PARENT HANDBOOK
 

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Barron County Mission Statement 

To inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to be productive, responsible, and caring citizens. 

 

Membership Policy

Fees & Payments

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Barron County membership is based on the Academic year of September through August, with renewals beginning at the end of August. The fee is $20, those joining in the Club in July or later of the year will be prorated for the yeast of the year at $5. There is a seperate fee for the Summer Program. 

 

Summer payments are to be made in full at the beginning of each week on Monday, or the first day your member attends the Club for the week. Summer fees and the payment schedule are to be announced early March of each year. 

 

Scholarships are available by request and require an additional form be submitted for review. Scholarships are provided on a sliding scale for those that need them to ensure all Club members have a safe place to go after-school and non school days. 

 

Military Families

 

Military families (both active and veteran) will have their yearly membership fee waived, but are still required to pay Summer Program fees if their child(ren) attends. 

 

After School vs. Summer Program

 

BGC provides After School programming while school is in session. When school is not in session during the school year and summer months, full day programming is provided. 

 

Priority Outcomes

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Barron County have the following priority outcome areas:

• Academic Success

• Good Character & Citizenship

• Healthy Lifestyles 

 

Through these outcome areas, all Clubs provide over 40 program opportunities. These opportunities include staff facilitated programs, partnership programs with the community and field trips. 

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Dress Code

 

Rules pertaining to appropriate Club member attire are necessary in order to maintain good decorum and a favorable youth developmental atmosphere. Appropriate dress is the responsibility of Club members and their parents/ guardians.

 

Club members are not permitted to wear clothing that is inappropriate for the Club setting, this includes, but is not limited to: 

• Clothing that displays profanity, violence, is sexually aggressive, is offensive, promotes gang activity, or promotes alcohol, tobacco, or drug use. Club members wearing inappropriate clothing will be asked to change or turn their clothes inside out. Members who refuse to change or alter clothing deemed inappropriate will be sent-home from the Club. 

• Clothing must cover the torso from above the chest to mid thigh, no items of clothing where undergarments are exposed are allowed.

• Clothing must be appropriate for current weather conditions as Club members could possibly be outside daily, if not multiple times a day. 

  • Club staff may limit participation due to attire not meeting weather requirements.

• Weather appropriate Footwear must be worn at all times while at the Club.

  • Closed toed shoes are strongly encouraged to protect feet during sports/ recreational activities. 

  • Club staff may limit participation in programs due to footwear and attire.  

 

Family Communication

 

Front Desk - Lincoln Clubhouse

 

As part of attending Club during the school year it is the members responsibility to check in at the front desk with the Membership Coordinator and alert them that they have arrived at Club from school.
 

During the Summer Program parents must check their children in at the front desk, children cannot do this independently during Summer Programming. This is in part so that parents can be updated on resources, materials and current events at Club. This also gives parents an opportunity to stay up to date on permission slips, schedules and changes in contact information.  

 

In order to pick up a member from the club an authorized contact must come up to the front desk and ask for the child(ren) they are picking up. The membership coordinator holds the right to ask for a form of identification to confirm authorization for member pick-up. If someone who is not authorized tries to pick up a member the primary contact will be called and asked to either confirm authorization or send someone else to pick up the child(ren). Children will not be released to anyone who is not authorized as confirmed by a parent/guardian. 

 

Check In Procedure for RLMS, BRMS, CYC

 

RLMS - Parents are encouraged to walk their child down to the club space, this allows parents/guardians to be updated via the Parent Board on any ongoing or new activities/field trips that may require a parent/guardian's signature or form. Parents/guardians must sign a Open Door Policy form annually for their child to be able to leave the club premise without an adult to sign them out. 

BRMS - Please refer to the BRMS Procedural Handbook.  

CYC - Members are required to sign themselves in out when they enter and leave the space. 

 

Late Pick Up

 

All Boys & Girls Clubs require children to be picked up by 6:00PM. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to know the hours of operation of the Club site their children attend. If a club member is present 5 minutes or more after the Club closes, parent/ guardian/ emergency contacts will be called and issued a late pick-up notice. If 30 minutes passes and no contact has been reached, or the club member has not been picked up, local law enforcement will be contacted. 

 

1st Late Pick-Up: Reminder letter of Club Hours and late fee charge

2nd Late Pick-Up: 1 - Day Membership suspension and late fee charge

3rd Late Pick Up: 3-Day Membership suspension, meeting with the Director of Operations, and late fee charge. 

 

Late Fee Charges: 

5-15 minutes late = $5/Child

15-30 minutes late = $10/Child

30-45 minutes late = $15/Child

45-60 minutes late = $20/Child

 

Parent/Guardians Under the Influence

 

The safety of all Club members is our number one priority. This includes intervening when unsafe circumstances are presented by a parent/guardian. When Club staff suspect that a parent/guardian picking a child from any of our locations is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, these procedures will be followed. 

 

1. The Site Director will be alerted that a parent/ guardian is under the influence and the child will not be released to the parent while the Site Director speaks with the parent/ guardian. 

2. The Site Director will speak privately with the parent/ guardian in a separate room with the door open. The Site Director will explain the concerns regarding sending the child with someone who appears to be under the influence. They will call emergency contacts as an attempt to find someone else who can pick up the child. 

   1. If no one else can pick up the child, the local police department will be called and the situation will be explained to see if they can take the child home or to a safe location. 

3. If the Site Director is unable to detain the parent/ guardian and prevent them from taking the child the police will be called and given a description of the vehicle and license plate number. 

 

Lost and Found

 

The Club is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. 

 

• Club members are responsible for their personal belongings and should not bring expensive equipment such as electronics, jewelry, or any other items of value (ex: AirPods). 

• The Club has a lost and found located near the front entrance of the Club. 

• Lost and found items are kept between 4-6 weeks and then donated.

• We recommend writing your child’s name on backpacks, outerwear and other items of importance. 

 

Inclement Weather & Emergency Closings

 

If the School District cancels school due to inclement weather or an emergency the Boys & Girls Club of Barron County will be open a full day unless otherwise stated. Parents will be notified through Facebook of these events. We highly recommend parents/guardians take into consideration road conditions before bringing members to the Club on these days. 

 

School Dismissed Early

 

If the School District closes early due to weather conditions or an emergency the Boys & Girls Clubs of Barron County will open early. Members will be bussed to their Club location from their allotted schools. Families will be notified via Facebook for these events. We do recommend picking up your children as soon as you can on these days as weather conditions can lead to poor road conditions. 

 

If the School District cancels after school activities, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Barron County will remain open normal business hours. 

 

The Club may determine due to weather conditions to close early or to not open that day, parents will be notified as soon as this decision is made. 

 

Behavior Policies 

 

Kind, Caring and Respectful Behavior 

 

While attending Boys & Girls Clubs of Barron County, all members are expected to show kind, caring, and respectful behavior to themselves, other members, Club, and Club staff. These expectations are threaded through all aspects of programming and will be provided as a constant reminder when participating at the Club. 

 

Youth Development Strategy

 

Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of Club members by instilling: 

 

• A Sense of Competence - The feelings there is something they can do, and do well. 

• A Sense of Usefulness - The opportunity to do something of value for others. 

• A Sense of Belonging - A setting where young people know they fit and are accepted fully for who they are. 

• A Sense of Power or Influence - A chance for Club members to be heard and to influence decisions. 

 

Positive Reinforcement

 

The Boys and Girls Club focuses on engaging Club members through positive reinforcement. The Club strives to provide the tools members need to show positive decision making, to show positive behavior towards themselves and others, and to try new things. 

 

Members can also be selected as Member of the Month for going above and beyond expectations while attending. 

 

Consequences/ Send-Home

 

The Boys & Girls Club offers a multitude of opportunities for members to appropriately meet their safety, belonging, freedom, fun and power needs. The Club attempts to create the conditions for members to try out new skills. Members are given opportunities to consider their actions, fix mistakes when they occur and return to the group strengthened. To ensure that the Club remains a safe and positive learning environment for all members, each member receives three opportunities upon arriving at the club to show kind, caring, respectful behavior. 

 

Please talk directly with the Site Director of your child(rens) Club to be informed of the specifics on behavior expectations and disciplinary action. 

In the event that your members need to be picked up due to behavior, you or another authorized contact must be available within 30 minutes. Failure to meet this requirement could result in suspension or removal from Club programming. 

 

Bullying Policy

 

The Boys & Girls Club has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of bullying. This includes but is not limited to verbal, physical, cyber, and social bullying. 

 

BGC strives to provide a safe, secure, and respectful environment during all activities, programs, and services offered. Bullying disrupts the Club's ability to empower all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. It is the Club’s expectation that its staff, volunteers, members, and parents/guardians observe this policy, and demonstrate appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect. 

 

Bullying is defined as any willful, persistent, deliberate, or attempted act, through the use of words or actions, which are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, suffering of property damage, or which negatively impact the Club’s ability to provide a safe and secure place for all members.

 

Bullying behavior can be (but is not limited to):

• Physical (e.g assault, hitting, punching, kicking, theft)

• Verbal (e.g threatening or intimidating language, teasing or name calling, racist remarks) between students and students, students and adults, adults and students, adults and adults. 

• Indirect (e.g spreading rumors, intimidation through gestures, social exclusion)

• Cyber Bullying; this includes but is not limited to the following misuses of technology: Harassment, teasing, intimidating, hurtful message through email, social media pages, instant messages, and text messages, digital pictures or images. 

  • Cyber Bullying is prohibited in the following settings and circumstances:

    • When accessed, created, or communicated using any Club own computer, digital technology, or system network. 

    • When sent or passed through any type of non-Club owned technology, personal electronic device and pertain to Club, Club Staff, or Club members.

 

Addressing and Repairing Situations 

 

Staff cannot be everywhere, but in cases where acts of bullying are witnessed or reported, either from the victim or a third-party, staff will immediately cease the situation, should the act be currently occurring. Then the staff will begin the process as noted below, if the bullying accusation is found accurate. 

• In all cases or reported bullying - even before fact finding based on the allegations - The Club staff will attempt to sort out cases of bullying vs isolated cases of physical alterations, arguments, etc. 

• In cases where alleged bullying behaviors are prolonged, continual, and/or combined with oral epitaphs, racial slurs, and other prohibited behavior, staff will define the situation as a bullying offense. 

• The Club staff will intervene in all antisocial behavior that is brought to their attention or witnessed; redirection and discussion with each participant will occur. 

• When bullying is witnessed or reported to a BGC employee or volunteer the following will occur:

  • All care will be taken to immediately interrupt any activity or incident. 

  • Employees will make an oral report to the Site Director (and Director of Operations as needed) within a day of the alleged incident. Fact-Finding will occur. Then the following steps will be taken.

    • Employees will submit a written report to the Site Director within 24 hours of the incident.

    • Promptly after receiving the report , the Site Director will complete and investigation. 

    • Within 72 hours of the incident, staff will notify parents of the Club’s actions taken to rectify the situation. 

• In rare situations where local authorities, school officials, or law officials must be brought into the situation, the Club will proactively involve the appropriate authorities.  

 

Club members and their parents/ guardians are encouraged to report bullying as well. Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and can also be made confidently. There will be no retaliation against individuals making such reports. Individuals found to be engaging in retaliating behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. 

 

Individuals who engage in bullying behavior will be in violation of this policy and will be subject to disciplinary measures as outlined in our Behavior Policy. 

 

Restroom Usage Policy

 

The Boys & Girls Club is committed to providing a safe environment and enforces the following restroom policy for members, staff, volunteers, and other adults. 

 

Best practices used include:

• Prohibiting mixed age groups (children, teen, and adults) from sharing a restroom space.

• Limiting the number of people using the restroom at a time. 

• Positing staff near restroom entries. 

• Implementing a restroom inspection and monitor schedules.

 

The Boys & Girls Club is committed to providing a safe environment and enforces the following restroom policy for members, staff, volunteers, and other adults. Restrooms shall be regularly monitored by designated staff at a schedule set by Club leadership. Monitoring includes walkthroughs and inspections set by Club leadership. 

 

Staff Shall:

• Use separate bathrooms when possible, should separate restrooms be unavailable, designated stalls shall be set aside for staff only use. Staff will also attempt to use restrooms at times that they are not in member use. 

• Abide by all staff codes of conduct. 

• Enforce the BGC restroom Code of Conduct. 

• Intervene and notify Club leadership should inappropriate conduct be observed.

• Ensure restrooms are regularly cleaned and sanitized.

 

Staff observing unacceptable restroom conditions shall:

• Immediately notify Club Leadership

• Document, in writing, restrooms  conduct incidents and report them to Club Leadership as soon as possible. 

 

Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy

 

The Boys & Girls Club is committed to providing a safe and respetful environment for our members and will not tolerate any sexual abuse misconduct towards or by any member. Sexual abuse and sexual miscondcut shall be interpreted to mean any sexual interaction between a child and another person (including another child) in a position of power over the child. Specific acts include, but are not limited to, inappropriate physical contact, viewing of pornography, exposing oneself to another person, enticing others to expose themselves, inappriopate language, or any other behavior that is in violation of the BGC Behavior Policy or Employee Handbook. 

 

Unless authorized in advance by a supervisor, adult staff and volunteers shall not:

• Initiate conversation with members about sexual matters. If a member initiates a conversation about sexual matters with a staff or volunteer, the adult shall limit the conversation to the child’s immediate concerns and safety concerns for the child. The staff or volunteer shall then provide a written incident report to the supervisor within 24 hours. 

• Engage in off-site activities with members. Such interactions may include, but are not limited to field trips, meetings, and communication through phone, text, and/or social media. 

 

All persons are prohibited from the access, display, production, possession or distribution of pornography on Club premises or equipment. Any suspected sexual abuse or misconduct will be treated as a serious matter and documented by written incident report withing 24 hours. When applicable, the incident will be reported to the appropriate authorities. The Director of Operation and Executive Director shall provide written directives to maintain the confidentiality of incident reports. 

 

Illegal Activity 

 

Zero Tolerance Policy

 

The Boys & Girls Club is committed to providing a safe place for youth of all ages. Aggressive and hostile behavior that is intentional (bullying) is not tolerated. No one shall threaten (verabally ,nonverbally, or physically) the safety of another person. 

 

Violence, as defined as aggressive behavior which subjects a person to unwanted physical contact, is not tolerated. No one shall possess, use, threaten the use of, or store a weapon on Club property or at any Club event. Weapons include, but are not limited to, guns, knives, swords with blades, explosives, or any chemical whose purpose is to cause harm to people. 

 

Gang activity is not allowed on Club grounds. This includes but is not limited to: display of gang symbols, soliciting others for membership, intimidating or threatening others, or other criminal activity. 

 

In the interest of a tobacco-free environment and in compliance with State Law, smoking and/or use of other tobacco products is prohibited on Club property or at Club sponsored events. Substance abuse which includes possession, use or sale of illegal drugs, or the unlawful use of lawful substances including alcohol and prescription drugs will not be tolerated on Club premises or at any Club-sponsored or Club-related functions. 
 

Disability Inclusion Policy

 

Process to Provide Accommodations

 

The Boys & Girls Club welcomes all children and is committed to act in a non-discriminatory manner and to make reasonable accommodations to provide equal opportunity and service to individuals with disabilities and other complex needs. 

 

• Inclusive Environment: The BGC staff will work with families to understand special needs of children seeking accommodation, and to identify modifications necessary to support the disability. Staff will work to integrate individual accommodations as safely and feasible achievable. 

• Staff training and Development: Training and support is provided to ensure that staff are competent and can meet the developmental needs of Club members for which accommodation is being provided.  Club staff will work with parents/ guardians to understand specific or individual needs, and to identify additional support and resources as necessary and/or appropriate. 

• Confidentiality: Confidentiality applies to all verbal and written information about potential enrolling and previously enrolled children and their families. All staff and volunteers are trained on the need for confidentiality. Written records are stored in a secure location with limited access. No information subjected to confidentiality is released without first receiving the written permission of the parent/ guardian. This excludes the responsibility of mandated reports of supscted child abuse and neglect as outlines by applicale state law. 

 

Factors to be considered include:

• Needs of person with disability 

• Accommodation requested

• Supervision requirements 

• Resources available to Club/Program

• Impact of Club policies (i.e prohibition of 1:1 contact)

 

Private Agency 

 

As a private organization, the Boys & Girls Club reserves the right to deem a child to have needs outside of what we are capable of providing service for and to deny or remove a child from programs.

 

Healthy Policy 

 

Drugs & Alcohol

 

The Boys & Girls Club is a tobacco, drug, and alcohol free environment. Alcohol, non-prescription drugs, and any other substances that alter an individual's ability to function in the Club environment are strictly prohibited. Everyone is expected to report any smoking or drug use to Club staff immediately. In the event of a drug or alcohol related issue occuring on Club grounds or at a BGC sponsored event, police and guardians will be notified and appropriate actions will be taken to correct the situation. 

 

Minor First Aid & Illness

 

Select BGC staff are CPR and First Aid certified and are permitted to administer: bandaids, ice packs, bandages, and other first aid supplies. 

• The club is not responsible for reactions or improper usage of sunscreen, insect repellent, or any items that are borrowed from or used by Club members. 

• Parents/Guardians must advise the staff of any Club member’s medical condition by completing the medical information portion of the Membership Form and is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to update staff on medical conditions as needed. 

• In case of emergencies parents/guardians and or emergency contacts will be notified as soon as possible. 

• Club members who stay home from school due to illness are not eligible to come to the Club that day. 

• Parents/Guardians must notify the Club and keep children home when youth:

  • Has had a fever of 100.4 degrees or more, and should remain at home for the next 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal without medication to keep the temperature down.  

  • Has vomited or has had diarrhea, and should remain home for 24 hours after it has stopped.

  • Has a persistent cough

  • Has any rash or fever

  • Has open or draining skin sores

  • Has inflamed or draining eyes or ears

  • Have a contagious illness

• Club members who develop symptoms of a contagious illness at Club must be picked up within 30 minutes of notification and are not eligible to return to club without a doctor's note clearing illness. 

 

Medication

 

• Medications should be administered at home whenever possible. Parents/ Guardians are urged to consult with the prescribing physician to determine if medication can be scheduled outside of Club hours. In the event this is not possible, designated staff will administer medication. The Club medication form must be filled out by a guardian to completion. You may request this form at your sites front desk or from the Site Director. 

• The prescription medication must be supplied in the original pharmacy-labeled bottle with Club members name indication the correct dosage and frequency of administration. 

• All medications will be stored in a secured/locked area at the Club and documented each time medication is administered. 

• Medication not on record with staff found in Club member possession will be confiscated and parents/ guardians will be notified. 

• Unused portions of medication after the completion of the school year/ summer program or when discontinued will be disposed of after 7 days if not picked up by parent/guardian. 

• Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring a sufficient amount of supply is on hand at all times. 

• Members will still be responsible for meeting behavior expectations while at the Club

 

Emergency Treatment

 

In the event of emergency injury or illness requiring immediate advanced medical treatment, the Boys & Girls Club staff will call 911 first. Parents/ Guardians will be contacted as soon as possible. Boys & Girls Club staff are not allowed to transport injured or severely ill Club members. 

 

Lice, Ticks, Fleas

 

If a Club member is suspected of having head lice, they will be checked by the Site Director. If an active infestation of head lice is confirmed, contact will be made with a parent/ guardian and informed that their child has been confirmed to have lice (crawling head lice, lice eggs, nits). This member then must be picked up within the 30 minute time limit  and treatment information will be provided. If there are nits present (but no active lice) the Club member may stay on site. Families experiencing repeated outbreaks of head lice will be offered additional assistance through referrals to community partners. The club member may return back to the club once no additional live lice are found. The Club recommends utilizing one of the following options for treatments: head lice shampoo, coconut oil, mayonnaise, or tea tree oil. 

 

If a Club member is suspected of having fleas, parents/guardians will be contacted and pick up will be required within the 30 minute time limit. The member can return when they no longer have fleas present. 

 

If a Club member is found to have a tick(s), parents/ guardians will be called to notify their primary contact. Staff will not attempt to remove ticks found, this is to ensure safe removal. 

 

Reporting Procedures

 

The Boys & Girls Club strives to maintain a safe and secure environment to all Club members. We ask parents/ guardians and Club members to immediately report any potentially dangerous situations to their Program Leads and or Site Directors. All reported situations will be investigated as soon as possible. If the complaint is in regards to the Site Director, the next level of authority, the Director of Operations should be contacted. Reports of incidents warranting confidentiality will be handled appropriately and information will be disclosed to others only on a need-to-know basis. If it is determined that a violation of this policy has occurred, the Boys and Girls Club will take appropriate action to help ensure the safety of all Club members. This includes, but is not limited to, seeking the assistance of law enforcement officials. When a report is received there will be a prompt and careful investigation. Club members and their families are expected to cooperate in the investigation. The Boys & Girls Club will maintain confidentiality of all involved whenever possible and will expect all involved to do the same. 

 

Meal Program 

 

Snacks and Meals

 

The Club provides nutritious food options each day. Breakfast, AM Snack and Lunch and PM snack are provided on full days when we are open from 7:30AM-6:00PM. During After-School programming members partake in a Lunch and PM Snack. 

 

Any dietary restrictions or food needs for an individual member will need to be submitted through a doctor’s note. Club staff follow DPI and Health Department health and safety rules in the kitchen. Members are not allowed to bring their own food without prior permission from the Site Director.

 

Open Meal Site

 

All Boys & Girls Club locations operate as an open meal site throughout the summer program to provide meals to those in need during breakfast and lunch. Any community members and their families are welcome to receive a meal at the Club or secondary locations. 

 

Activities/ Field Trips Away From Club

 

Permission Slips 

 

The Boys & Girls Club provides opportunities for Club members to leave the club and attend various field trips related to its priority outcome areas: academic success, good character & citizenship and healthy lifestyles. As part of leaving the Club, it is the Club member and parent/ guardian's responsibility to check the front desk or parent board and complete the necessary permission slips for attendance. Parents/ Guardians will be notified of trips with permission slips including the event, date of trip, departure time and estimated arrival back at the Club.

 

Permission slips requiring payment must be submitted the same day with the form. Extensions on permission slips deadlines will not be provided, unless the week of the field trip is the first time the member has attended for the after school or summer program. 

 

Ratios

 

Adult to youth ratios are monitored and maintained to ensure Club members safety and supervision during large and small group settings. 1:1 ratio for staff and youth is only allowed in a room with windows and an open door, and only as explicitly permitted by the Site Director. 

 

Room Supervision

 

The Boys & Girls Club is focused on safe supervision in all locations. This is done by providing the following:

• Multiple staff in each location/room for more visibility and safety 

• Staff rotate around the room to ensure kind, caring, respectful behavior is being shown by all members. 

• Utilizing a ‘Show 5’ or other attention getting requests to raise hands and gain member attention when making announcements to ensure that all can hear. 

 

Visitor Conduct Policy

 

The Boys & Girls Club encourages parents/guardians and other interested community members to visit the Club. The following policy addresses avoiding disruption to the youth development process, protecting the safety and welfare of the members and staff, and to protect the Club’s facilities and equipment from misuse or vandalism. 

 

• The Site Director shall have the authority to determine which visits are permitted as well as the discretion to set any appropriate conditions on the nature and extent of the visit. In exercising their discretion, the Site Director shall consider the purpose of the visit, the impact of the visitors’ presence, and the relationship the visitor may have with members. 

• Club personnel shall seek to assure that parents/ guardians and other visitors are courteously received and that sincere efforts are made to provide them with information as may be needed to foster a cooperative relationship between home, the Club, and the community. 

 

Check In/ Check Out

 

A visitor is defined as a person seeked to enter a Club building who is not an employee of the Club or a registered participant in a Club program. 

 

1. All visitors shall report to the front desk or Site Director when arriving or leaving the Club and providing their information on a visitor clipboard.

2. Parents/Guardians and visitors may not go past the front desk with authorization from the Site Director. 

 

Exceptions to Visitor Requirements: Parents or community members who have been invited to visit the Club as part of a scheduled open house, special event, or schedule performance by team or group. Other adult participants in organized and Club approved activities are exempt from requirements state above. 

 

Visitors to Activity Areas

 

Access to particular areas of the club may be restricted upon the recommendation of the staff person-in-charge or as otherwise deemed necessary by the Site Director, most commonly during the provisions of confidential services. 

 

In some program areas, specific conditions may be imposed upon visitors, including but not limited to:

 

• Remaining in designated place or seat

• Refraining from speaking to members while the programs or activities are in session 

• Refraining from entering or leaving the area while activities are underway.

• Requiring that the dress and grooming of the visitor be consistent with dress code for the members and employees within the building. 

• Requiring visitors to be chaperoned.

• Limiting the duration of the visit to particular times or length of time.

• Limiting the activities of the visitor to a particular purpose.

• Designating particular routes of travel in the building of the Club Grounds.

 

Visitors wishing to conference with program staff or administrators during the course of the Club day are encouraged to make arrangements in advance. 

 

Special Situations 

 

• Both custodial and non-custodial parents of a member have rights to visit the child’s Club unless a court order exists restricting such contact. If contact is restricted, a copy of the court order must be provided. Non-custodial parents with visitation permission must be included in the membership application. Club space will be provided for visit and phone call will be made to notify the custodial parent.  - we currently have that if a parent is listed at NOT AUTHORIZED that they cannot pick up/ interact with child and this can be done by primary parent without court order, how does that interact with this section

• The Site Director has the authority to exclude from the Club premises any person who disrupts or who appears likely to become a disruption to the program. Any such individual shall be directed to leave the Club premises immediately and law enforcement and authorities will be called if necessary.

 

Background Checks

 

The Boys & Girls Club is committed to selected and retaining the best staff and volunteers to serve its youth. As part of the initial selection process and on and on going basis, the BGC will conduct background checks in accordance with the following policy:

 

BGC will conduct a criminal background check of all employees including minors, board members, and volunteers who serve on a standing or enumerated committee, advisor or otherwise. Checks will also be conducted on all volunteers, including minors who have direct, repetitive contact with children. Name-based record searches may be used in any combination but shall at a minimum, (a) verify the presons identity and legal aliases, (b) provide a national Sex Offender Registry search, and (c) provide a national criminal record search. Such checks shall be conducted prior to employment and at regular intervals not to exceed twelve (12) months. 

 

All background check findings shall be considered when making employment or volunteer decisions. It is the policy of BGC that an employee or volunteer be automatically ineligible for employment or volunteer service, if such individual:

 

• Refuses to consent to a criminal background check

• Makes a false statement in connection with such criminal background check

• Is registry or is required to be registered on a State or National Sex Offender Registry 

• Has been convicted of a felony consisting of:

  • Murder

  • Child Abuse

  • A crime against children, including child pornography, at either a misdemnor or felony level. 

  • Spousal abuse

  • A crimine involving rape or sexual assault

  • Arson

  • Physical assault or battery

• Has a conviction for drug possession, drug use or distribution of drugs in the last five years

 

With respect to convictions for crimes not listed above, any applicant with such a conviction shall be evaluated on a individual basis to determine whether they should be excluded from consideration based on the conviction. In doing so, the Boys & Girls Club shall consider the following factors:

 

• Nature and gravity of the offense

• Time that has passed since the offense or completion of sentence

• Facts and circumstances surround the offense or conduct

• Number of offenses for which the individual was convicted

• Age of individual at the time of conviction or release 

 

All personal data, background check data and adverse action letters shall be treated as confidential and maintained in a secure location. 

 

Electronics Policy

 

The Boys & Girls Club has adopted the following technology policy in order to maintain a safe and secure environment for Club members, staff, volunteers and others. This policy will allow members at the Club to use technology including, but not limited to, computers, laptops, tablets, and or/ smartphones, for educational use at our club. 

 

Club Devices

 

The BGC provides access to both wired and wireless networks with Club-owned equipment. Any Club member who has this policy signed by a parent/guardian annually is permitted to utilize Club equipment for the purpose of program activities, career development, communication with experts and/or Club members, homework and other Club activities. Additionally, Club members can use the Club’s network for valid recreational purposes. Club members are expected to act responsibly and thoughtfully when using Club-owned and member-owned technology on and off Club property pertaining to Club, Club members, and Club staff. 

 

Non-Club Devices

 

A personally owned device shall include all Club member-owned existing and emerging technologies and devices that can take photographs, play record audio or video, input next, upload and download content and/or media, and transmit or receive messages or images. Personally owned devices are permitted for use during Club recreational time for and in approved locations for Club members. 

 

If you would like your child(ren) to participate in this program, please read and discuss the following ‘Acceptable Technology Use Policy’ with them.

 

Acceptable Technology Use Policy 

 

Any parent/ guardian who wishes that their child(ren) use Club-owned or personally-owned electronic device within the Boys & Girls Club must read and sign this agreement and submit to Club staff:

 

• In order to utilize the technology resources at the BGC, Club members and parents/ guardians must review the Acceptable Technology Use Policy and sign the last page of the Policy & Procedure Handbook. This is considered a legally binding agreement. 

• When using a personally owned device the Club member may not lend their to device to any other Club member or staff. The Club is not responsible for the security of the device or loss/damage/theft of a personally owned device.

• Club members should only use their device during club recreation time or approved Club sanctioned programs/events. 

• Club members may not use Club owned or personally owned devices to record, transmit or post pictures, vidoes, or other information of/or about a person or persons at the Club. Nor can any images, videos or other information recorded at the Club be transmitted or posted at any time without the expressed permission of Club staff. Members may not use a personal or Club owned device to harass, threaten, demean, humiliate, embarrass or annoy their peers or others. This behavior is cyberbullying and has a zero tolerance policy. 

• The Club reserves the right to monitor all traffic on its wired and wireless networks

• The Club reserves the right to inspect a Club members personal device or Club owned device. Parents/Guardian will be notified and allowed to be present before any such inspection takes place. Parents/Guardians are free to refuse to allow the Club to inspect devices, however that Club member may be barred from bringing personally owned devices to the Club in the future. This decision will be made at the Club’s discretion.

• Club members must comply with staff requests to shut down or turn off devices when asked. Not doing so may result in the member being barred from using club equipment and bringing personal devices in the future. 

• The club expressly prohibits use of electronic devices in locker rooms, restrooms and other areas where there is an expectation of privacy. 

• If a club member is not following the guidelines listed above, the parent/ guardian will be contacted and asked to pick up the personal device at the end of the day. 

• Staff hold the right to remove personal electronic devices from the possession of a member due to misuse or distraction. Staff will hold this item until pick up. 

• Violations of any club policies, administrative procedures or club rules involving Club members personally owned devices may result in loss of use of the device at the club and/or disciplinary action. 

 

Donations

 

Donations are the main source of funding for the Boys & Girls Club. Monetary  and In-Kind donations help us provide nutritious meals and snacks daily, remain open during after school and non school days, and provide numerous programs that inspire and enable the youth that we serve. Please visit our website to learn more about how to support the club’s programs, for a complete wish list of items we need, or to attend one of our fundraising events. Donations of all sizes are appreciated and encouraged.