Staff and Volunteers

Expectations

• At a minimum, observe the “Rule of Three,” as defined in Section 2.8.1 of the West Virginia University Youth Programming Policies and Guidelines .

• Limit physical contact to purposes that are consistent with the program’s mission and/or for a clear educational, developmental, or health related purpose, in the presence of another staff member, and with the consent of the youth.

• Use program-sponsored e-mail, phone and social media accounts for communication when there is an essential educational or programmatic reason to do so.

• Disclose any pre-existing relationships with youth in the youth program immediately to the program lead. Abide by these standards while affiliated with the youth program, despite any pre-existing personal relationships.

Prohibited

• Never be alone with a single youth where you cannot be observed by program staff or other adults.

• Do not act in a manner that can be perceived as physical or verbal abuse.

• Do not discipline youth by use of physical punishment or by failing to provide the necessities of care.

• Avoid engaging in purposeful communication or contact including in-person meetings, phone or other electronic communication including social networking, with youth outside of sponsored program activities.
• If direct communication with youth is necessary, always include at least the child’s parent/legal guardian or another WVU authorized adult.

• Never engage in texting or other forms of electronic one-on-one communication between a single adult staff and youth participant.

Expectation

• Treat all youth equitably, i.e. fairly and consistently, regardless of their actions or behavior, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, culture, place of birth, age, class, ability, health, citizenship, language, or other identities.

Prohibited

• Do not discriminate against a youth based on their sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, culture, place of birth, age, class, ability, health, citizenship, language, or other identities.

• Do not give personal gifts to youth or their parents, e.g., any item intended to give a youth and/or parent special attention that is not given to others.

Expectation

• Understand and respect the physical and personal boundaries set by youth.

Prohibited

• Do not engage in sexual contact of any kind (including any verbal or physical contact that can be perceived as sexual in nature.)

• Do not date or become romantically involved with youth.

• Do not discuss your own or a youth’s sex life or sexual activities.

• Do not share sexually explicit material with youth.

Expectations

• The safety of youth must be your primary concern above all others.
• Report any concerns for suspected abuse or neglect of a youth to authorities per University policy requirement.

• Notify University representatives per policy requirements of any violations of these standards for interacting with youth.

• Follow all University transportation procedures for transporting youth.

Prohibited

• Do not possess, sell, use, or be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco or illegal drugs while engaged in program activities or on site.

• Do not bring or carry a weapon into the program.

• Do not transport youth in a personal vehicle.

Youth should be informed in an age-appropriate manner of their right to set their own physical limits for personal safety. They should be encouraged to tell an adult if someone is abusing them, or if they are in a situation or observe something that makes them uncomfortable.

West Virginia University and [program name] take these matters seriously. In the case of suspected abuse or neglect of a youth or violations of the Standards for Interacting with​Youth, the University and [program name] will adhere to existing policies and procedures for corrective action. Actions taken will first and foremost consider the need to ensure the safety of youth participating in the program. See BOG Rule 1.7 Section 5 for more information.