Keeping Youth Safe is a Club Priority

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, there is no greater priority than the safety of our members. We work every day to create a safe, fun environment, so youth can have every opportunity to be successful in life.

We do not tolerate inappropriate behavior of any kind, including child sexual abuse or misconduct. From strict adherence to policies and guidelines within Club facilities and staffing structure, to equipping young people with the critical thinking and social-emotional skills to make healthy, safe choices, ensuring Club members are safe is the first step to their success.

For the nearly 3,500 young people who attend our Clubs, the Club spaces and youth development professionals offer safe, inclusive spaces and experiences that empower members’ learning and growth.

Our Policies Ensuring Youth Safety

The following policies mitigate the risk of child abuse at our Boys & Girls Clubs:

1. All staff, volunteers and Board Members must go through annual background checks.

2. References checks are required and completed at hire. If previously employed at a Boys & Girls Club or any other youth serving agency, reference checks are required from them. 

3. Two (2) adult staff are required inside the Clubs at all times and at no time should a staff member be in a room alone with a member without being in view of others. If a member wants to stay behind to talk or help a staff member clean up, another member must also be present. 

4. It is a staff member’s responsibility to maintain a professional relationship with members and their families. Staff may NOT have contact with members outside of approved Club activities for any reason, including babysitting, sharing or communicating via email, phone, or through social networking. 

5. At Clubs without a Staff Only Restroom, the restroom must first be cleared of any children prior to an adult using the facilities. Clearing the restroom must be completed for use by staff and volunteers. At Clubs with a Staff Only Restroom, adults must only use this restroom and youth are not allowed to use it. 

6. All Clubhouses have very specific restroom policies to protect our members and staff/volunteers.

7. All Club staff, volunteers and Board Members receive training on Child Safety through Praesidium.

8. If any staff member is accused of abuse of a child, local law enforcement is contacted.

9. All potential and critical incidences at the Club are reported to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

10. All staff are mandated reporters in cases of suspected or reported abuse and neglect. Child Protective Services is notified.