Training for Different Audiences

Training programs designed to prevent child sexual abuse take many forms and contain varying levels of detail, sophistication, content, and length. Some youth-serving organizations employ a “one size fits all” program that is taken by all administrators, supervisors, employees, and volunteers. Others have distinct levels of training based on the intended audience and duration. For instance, a longer training for administrators, supervisors, and program/project directors could include information on organization policies, procedures, staff screening and hiring practices, supervision responsibilities, state laws and local reporting requirements, while a more streamlined training could inform “front line” staff and volunteers who engage directly with the children and youth. These latter training programs are less focused on administrative and policy concerns and are more “code-of-conduct” and “boundary” oriented, including guidance on interpersonal behaviors and relationships, how to recognize maltreatment and grooming behaviors, and how to respond to/report suspected maltreatment and inappropriate behavior. 

How you tailor your training program depends on the size and resources of your organization, the number of staff, employees, volunteers, and clients you have, and the varying functions and responsibilities of your employees/staff. Of course, a training program for a small business that serves children/youth with a single owner and two or three assistants would look different from a training program for a summer camp, school, or other organization with scores of employees and volunteers and hundreds of children/youth. Still, common elements in each would present the basic and most critical abuse prevention content training is designed to provide.

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