Policy for Child Protection
1. Employees, contractors and volunteers of GTCYS who regularly work with children must meet the following qualifications:
2. Short-term personnel, contractors or volunteers for whom it is not practicable to complete a criminal background check must review and agree to abide by this policy. Any such individuals should be supervised by a GTCYS representative who has met the full qualifications set forth in Section 1 above.
3. For the protection of GTCYS, its students, and its staff, volunteers and contractors, individuals who work with GTCYS students will attempt to avoid potentially compromising situations in which abuse could occur and/or an allegation of abuse could arise. GTCYS promotes a “Rule of Three” culture where staff, volunteers and contractors are encouraged to avoid situations where one child is alone with one staff, volunteer or contractor.
4. Minors involved in coaching other students will be supervised to confirm they are acting in a manner consistent with this policy including leading any instruction in a rehearsal space or area equipped with a window or open door.
5. With the exception of activities involving their own children or other relatives, or apart from conducting official GTCYS business, employees, contractors and volunteers of GTCYS should not instigate or maintain a personal relationship with any GTCYS student in any form including on any social media platforms. All contact with GTCYS students outside of rehearsals, performances, tours or other GTCYS’ events should be initiated through the student’s parent/guardian so that the parent/guardian is aware of the circumstances surrounding the communications.
6. GTCYS staff, volunteers and contractors should examine rehearsal, retreat, concert and other venues for GTCYS programs and activities to address potential areas of concern. This might include areas with doors that lock; doors that do not have windows that would permit individuals outside to view activities inside the room; dark, out-of-the-way places, such as remote staircases; and areas created to promote privacy such as restrooms, bathing facilities, changing rooms and locker rooms. Windows to rooms should remain uncovered. When appropriate, doors should remain propped open. GTCYS staff, volunteers and contractors are encouraged to engage in “drop-ins” to ensure compliance with the policy.
7. Any GTCYS student, parent, employee, contractor or volunteer who knows or suspects that a student has been subjected to physical or sexual abuse in connection with a GTCYS program or activity should report the incident to the student’s conductor, or the Executive Director. GTCYS staff, contractors and volunteers may be required by law to report any known or suspected abuse or neglect of a GTCYS student to law enforcement and/or child protection services, and these GTCYS representatives are strongly encouraged to contact the executive director and law enforcement and/or child protection services if they become aware of known or suspected abuse or neglect.
8. In the event that GTCYS receives an allegation of abuse of a child or GTCYS becomes aware of any incident in which there is a concern for the safety or well-being of a child under the supervision of GTCYS, GTCYS will conduct an investigation into the matter and, if required, involve law enforcement and/or child protection services. GTCYS reserves the right to take interim protective measures to ensure the safety of GTCYS’ students while an investigation is pending. GTCYS will strive to conduct its investigation in a manner that respects the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals involved in the investigation.
9. In addition to prohibiting abuse of minors, this policy prohibits any retaliation against employees, contractors, volunteers, students and parents/guardians for making a good faith report under this policy and for participating in an investigation into allegations of abuse.
10. This policy will be disseminated to all parents and students in the students’ handbooks. It will also be presented to GTCYS employees, contractors and volunteers (including members of GTCYS’ Board of Directors) annually.
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