Our Organizational Youth Protection Policy
Effective Date: January 1st, 2026
These policies apply to all centers
1. Purpose
SID Centers Inc. (“SID Centers,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants ages 13–25. The purpose of this Youth Protection Policy is to prevent abuse, misconduct, and unsafe practices while promoting accountability and transparency in all programs and services.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
Employees
Volunteers
Mentors
Board members
Contractors
Program participants
Any individual interacting with youth through SID Centers programs
3. Commitment to Youth Safety
SID Centers maintains a zero-tolerance policy for:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse or misconduct
Emotional or verbal abuse
Neglect
Exploitation
Harassment
Grooming behaviors
Bullying or intimidation
Any violation of this policy may result in immediate removal and possible referral to law enforcement.
4. Definitions of Abuse
A. Physical Abuse
Intentional use of physical force resulting in injury or harm.
B. Sexual Abuse or Misconduct
Any sexual activity involving a minor, or inappropriate sexual behavior between a mentor/staff and participant (including participants ages 18–25 where there is a power imbalance).
C. Emotional Abuse
Verbal attacks, humiliation, threats, manipulation, or coercion.
D. Neglect
Failure to provide reasonable supervision or necessary care.
5. Screening and Background Checks
All mentors, staff, and volunteers who work directly with minors must:
Complete a written application
Provide references
Undergo criminal background checks
Complete an interview process
Sign a Code of Conduct agreement
Background checks will be conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal law.
6. Training Requirements
All staff and volunteers must complete youth protection training that includes:
Recognizing signs of abuse
Appropriate boundaries
Mandatory reporting obligations
Digital communication safety
Anti-grooming awareness
Training must be completed prior to direct contact with youth and renewed annually.
7. Supervision & Two-Adult Rule
SID Centers follows best-practice supervision standards:
No adult should be alone with a minor in a private setting without visibility or accountability.
When possible, activities should follow the “Two-Adult Rule.”
One-on-one mentoring must occur in observable and interruptible settings (public spaces or monitored virtual platforms).
8. Appropriate and Inappropriate Conduct
Appropriate Conduct:
Professional, respectful communication
Age-appropriate discussions
Clear, healthy boundaries
Transparent communication with parents (for minors)
Prohibited Conduct:
Private, secretive communication with minors
Gift-giving without parental knowledge
Inappropriate physical contact
Sexual comments or jokes
Sharing explicit content
Romantic or sexual relationships with participants
Transporting minors alone without authorization
9. Digital & Online Safety
For virtual mentoring or communication:
Use approved platforms only
Do not use disappearing-message apps
No private late-night messaging
Parents/guardians may be copied on communications with minors
No exchange of personal social media accounts without authorization
All digital communications should remain professional and program-related.
10. Mandatory Reporting
SID Centers staff and volunteers are mandatory reporters where required by law.
Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse must be:
Reported immediately to the Executive Director or designated Safety Officer.
Reported to appropriate state child protective services or law enforcement as required.
Failure to report may result in termination and legal consequences.
11. Incident Reporting Procedure
Any person who observes or suspects misconduct must:
Report concerns immediately
Complete an Incident Report Form
Avoid conducting their own investigation
SID Centers will:
Document the report
Ensure immediate safety of youth
Notify appropriate authorities when required
Maintain confidentiality to the extent permitted by law
12. Anti-Retaliation Policy
SID Centers prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports suspected misconduct in good faith.
13. Media & Photography Safeguards
Written parental consent is required for minors.
Youth identities will not be publicly disclosed without authorization.
No personal photography by volunteers without approval.
14. Transportation Safety
Drivers must be approved and licensed.
Proof of insurance may be required.
Whenever possible, avoid one-on-one transportation of minors.
15. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by leadership and updated as needed.
16. Contact Information