Developing the Monitoring Behavior Protocol
Your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) should develop a protocol to keep staff and volunteers accountable for their behaviors. Identify the…
Monitoring Behavior
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What is Monitoring Behavior?
Monitoring behavior is the responsibility of all staff to hold each other accountable for appropriate behaviors and to report inappropriate conduct to leadership.
At minimum, Monitoring Behavior includes:
- References to your Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
- All staff understanding their mutual responsibility to hold each other accountable for appropriate behavior.
- Regular training for all staff and volunteers on expected and prohibited behaviors and how to report concerns.
- An identified team or staff member takes the lead in addressing ongoing child safety and serves as a resource for all staff.
- Leadership reinforcing expected behaviors, redirecting inappropriate behaviors, and reporting harmful behaviors.
Monitoring Behavior
How-To in 3 Steps
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Step 1
Developing the Monitoring Protocol
- Determine how your Code of Conduct is being adhered to and where additional policy or training may be needed.
- Include language indicating all staff have the responsibility to observe and report inappropriate or concerning behaviors displayed by staff or by youth.
- Consult your child safety team to identify areas of strength and higher risk activities where monitoring would be especially important.
- Define the people who must be informed when staff, volunteers, or children observe inappropriate or harmful behavior.
- Outline the steps all staff and volunteers must follow when reporting suspected abuse.
Step 2
Promoting a Culture of Safety
- Encourage staff to view safety as a priority and mutual responsibility, encourage questions, establish ongoing communication, and provide support to build trust.
- Provide positive feedback when observing expected and appropriate behaviors.
- Ensure leadership is present, models appropriate behavior, supports positive interactions, and intervenes when needed.
- Conduct annual surveys and audits to gather information from staff, youth, and parents including questions about boundaries and appropriate behaviors.
- Equip parents with information about your child sexual abuse prevention plans.
Step 3
Sustaining the Monitoring Protocol
- Use individual supervision, performance reviews, and staff meetings to talk about the Code of Conduct and provide staff feedback on observed behaviors.
- Provide ongoing trainings that reinforce your Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
- Ensure all concerns are addressed and any harmful behaviors are reported to the Department of Children and Families and law enforcement.
- Review the results of the staff surveys and internal audits to identify areas for improvement, staff accountability, and transparency.
- Assess your protocol and implement changes based on findings.
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