Child Safety
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
The safety, health, and well-being of our Club members, staff, and volunteers is a core value and a precondition for everything we do, after school and all summer long.
24-Hour Child Safety Hotline
See Something? Say Something.
We encourage all staff, members, and families to report any incident or situation they feel is unsafe. Through our national partnership with Praesidium, one of the nation’s leading safety experts, everyone has access to a confidential, toll-free hotline 24 hours a day.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Culture of Safety
Zero Tolerance, Backed by Action
We work every day to create a safe, fun environment so kids have every opportunity to be successful in life. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior of any kind, including child sexual abuse or misconduct, and we put resources behind that stance.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia continually updates its safety policies, programs, and training for staff and volunteers to promote child safety and protect young people from threats present in our society.
Layers of Protection
How We Keep Kids Safe
- Staff training on up-to-date safety procedures
- Regular safety drills with Club members
- Staff training with a professional, certified trauma-informed community network specialist
- Policies on supervision, transportation, and communication, including prohibiting private one-on-one contact
Our Safety Policies
Safeguards in Every Club, Every Day
We implement layers of safety policies and guidelines so families can trust that their child is protected.
Comprehensive Safety Policies
Policies that protect youth, including supervision, transportation, communication, and prohibiting private one-on-one contact.
Mandatory Background Checks
Required every year for every staff and board member, and for any volunteer with direct contact with children, run through Virginia State Police, Child Protective Services, and First Advantage.
Required Immediate Reporting
All staff and volunteers are mandated reporters. Critical incidents go to local authorities immediately and to Boys & Girls Clubs of America within 24 hours.
Annual Safety Assessments
We complete a safety assessment every year to keep improving safety at our Clubs.
Ongoing Safety Training
Trauma-informed community seminars, child safety conferences, BGCA safety webinars, and a semi-annual safety symposium.
Expert Guidance
Third-party experts guide our policies, including Praesidium, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the National Children’s Advocacy Center.
Employee References
Any employee moving to another Boys & Girls Club needs a reference from their previous Club, even within the same community.
State & Local Laws
We comply with federal, state, and local safety laws, including those covering facilities and vehicles.
Local Oversight
Board-Led Safety Committee
A dedicated, board-led safety committee provides input and guidance on local policies and safety strategies. Its priorities include:
- Reviewing the Crisis Prevention Plan and updating policies based on national safety standards
- Hosting annual Club walk-throughs to identify and correct safety issues
- Offering regular training by certified industry professionals on Club safety and trauma-informed communities
We prioritize their safety and elevate their voices in relentless pursuit of our mission in every Club, every day.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia
Safety Partnerships
Working With Leading Experts
Nationally and here at home, we partner with experts in safety, security, and technology to protect young people.
National Partners
Through Boys & Girls Clubs of America:
- National Child Safety Advisory Task Force, made up of leading experts and organizations
- Blue Ribbon Taskforce of local Club leaders guiding key safety initiatives
- Mental Health First Aid, teaching skills to recognize and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse
- Crisis Text Line, a confidential text message service for youth in times of crisis
Local Partners
Here in Southwest Virginia:
- Roanoke City Police Department
- Family Services of Roanoke Valley
- Roanoke City Fire Department
Boys & Girls Clubs of America advocated for the passage of the U.S. PROTECT Act, which improved background screening systems and access, and has partnered with the FBI, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the Centers for Disease Control to develop safety practices that benefit all youth-serving organizations.
Our Commitment
Every Child Deserves Our Constant Focus
America’s young people deserve nothing less than our constant focus on their safety and our firm commitment to protect every child entrusted to our care.