Safety Protocol

Can I Really Believe this Report?

You have either heard the child’s report, or another child has told you that a friend is being abused, but it is still hard to believe. Perhaps one of the most difficult types of reports is that of sexual abuse. For this reason, it might be helpful to share another piece of information: Sexual abusers do not just groom the child; they often groom the family and the community as well (Crosson-Tower, 2003, 2015, 2021).

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Monitoring Behavior
How-To in 3 Steps

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Step 1

Developing the Monitoring Protocol

Determine how your Code of Conduct is being adhered to and where additional policy or training may be needed.
Include language indicating all staff have the responsibility to observe and report inappropriate or concerning behaviors displayed by staff or by youth.
Consult your child safety team to identify areas of strength and higher risk activities where monitoring would be especially important.
Define the people who must be informed when staff, volunteers, or children observe inappropriate or harmful behavior.
Outline the steps all staff and volunteers must follow when reporting suspected abuse.

Step 2

Promoting a Culture of Safety

Encourage staff to view safety as a priority and mutual responsibility, encourage questions, establish ongoing communication, and provide support to build trust.
Provide positive feedback when observing expected and appropriate behaviors.
Ensure leadership is present, models appropriate behavior, supports positive interactions, and intervenes when needed.
Conduct annual surveys and audits to gather information from staff, youth, and parents including questions about boundaries and appropriate behaviors.
Equip parents with information about your child sexual abuse prevention plans.

Step 3

Sustaining the Monitoring Protocol

Use individual supervision, performance reviews, and staff meetings to talk about the Code of Conduct and provide staff feedback on observed behaviors.
Provide ongoing trainings that reinforce your Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
Ensure all concerns are addressed and any harmful behaviors are reported to the Department of Children and Families and law enforcement.
Review the results of the staff surveys and internal audits to identify areas for improvement, staff accountability, and transparency.
Assess your protocol and implement changes based on findings.