Leadership at your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) should implement the Code of Conduct by including it in many aspects of the organization. The contents of the Code of Conduct should be discussed regularly at your YSO, including during screening and hiring procedures. Collect regular feedback from staff and volunteers for changes that may need to be implemented. Leadership at your YSO should emphasize the importance of the Code of Conduct.  

To reinforce the Code of Conduct: 

Provide positive reinforcement when appropriate behaviors are observed and address or report inappropriate or harmful behaviors. Leadership at your organization should monitor and supervise behaviors and acknowledge positive interactions between staff, volunteers, and children. Inappropriate behaviors should be immediately discussed and addressed through supervision and harmful behaviors reported 

Review during staff meetings, supervision, and training and in ongoing communication with staff and volunteers. Continue to discuss expectations for behavior and reporting outlined in your Code of Conduct. These discussions should help your organization create a culture centering on child safety. 

Add the Code of Conduct to your YSO’s website and in any marketing, recruitment, or advertising. Display the culture of safety you have created at your organization to the public, via marketing and other public-facing documents. This will help the community surrounding your organization to understand your commitment to safety. 

Collect and review data with staff on the frequency and types of reports to identify areas that need to be addressed. Discuss behaviors going on at your organization, including the number and type of reports, how they came to your attention, how they were addressed and resolved, and whether all procedures were followed. Update your Code of Conduct to address new circumstances or behaviors at your organization. 

Evaluate, revise, and update the Code of Conduct at least annually. The Code of Conduct should be a living document that is updated regularly based on the needs of the organization. The Code of Conduct should be revised by leadership in collaboration with all stakeholders at your organization in order to enhance its effectiveness.  

Your Code of Conduct should be used as a reference point for staff, volunteers, and the greater community for your YSO’s commitment to child safety. Use discussions with staff and volunteers to give them feedback on how they are abiding by the Code and to solicit feedback on how leadership is abiding by its defined responsibilities. Continue to evaluate and revise the Code of Conduct as needed.  

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