Child Safety is Our Top Priority at Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth
Ensuring the safety and well-being of young people is fundamental to our mission. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where kids can thrive. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior, including child abuse or misconduct, and dedicate resources to uphold this commitment.
Our Promise to Families
America’s youth deserve nothing less than our unwavering commitment to their safety. To learn more about national safety policies and initiatives, visit Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Child Safety page.
Culture of Safety
Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth continuously updates safety policies, programs, and training to protect young people from potential threats. Our efforts include:
Comprehensive Training: All staff and volunteers undergo training in child protection, first aid, CPR, and emergency response protocols.
Strict Safety Policies: We enforce supervision ratios, pick-up/drop-off protocols, and ensure safety throughout all activities and interactions.
Secure Facilities: Our Club employs locked doors, security cameras, and sign-in/sign-out procedures to restrict unauthorized access.
Child Abuse Prevention: Staff receive specialized training to recognize and report signs of abuse, ensuring prompt and appropriate action.
Safety Policies
Our Club adheres to comprehensive safety policies, covering:
Supervision, transportation, and communication protocols
Prohibition of one-on-one contact between adults and youth
Crisis management and emergency response plans
Background Checks & Reporting
Mandatory Background Checks: All staff and board members undergo annual criminal background screenings, including sex offender checks, Department of Children & Family background checks, and fingerprinting.
Continuous Monitoring: Staff and volunteers with direct, repetitive contact with children are subject to ongoing background checks.
Immediate Reporting: As mandated reporters, all staff and volunteers must report safety concerns to local authorities immediately and notify Boys & Girls Clubs of America within 24 hours.
24-Hour Child Safety Hotline
Through our partnership with Praesidium, members, staff, and families have access to a confidential 24-hour toll-free Child Safety Hotline: (866) 607-SAFE (7233) or SafeClub@Praesidiuminc.com.
Ongoing Safety Measures
Annual Safety Assessments: We employ a multi-tiered safety assessment approach to ensure continuous improvements. Boys & Girls Clubs of America performs an independent, external Child Safety audit each year.
Regular Safety Audits: Routine reviews of safety protocols, facilities, and procedures by the Board Safety Committee identify and address potential risks.
Third-Party Training: Our staff receive ongoing training from organizations such as Praesidium, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the National Children’s Advocacy Center.
Board-Led Safety Committee
Our Safety Committee provides guidance on policies and safety strategies, focusing on:
Crisis Management Plans: Well-defined procedures for emergencies, including natural disasters and medical incidents.
Collaboration with Authorities: Partnerships with law enforcement, child welfare organizations, and community groups ensure best safety practices.
Employee Reference Requirements: For staff transferring to another Boys & Girls Club, that club must request a reference from our Club.
Compliance & Safety Partnerships
We adhere to all federal, state, and local safety laws, including those governing facilities and vehicles. Additionally, we collaborate with leading safety organizations, including:
National Child Safety Advisory Task Force
Blue Ribbon Taskforce
Mental Health First Aid
Local Partnerships
We work closely with:
Department of Children and Families
Plymouth Police & Fire Departments
Plymouth Youth Development Collaborative
Plymouth Public Schools
- State Dept. of Early Education & Care