The intent of this policy is to ensure the safety of program children while being transported by Circle of Friends program staff, volunteers or mentor's, as well as the safety of our staff, volunteers and mentors who drive as a requirement of their job/service.
Oregon State Law requires that everyone must wear a seat belt when riding in a car. Program youth should ride in the back seat and may need a booster seat. Potential mentors will be provided with the handout "Safety Belt and Child Seat Laws" to make this determination. You must escort the child to the door of their house or other destination.
The roles of mentor and program staff require transporting program children on a regular basis; therefore, a satisfactory driving record, a valid driver's license for the state of residency, a functionally safe automobile, and appropriate automobile insurance and registration are required at all times. A copy of the staff/mentors Oregon Drivers License and current automobile insurance must be on file with Circle of Friends and updated annually.
Driving Safety
Each driver is expected to:
- Drive and conduct themselves in a safe manner.
- Maintain a valid driver's license for state of residency.
- Maintain automobile insurance coverage and provide proof of insurance every six months.
- Use child booster seats as required by law.
- Obey all applicable laws and regulations customary to vehicle usage.
- Require all persons riding in any vehicle during organization activities to wear seat belts at all times.
- Use of Alcohol, drugs or other substances, including certain over the counter cold or allergy medication that in any way may impair driving ability is prohibited.
- NO utilization of a phone allowed while in the car. This includes hands free phone call when in the automobile with a program youth. If there is an emergency when utilization of the phone is required, the driver MUST pull over to initiate the call.
- Texting and driving is NEVER permitted.
- Have his/her vehicle professionally serviced and inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it remains in safe operating condition.
Annual DMV checks will be performed on all program staff and mentors who regularly transport children; however, program staff are required to report any moving violations received, whether they are received on or off the job, within one week of occurrence. Program staff and mentors must also report immediately, or as soon as s/he becomes aware, if his or her driver's license is suspended or revoked. Program staff and mentors must not do any work-related driving with a suspended or revoked license.
If you have concerns about driving with your mentee in the car, please talk to a Circle of Friends staff member.
When dropping a mentee off, please escort them to the door of their house or other destination.
REVISED MAY 2021