When Abuse Happens Within Your Organization
It is extremely disturbing for most adults to consider that a colleague or co-worker might be abusing children—but it happens. In these cases,…
Child sexual abuse is a difficult topic. If you find yourself triggered by any of the website’s content, please stop and take the time you need to talk with someone to get support. If you need help now, please contact one of these resources today.
Home / Training / Research and Identify Trainings
Staff and volunteers must be trained on child abuse prevention, including the signs and symptoms of child abuse. In order to identify and vet these trainings, your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) may want to look at other sources for material.
Research local and statewide organizations and training programs that provide required training. Remain informed on how local and state organizations are approaching child abuse prevention training. Examine what aspects they include in their required trainings that you could adopt or adapt in yours.
Select evidence-informed curricula evaluated for effectiveness to enhance YSO-specific training. To ensure effective training instruction, utilize evidence-based trainings. Using evidence-informed curriculum increases the effectiveness of trainings.
Consult with state and local prevention expertise to determine the types of training programs available, their cost, format, length, and schedule. Gather information about what types of training programs are already available and provided by local and state prevention organizations. Training programs should be based on the current needs of the organization.
Determine how best to combine training with prevention information and policies and procedures specific to your YSO. Examine how information from training programs reflects the policies of the organization such as internal communication channels, reporting protocols, and physical safety standards of the site. Determine the best way to bridge gaps between training and your implementation of your policies and procedures.
Explore opportunities and other similar child abuse prevention training events that may be accessible through schools and other organizations. Stay informed about trainings and events provided by child abuse prevention organizations. Use these events as further opportunities to learn about child abuse prevention.
Educate parents on child sexual abuse prevention, including how to talk to their children to keep them safe and healthy. Educate parents and caregivers about child abuse and their responsibility in prevention. Provide opportunities for parents to learn how to discuss safety with their children.
Exploring training programs through state, local, and other child abuse prevention organizations can help your YSO best prepare and execute training. Use knowledge of and partnerships with outside organizations to get access to more training opportunities for staff and volunteers.
Reporting
It is extremely disturbing for most adults to consider that a colleague or co-worker might be abusing children—but it happens. In these cases,…
Reporting
The term Human Trafficking is used by Department of Children and Families (DCF) as an umbrella term used to include two specific allegations of…
Sustainability
Leadership at Youth-Serving Organizations (YSOs) should maintain regular communication on the culture of safety with staff, volunteers, parents, and…
Sustainability
Long-term organizational change is a process of continuous review, evaluation, and communication. It includes regularly examining what is working…
Code of Conduct
Keep in mind that a Code of Conduct is limited; it usually refers only to the most common and expected behaviors staff/volunteers may encounter each…
Screening & Hiring
Certain organizations, such as public schools and licensed childcare programs, must also query national criminal record and fingerprint-based…
Training
Strangers are not the main offenders when it comes to child sexual abuse. Children and youth are much more likely to be abused by people …
Policies & Procedures
Sample Self-Audit Form for YSOs You can use the following “Self-Audit” form to take an inventory of your youth-serving organization’s abuse…
Policies & Procedures
Policies for youth-serving organizations in Massachusetts should clearly identify the duties and responsibilities of all staff, reflect both Federal…
Monitoring Behavior
It’s essential for your organization to create a culture that supports speaking up if inappropriate, harmful, or reportable behaviors take…
Customized child sexual abuse prevention guidelines to meet the unique needs of any organization that serves children.
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