting antisocial behavior such as delinquency; serious alcohol/drug abuse; or refusal to allow medical care for a diagnosed emotional problem.

B. Child. For the purposes of this program, a child is considered to be any person under the age of eighteen, regardless of physical or mental condition.

C. Approved children's workers. Approved children's workers are those individuals who have met the requirements of this program and have been approved in accordance with this program to work with children attending the programs of this organization. Approved children's workers are responsible for the care, custody and control of children who attend the programs of the SCCYO.

D. Adults. For the purposes of this program, adults are individuals who are 18 years of age or older.

III. Policies.

Child abuse, in any of the forms listed above, will not be tolerated.

All children’s workers will be alert to the potential for child abuse and will report incidents of and/or allegations of child abuse to an SCCYO board member immediately in accordance with the procedures listed in paragraph IV below.

Upon report of allegations of child abuse, children workers will do their utmost to ensure the well-being of alleged victims.

All persons desiring to serve as workers (volunteer or paid staff) must apply for that privilege by means of the Worker’s Information Form and be approved by the board using the procedures in paragraph IV below.

IV. Procedures.

A. Selection. To qualify as an "approved worker", an individual must:

Read and understand the St. Charles County Youth Orchestra Child Protection Program.

Complete and sign the confidential St. Charles County Youth Orchestra Information Form, which includes a Missouri Criminal Records Check and an Applicant's Statement, committing to comply with this child protection policy.

Receive final approval from the SCCYO board of Directors.

For workers age 18 or older, receive re-verification screening (Missouri Criminal Records Check) at least every five (5) years.

(NOTE: Upon submission of a properly completed form, an individual may begin serving in the SCCYO with the approval of at least two SCCYO board members pending final completion of form processing.)

B. "2-Person Rule". Every reasonable attempt will be made by approved children's workers to have two workers present at all times with children while they are attending a function of the SCCYO. One of these two workers will be at least 21 years of age. No worker should spend unsupervised time alone with any child without making every reasonable attempt to gain the consent of that individual's parents or legal guardians.

C. Actions upon allegation of child abuse.

Immediate reporting. Anyone aware of allegations of child abuse, either by direct observation or otherwise, is responsible for reporting these allegations immediately to the supervisor of the activity or to a member of the SCCYO board of directors.

Investigating. The supervisor is responsible for quickly investigating the situation to determine the facts.

Reporting to authorities. The supervisor is responsible for contacting the authorities within 24 hours should there be evidence of child abuse. The State of Missouri Child Abuse or Neglect phone number is 1-800-392-3738.

Suspension of children's workers. The supervisor is responsible for suspending workers from service upon receipt of an allegation of child abuse, until such allegation has been satisfactorily investigated and the individual is exonerated.

Termination of children's workers. The supervisor is responsible for terminating workers from service for repeated warnings or for an actual violation.

Records. Adequate records should be kept by the supervisor to document all efforts at handling the incident.

V. Conclusion. The St. Charles County Youth Orchestra wishes to reduce the risk of child abuse and provide a safe environment for children and youth and will continue to strive toward this end to protect our children.