Dear Volunteer or Staff Member: 

Welcome to Type 1 Unbound. 

At Type 1 Unbound, we take our responsibility to care for children very  seriously. These guidelines are intended to facilitate a safe and nurturing  environment. 

The pages of this handbook provide a general overview of procedures and guidelines for Type 1 Unbound volunteers and staff members. Our policies are  intended to create a safe environment for children, protecting children, you,  and the mission of Type 1 Unbound. The following procedures have been adopted  and will be strictly enforced. 

After you have carefully read this policy manual, please sign and return the  agreement form located on the last page. 

Sincerely, 

Ryan Summers,

Founder

 

 

 

Overview of the Type 1 Unbound Safety System 

Because we care for children and desire to protect them, Type 1 Unbound requires all volunteers  and staff members to complete 4 SAFETY STEPS before employment or volunteer work begins.  

STEP ONE: Sexual Abuse and Maltreatment Prevention Training

Type 1 Unbound policies and procedures require that volunteers and staff members avoid  abusive behavior of any kind. Volunteers and staff members are required to report any  policy violations to a supervisor or a member of the Type 1 Unbound committee.  

Volunteers and staff members should have a basic understanding of the characteristics of  sexual abusers and their behaviors in ‘grooming’ a child for sexual abuse. Grooming is the  process used by an abuser to select a child, win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s  parent or ‘gatekeeper’), manipulate the child into sexual activity and keep the child from  disclosing the abuse.  

To equip Type 1 Unbound volunteers and staff members with information necessary to protect a  child from sexual abuse or maltreatment, Type 1 Unbound requires all volunteers and staff  members to read this entire policy manual.

STEP TWO: Screening Process 

Volunteers and staff members are required to complete the Type 1 Unbound application screening process,  which requires volunteers and staff members to: 

Complete a volunteer application 
Complete a face-to-face interview  
Provide references to be checked

STEP THREE: Policies & Procedures 

Volunteers and staff members are required to review the policies contained in this manual  and sign the last page indicating he or she has read and understood the material, and agrees  to comply with policy requirements.  

STEP FOUR: Criminal Background Check 

Type 1 Unbound requires that all volunteers and staff members undergo a criminal background  check. Depending upon position, differing levels or intensity of background check may be  required.

Child Safety Policy 

ABUSE TOLERANCE 

Type 1 Unbound has a zero tolerance for abuse in Type 1 Unbound programs and activities. It is  the responsibility of every volunteers and staff member at Type 1 Unbound to act in the best  interest of each child in every program.  

In the event that volunteers or staff members observe any inappropriate behaviors (i.e.  policy violations, neglectful supervision, poor role-modeling, etc.) or suspected abuse  (physical, emotional, or sexual) it is their responsibility to immediately report the  observations to an immediate supervisor or the Type 1 Unbound administrator.  

GROOMING CHARACTERISTICS

Grooming is the process used by an abuser to select a child, win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or ‘gatekeeper’), manipulate the child into sexual activity and keep the child from disclosing the abuse. Grooming behavior may include:

Making close physical contact sexual, such as inappropriate tickling and wrestling/play fighting.
Openly or pretending to accidentally expose the victim to nudity, sexual material and sexual acts (this in itself is classified as child sexual abuse but can also be a precursor to physical sexual assault).
Controlling a child or young person through threats, force, or use of authority making the child or young person fearful to report unwanted behavior.
Groomers may rely on mobile phones, social media and the internet to interact with children in inappropriate ways and will often ask the child to keep their relationship a secret.

The grooming process may continue for months before the offender arranges a physical meeting. 

Staff members, volunteers and mentors are asked to report ‘grooming’ behavior, any policy violations, or any suspicious behaviors to a supervisor or Program Coordinator/Director.

REPORTING SUSPICIOUS OR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS

 Type 1 Unbound is committed to providing a safe, secure environment for children. To this end,  any report of inappropriate behaviors or suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and will  be reported, in accordance with this policy and state law, to the Type 1 Unbound Committee and the Police Department, Child Protective Services, or other appropriate  agency. 

An element of the safe environment referenced above includes the fostering of a culture of  reporting relevant information to a supervisor or a member of the Type 1 Unbound  Committee.  

Because sexual abusers ‘groom’ children for abuse, it is possible a staff member or volunteer  may witness behavior intended to ‘groom’ a child for sexual abuse. Staff members and  volunteers are asked to report ‘grooming’ behavior, any policy violations, or any suspicious  behaviors to a supervisor or a member of the Type 1 Unbound Committee. 

ENFORCEMENT OF POLICIES 

Type 1 Unbound staff members and volunteers who supervise other staff members or volunteers  are charged with the diligent enforcement of all Type 1 Unbound policies. Violations of these  policies are grounds for immediate dismissal, disciplinary action, or reassignment from  positions for both volunteers and staff members. Final decisions related to policy violations  will be the responsibility of the Type 1 UnboundCommittee or the Type 1 Unbound administrator.  

 

REPORTING VIOLATION OF POLICY 

In order to maintain a safe environment for our children, Type 1 Unbound staff members and  volunteers must be aware of their individual responsibility to report any questionable  circumstance, observation, act, omission, or situation that is a violation of these policies. All  questions or concerns related to abuse of a child should be directed to an immediate  supervisor, or the Type 1 Unbound administrator.  

CONSEQUENCES OF PROHIBITED OR HARMFUL ACT 

Any person accused of committing a prohibited act or any act considered to be harmful to a  child will be immediately suspended from all child interaction and Type 1 Unbound activities.  This suspension will continue during any investigation by law enforcement or child  protective agency.  

Any person found to have committed a prohibited act should be prohibited from future  participation as a staff member or volunteer in all activities and programming that involves  children or vulnerable populations at Type 1 Unbound. If the person is a staff member or  employee, such conduct may also result in termination of employment from Type 1 Unbound.  

Failure to report a prohibited act to the designated person is a violation of this policy and  grounds for termination of employment of a staff member or employee. Volunteers who  fail to report a prohibited act may be restricted from participation in any activities involving  children or vulnerable populations at Type 1 Unbound.  

 

WHEN IN DOUBT, REPORT! 

RESPONSE TO REPORT OF ABUSE  

The Type 1 Unbound Safety Committee will take appropriate action on behalf of organization when a report of abuse occurs. 

WHEN A CHILD HAS BEEN VICTIMIZED 

If a staff member or volunteer has knowledge or a suspicion that a child is a victim of sexual  abuse or other maltreatment, the information will be reported to supervisory staff and the  appropriate authorities as outlined above.  

In addition to notifying the appropriate authorities (if required), Type 1 Unbound will provide  the child or the child’s parent/caregiver/guardian with information to allow the child (or  parent, on the child’s behalf) to obtain assistance and intervention, as well as available  counseling options. 

BATHROOM SUPERVISION AND ASSISTANCE GUIDELINE 

School-age children 

School age children may be accompanied to the restroom for supervision and assistance  when needed. (However, children should receive the minimum amount of assistance needed  based upon their individual capabilities.) Staff members and volunteers should never take a  lone child to the restroom. 

If a staff member or volunteer must go into the restroom to check on an individual child, he  or she should seek out another worker to accompany him/her. If another worker is not  available to accompany, he/she should got to the exterior bathroom door, knock, and ask if  the child needs assistance. If the child requires assistance, the worker should leave the  exterior bathroom door open when entering the bathroom area and try to verbally assist the  child in completing their activities, while the child remains behind the door of the bathroom  stall.  

Any assistance with the straightening or fastening of garments should be done in the  presence of another staff member or volunteer.  

Special needs 

Parents will offer child-specific instruction to staff members or volunteers to assist with the change of an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor.

MEDICATION 

Medication may be given to a child by a staff member or volunteer with a doctor’s  prescription. The medication must be in the original packaging, including over the counter  medication. Volunteers may not administer insulin to a child that they are not the guardian of , but may assit a youth with carb counting and verifying dosage. Volunteers will be given glucagon training and may administer glucagon if neccesary and within the scope of their training.

GIFT GIVING 

Staff members and volunteers are prohibited from providing special gifts to any individual  child. Special occasions or special accomplishments should receive group acknowledgement  and can easily be rewarded with group recognition (i.e., mention during announcements;  have the entire group sing Happy Birthday, etc.) Any requests for variance from this policy  must be addressed to the Type 1 Unbound administrator.  

INTOXICANTS 

Staff members and volunteers are prohibited from the use, possession, or being under the  influence of alcohol or any illegal drugs while in the facility, during a Program activity, or  while working with children at Type 1 Unbound (see page __ of the Employee Handbook). Staff  members and volunteers are prohibited from providing alcohol or illegal drugs to children.  

TOBACCO 

Type 1 Unbound is a tobacco-free facility. Type 1 Unbound requires staff members and volunteers to  refrain from the use or possession of tobacco products in the facility, and while in the  presence of children or their parents. Type 1 Unbound staff members and volunteers are  prohibited from providing tobacco products to children.  

NUDITY

Staff members and volunteers at Type 1 Unbound should never be nude in the presence of  children in their care. 

ONE-TO-ONE INTERACTIONS WITH CHILDREN  

Type 1 Unbound recognizes that meeting program objectives may occasionally require that staff  members and volunteers interact with children on an individual basis. Workers should  observe the following guidelines when interacting with children:  

Individual Meetings 

Staff members and volunteers should conduct one-to-one meetings with an  individual child at a time when others are present and where interactions can be  easily observed. There will be no one-to-one meetings between a staff member or a  volunteer and a child behind closed doors. If a circumstance arises where a private  one-to-one meeting does occur, the staff member or volunteers will notify the Type 1 Unbound administrator immediately before or after the meeting. 

Transportation 

Staff members and volunteers are not permitted to transport children as a duty of their role. Any transportation provided by a volunteer to youth that they are not a guardian of is done outside of the role and supervision of Type 1 Unbound. These transportation arrangements are designated between guardians and caregivers and not with Type 1 Unbound.

PARENTAL CONTACT 

Parents who leave their children in the care of Type 1 Unbound staff members and volunteers  for services and activities will be contacted if their child becomes ill, injured, or has a severe  disciplinary problem while participating in Type 1 Unbound activities. 

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT 

Parents are encouraged to be a part of any and all services and programs in which children  are involved at Type 1 Unbound (see Handbook). A parent accompanied by a child to any Type 1 Unbound programs or activity is responsible for their child’s safety. 

VOLUNTEERS PARENTS 

A parent who desires to participate in such a way as to have ongoing contact with children in  the program other than his/her own will be considered a Volunteer. All Volunteer  Parents will be required to complete Type 1 Unbound’s Volunteer Application.  

PHYSICAL CONTACT 

Type 1 Unbound is committed to protecting the children in our care. The Program has  implemented a physical contact policy that will promote a positive, nurturing environment  while protecting children. Physical contact in any form should not give even the appearance  of wrongdoing. The personal behavior of Type 1 Unbound staff members or volunteers must  foster trust at all times – personal conduct must be above reproach. The following  guidelines are to be carefully followed by anyone working in Type 1 Unbound programs: 

1. Hugging, pats on the back and other forms of appropriate physical affection  between staff members or volunteers and children are important for a child’s  development, and are generally suitable in the Type 1 Unbound setting. 

2. Physical affection should be appropriate to the child’s age. Inappropriate  touching and inappropriate displays of affection are forbidden. Any  

inappropriate touching and inappropriate displays of affection should be  immediately reported to the Type 1 Unbound administrator.  

3. Physical contact and affection should only be given when in the presence of  other children or Type 1 Unbound staff and volunteers. It is much less likely that  touches will be inappropriate or misinterpreted as such when more than two  individuals are present and the touch is open to observation.  

4. Do not force any physical contact, touch or affection upon a reluctant child. A  child’s preference not to be touched must be respected. 

RELEASE OF CHILDREN 

At the end of the program day or activity, Type 1 Unbound volunteers and/or staff members are  responsible for releasing children in their care only to parents, legal guardians, or other  persons designated in writing by parents or legal guardians.  

In the event that a staff member or volunteer is uncertain of the propriety of releasing a  child, he/she should immediately locate or contact the Type 1 Unbound administrator or his/her  designee before releasing the child.  

SEXUALLY ORIENTED CONVERSATIONS 

Staff members and volunteers are prohibited from engaging in any sexually oriented  conversations with children. Staff members and volunteers are not permitted to discuss any  inappropriate or explicit information about their own personal relationships, dating, or  sexual activities with any child in the program. This provision includes the use of cellular  phones, text messages, e-mail, instant messaging and online chat rooms.  

POSSESSION OF SEXUALLY ORIENTED MATERIALS 

Type 1 Unbound staff members and volunteers are prohibited from possessing any sexually  oriented materials (magazines, cards, videos, films, etc.) on Program property or in the  presence of children. If any such materials are purportedly necessary for classroom  instruction, they must be approved in advance by the Type 1 Unbound administrator.  

INTERNET/ELECTRONIC MEDIA 

No computers or devices used at a Type 1 Unbound event by staff members, volunteers,  children or volunteers may engage in computer chat room discussions or visit pornographic or  sexually inappropriate websites. Violation of this policy will lead to discipline from the Type 1 Unbound administrator. Any questions about inappropriate use of computers or the  suitability of a particular website should be discussed with the Type 1 Unbound administrator.  

VERBAL INTERACTIONS 

Verbal interactions between staff members or volunteers and children should be positive  and uplifting. Type 1 Unbound staff members and volunteers should strive to keep verbal  interactions encouraging, constructive, and mindful of their mission to provide nurturing  care to children. Staff members and volunteers are expected to refrain from swearing in the  presence of children. 

 

 

Statement of Acknowledgment and Agreement 

I have received and read a copy of Type 1 Unbound’s Safety Policies and Procedures Manual and understand the importance of the matters set forth within the manual. I agree  to follow and abide by these guidelines during my service at Type 1 Unbound.  

Further, I understand that the manual may be modified at any time, and that any guideline  may be amended, revised, or eliminated at any time by Type 1 Unbound. 

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and agree to fulfill the duties listed in my position  description. While, ideally, I will serve in this position for the full term specified in the  position description, I understand that I am serving as a volunteer and that I may choose to  end this service at any time. (If possible, I agree to provide two weeks’ notice to my  supervisor).  

I further acknowledge and understand that the materials and guidelines contained in this  policy statement in no way express or imply a contractual employment relationship between  Type 1 Unbound and me. If I am applying as a volunteer, I acknowledge and agree that I will  receive no compensation for the hours I work.  

Finally, I understand that it is my responsibility to review new guidelines that are created and  distributed, as well as manual guidelines that are changed or deleted. 

I hereby acknowledge receipt of this policies and procedures manual.