YOUTH SAFETY POLICY
Every young person
safe first.
The rules every adult follows before and during any youth program at Franklin HUB SMART Center. Youth programs open only after these steps are in place.
WHO IT COVERS
Scope
This policy covers every program, workshop, event and mentoring match that involves young people aged 10 to 24, with extra rules for anyone under 18. It applies to staff, volunteers, mentors, partners and guest speakers.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Seven rules, no exceptions.
01
Screening every adult
A written application, a face-to-face interview, at least two references, and a criminal background check with a sex offender registry search, completed before any contact with young people.
02
Training before matching
At least two hours of training before working with youth: program rules, appropriate roles and boundaries, safety, and how to report a concern.
03
Parent or guardian consent
Young people under 18 join only with written permission from a parent or guardian, who receives the schedule and may attend any session.
04
Visible, supervised settings
Activities with minors take place in group or public settings with at least two screened adults present. No private one-on-one meetings with a minor out of view.
05
Open communication
No private messaging with minors. Program messages go through approved channels with a parent or guardian included.
06
Every learner supported
Accommodations for ADHD, anxiety, the autism spectrum, and intellectual and physical disabilities, planned with the family before the program begins.
07
Reporting concerns
Tennessee law requires anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected to report it. Concerns are reported to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Child Abuse Hotline, 877-237-0004, and to program leadership the same day.
This policy follows MENTOR’s Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. Questions or concerns: franklinhubsmartcenter@gmail.com.