Recognizing Signs of Human Trafficking & Sexually Exploited Children/Youth
The term Human Trafficking is used by Department of Children and Families (DCF) as an umbrella term used to include two specific allegations of…
Home / Policies & Procedures / Sample Self-Audit Form for YSOs
You can use the following “Self-Audit” form to take an inventory of your youth-serving organization’s abuse prevention framework.
(adapt as needed)
1. Does the YSO have a safe environment policy in place that includes key strategies addressing increased visibility, adequate supervision and controlled access – and are the policies and procedures for child and youth safety publicized to all personnel? mm● If Yes, describe the types and frequency of publication. (Examples might include publication in agency bulletins, information provided at staff meetings, brochures and/or posters in the vestibules of agency buildings.) mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
2. a)Do all YSO leaders, employees, and volunteers know when, how, and to whom to report suspicions or allegations of abuse of a minor? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
2. b) Reporting procedures also exist for cases in which the alleged abuser is not, or is no longer affiliated with the school. mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
3. a) Does the YSO have a Code of Conduct in place that outlines clear expectations for interactions between adults and students? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
3. b) Are copies of the code of conduct made available to YSO staff, volunteers and any other paid or non-paid personnel in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and youth? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
3. c) Are copies of the Code of Conduct made available to parents and other members of the YSO community? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
3. d) Have all staff, employees and volunteers signed a Statement of Receipt and Agreement indicating that they have read the Code of Conduct and agree to comply with the policies? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
4. Is safe environment training provided to all YSO staff and volunteers to help them recognize, respond to, and report child abuse and neglect? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
5. a) Does the YSO have a screening and hiring process in place that includes a written application, personal interview, reference check, criminal background check, and sex offender registry check? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
5. b) Does the YSO repeat the criminal background and sex offender registry checks at least (insert “annually” or another agreed upon/required timeframe in accordance with MA state law)? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
5. c) Does YSO leadership verify that background and criminal history checks are conducted by organizations for contractors, vendors, consultants and others who provide goods and services to the YSO (in the presence of minors) or who bring minors onto YSO property? mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
6. Families are provided with materials on a regular basis to let them know about child abuse and neglect, and the YSO’s abuse prevention plan that is designed to protect their children. mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
7. Partnerships with local child protection agencies are developed and active. mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
8. The YSO’s child protection plan is audited on a regular basis (at least annually), results are communicated to all stakeholders, and each audit’s results inform plans for continuous improvement. mm● If No, provide explanation. | YES | NO |
Name of the person completing this agency self-assessment: ________________
Title: ________________
Date:________________
Reporting
The term Human Trafficking is used by Department of Children and Families (DCF) as an umbrella term used to include two specific allegations of…
Screening & Hiring
Certain organizations, such as public schools and licensed childcare programs, must also query national criminal record and fingerprint-based…
Reporting
With some exceptions, a single incident or observation of suspected abuse or neglect may not necessarily trigger the need for a call to the…
Reporting
Who Are Mandated Reporters? Massachusetts law defines a number of professionals as mandated reporters (for the full list, see MGL Chapter 119,…
Training
A Model for Evaluation: Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Every training course needs a method of collecting feedback to ensure a course is…
Reporting
You can help protect the children you serve by maintaining an environment that prioritizes both preventing child abuse before it occurs and—since…
Code of Conduct
Keep in mind that a Code of Conduct is limited; it usually refers only to the most common and expected behaviors staff/volunteers may encounter each…
Training
Parents and other caregivers need to receive, at a minimum, the same level of prevention education as their child/youth. Parents can be strong…
Monitoring Behavior
Monitoring Behavior is the responsibility of all staff to hold each other accountable for appropriate behaviors and to report inappropriate conduct…
Policies & Procedures
Policies for youth-serving organizations in Massachusetts should clearly identify the duties and responsibilities of all staff, reflect both Federal…
Customized child sexual abuse prevention guidelines to meet the unique needs of any organization that serves children.
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