Reporting Suspicions of Abuse
Staff and volunteers should have a detailed understanding of their responsibility to report child abuse and neglect. At your YSO (Youth-Serving…
Sample Self-Audit Form for YSOs
Home / Policies & Procedures / Sample Self-Audit Form for YSOs
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:________________
Other Reading You Might Be Interested In
Screening & Hiring
Assessing Risk in Screening and Hiring Requirements
Your Youth-Serving Organization’s (YSO’s) hiring process should include basic screening measures for potential staff and volunteers through…
Safe Environments
Safe Environment Strategies: Supervision
Along with site safety, visibility issues, physical access, and security procedures, supervision is a critical aspect of creating and maintaining…
Screening & Hiring
Screening Toolbox: Marketing & Recruitment Materials
Finding and retaining a qualified and diverse workforce is one of the greatest challenges for youth-serving organizations like yours. Given the…
Reporting
When to Report Abuse and Neglect
With some exceptions, a single incident or observation of suspected abuse or neglect may not necessarily trigger the need for a call to the…
Safe Environments
Safe Environment Strategies: Access
Safe Environment Strategies: Access Complementing the physical aspects of safety are the procedural aspects of safety and security, and how…
Training
Training Volunteers
When it comes to training your volunteers, there is certain core content that is critical to include in a comprehensive training program to…
Sustainability
Analysis, Review, and Self-Audits: Collecting Data
Depending on the size of your youth-serving organization, the data you’ll need to collect and analyze—or even simply summarize—could be…
Safe Environments
Physical and Procedural Standards for a Safe Environment
Physically safe spaces, with proper supervision, are required to maintain safety standards at your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO). Ensure policies…
Training
Training Best Practices
Training Best Practices To protect the children/youth you serve, your organization needs a comprehensive framework: a set of abuse prevention…
Sign Up to Access Your Learning Center
Customized child sexual abuse prevention guidelines to meet the unique needs of any organization that serves children.
- Evidence-informed guidance
- Actionable prevention steps
- Keeps track of your progress
- Tailored learning tracks
