Why are Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures Necessary?
Policies inform your staff, volunteers, participants, parents and the community on what your organization will or will not do. Procedures map out how your organization will accomplish what the organizational policies commit to. Policies and procedures are critical because they establish the boundary lines for what are considered appropriate behaviors and what are considered inappropriate behaviors.
They:
- Control ACCESS to those in your care;
- Reduce PRIVACY with potential victims; and
- Limit CONTROL an offender might seek. (i.e., a policy that forbids gift-giving in one-on-one situations.)
Additional Resources:
Abuse Prevention Monitoring Area Assessment
Abuse Prevention Response Checklist
Sample Abuse Prevention Policy
Sample Parent/Guardian Response Notification Letter
Allegations of Abuse Sample Questions