Establishing Minimum Training Standards
Training should be used to increase knowledge and awareness of child abuse prevention, to teach staff about responding to children who disclose…
Training
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What is Training?
Training programs are offered to staff at least annually to heighten awareness of your commitment to safety and help create a culture of zero-tolerance for child abuse.
At minimum, Training should include the following:
- All staff and volunteers understand and review at least annually, your policies and procedures, including your Code of Conduct, Safe Environment, Screening and Hiring, and Reporting.
- Annual training is provided on the different forms of child abuse and neglect, their prevalence in childhood, the long-term impacts on children, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse and grooming.
- All training provided using a variety of methods, including in-person and virtual, on-the-job and on-site instruction, and partner training with other YSOs.
- Resources, factsheets, handouts, and flyers are available and readily available on-site and online resources are shared with all staff and volunteers.
Training
How-To in 3 Steps
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Step 1
Establish Minimum Training Standards
- Review current training programs to determine where the minimum training standards are being met and where additional training is needed.
- Determine how many staff and volunteers need training and at what levels, starting with those who will have direct, unmonitored access to children.
- Assess the resources and expertise at your YSO to help determine the scope of the training program and your implementation strategy.
- Appoint an individual or team to take responsibility for all aspects of the training program.
- Empower selected individuals or groups with the authority necessary to enforce and accomplish compliance with the YSO’s training requirements.
Step 2
Research and Identify Trainings
- Research local and statewide organizations and training programs that provide required training.
- Select evidence-informed curricula evaluated for effectiveness to enhance YSO-specific training.
- Consult with state and local prevention expertise to determine the types of training programs available, their cost, format, length, and schedule.
- Determine how best to combine training with prevention information and policies and procedures specific to your YSO.
- Explore opportunities and other similar child abuse prevention training events that may be accessible through schools and other organizations.
- Educate parents on child sexual abuse prevention, including how to talk to their children to keep them safe and healthy.
Step 3
Implement Trainings
- Set a schedule that allows staff and volunteers multiple opportunities to attend all required training.
- Select a venue ideal for learning, ensuring it has the necessary equipment for a training event, including technology and adequate space.
- Record attendance, promptly follow up with those who miss a session and provide a future date to attend, or individualized instruction.
- Consider issuing “certificates of completion” to all training attendees.
- Circulate after-training surveys and evaluations to allow for participant feedback and include questions that measure learning and skill-building.
- Ensure instructors who are training children receive appropriate training on the curriculum and parents are regularly informed and involved.
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