Many of us have rolled through a stop sign while driving, whether inadvertently, because we’re inattentive or in a hurry. Some folks even do this on a regular basis at a familiar intersection.

We discussed this analogy last week during a series of training sessions I facilitated. The sessions were part of an organization-wide effort by a large YMCA in the New York metropolitan area. That organization was reinvigorating its youth protection efforts. After prior planning we were able to efficiently train over 1,000 staff through a week-long series of events. It was the largest concentrated effort I’ve worked with and it was very impressive to interact with all the different staff and see how the leadership of the YMCA took this topic so very seriously.

We discussed the sheer magnitude of abuse in the US today, particularly the frequency of neglect and bullying. We discussed the impact and severity of molestation and looked at how we can work to prevent all forms of abuse. The effort looked at protecting staff, the organization and most importantly the youth that are involved in programs and services. Our stop sign analogy centered on the idea that when we roll through that intersection the sign itself is no longer relevant. We compared that to how we all can sometimes forget to see the signs around us. In this case specifically that we sometimes miss the signs of abuse and more importantly the opportunity to build youth up as we look to protect them and prevent abuse. After all no matter the organization, if they work with youth, their goal is building youth. Building strong, resilient and confident youth not only serves them well in life, it helps to protect them for abuse and harm.

So after training this large group of staff over a five-day period I was heading back home. I has completed my air travel and was within a half-mile of my home when I came to an intersection. I looked at the stop sign and took a moment to briefly reflect on the week’s efforts and hope that others remembered to not roll through the signs they intersect with.

Michael Gurtler, Safe-Wise Consulting

Information on Youth Protection is available in the Online Resource Library

One question that we often get asked at Safe-Wise Consulting is “How often should we conduct background checks?” Our recommendation is that these checks should be conducted on at least an annual basis for all employees and any program volunteers. Organizations should conduct these searches in addition to meeting any screening that is required by licensing or regulation.

Many organizations have moved to screening staff prospects through a variety of resources. There are some critical things to keep in mind when selecting a background check option. First off, background checks must include a social security verification. Since this is most likely the identification that is used to find information, it is critical to verify it before conducting the search. The old axiom, “garbage in, garbage out” would apply here. It is also important to utilize a multi-state search. Do not confine your search to only your state; prospects could have spent time in other states or crossed jurisdictions. Youth staff members should have a background check conducted immediately after turning 18 in addition to any prior screening.

Another trend for youth serving nonprofits like YMCAs is to screen members that access facilities. Being on the sexual offender registry is usually inconsistent with the organization’s philosophy and there are also very few facilities where youth do not participate in some manner. Software and systems are readily available to conduct these searches easily and some also allow for a quick screening of guests. If an organization adds their staff to the membership database, they too will be included in this regular screening.

Remember, there is no silver bullet for preventing abuse and protecting youth. Screening is just one strategy that every organization should employ and background searches are only one form of screening.

Mike Gurtler

More information about screening practices and youth protection is available in the Safe-Wise Online Resource Library

I spent some time updating my knowledge of the scope of bullying in the US this week as I prepared to provide a workshop on the subject for a group of YMCAs. I also was reminded of the impact of this issue while reading an article in USA Today (Wednesday, January 25th, “Bullying in USA: Are we defenseless?”). Over half, about 56 percent, of all students are exposed to bullying on a regular basis at school (National Crime Prevention Council). This is a very big problem for our youth today.

So why aren’t more youth organizations embracing this issue? Most YMCAs and other youth-serving organizations work diligently to address and prevent the sexual abuse of children. Organizations regularly employ a variety of strategies to screen, train, educate and supervise staff in order to prevent abuse. And while these efforts are needed and laudable, some focus more on how to protect the organization than how to protect youth. It is understandable and logical… but.

It may seem odd that a risk manager would suggest something other than the understandable and logical. I am not. The sexual molestation of children needs to be prevented and organizations must work to protect themselves. They also need to protect staff and, most importantly, protect youth. My suggestion is that we utilize the opportunity as we work with youth to help them cope with the problems they are facing on a much greater scale. Obviously the impact of molestation is huge; however the frequency of other forms of abuse makes them a priority as well.

Working to build resilient, confident youth in our organizations is a great way to help prevent all forms of abuse. Focusing on the strategies that primarily prevent one form over another may not be the most effective way to help the kids in our programs. Building on core values, a welcoming/accepting environment and providing education on coping strategies will go a long way in helping youth deal with all forms of abuse.

I encourage our organization leaders to look at a broad approach to protecting youth, staff and the organization from abuse.

More information about youth protection is available at the Safe-Wise Consulting Online Resource Library. Resources on preventing bullying are available at www.stopbullying.gov

Mike Gurtler