As parents gear up for a season filled with youth sports, afterschool programs, and summer camps, excitement often mixes with the pressure of finding the right fit for your child. While the focus is often on fun, learning, and social development… ensuring your child’s safety, especially from abuse, should be at the forefront of every decision. Unfortunately, abuse often occurs in settings where adults have unchecked access to children and where proper safeguards aren’t enforced.1
Parents play a critical role in preventing child abuse and must be proactive in safeguarding their children’s well-being. While schools, camps, and youth organizations have a responsibility to implement safety measures, parents are often the first line of defense. By staying informed, asking questions about who is supervising their child, and understanding the policies of every program their child participates in, parents can help identify potential red flags before harm occurs. Open, age-appropriate conversations with children about body safety, boundaries, and how to speak up if something feels wrong are also essential. Here are five questions every parent should ask:1
- Does the program require staff and volunteer screenings and background checks? Criminal backgrounds checks, reference checks, social media screenings, mandatory selfdisclosure of accusations or convictions, etc.
- Does the program provide staff and volunteer training? Recognizing signs of abuse, mandated reporting laws and procedures, setting boundaries, grooming behavior, safe vs. inappropriate touch, etc.
- Does the program provide supervision and visibility policies and procedures? Unscheduled check-ins, open-door policies, two-adult rule, etc.
- Does the program have a code of conduct and/or incident documentation and response policy? Zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, sexualized behavior, etc. All concerns documented, prompt action taken, parents and authorities notified, etc.
- Does the program have a communication and consent policy? Transparency in all interactions and communications, parental consent for media/photo use, off-site trips, medical treatment, contact or interactions with non-program adults, etc.
Child abuse prevention isn’t a checklist… it’s a culture. When staff are trained, policies are clear, and children feel empowered, we create environments where abuse has no room to grow. Let’s work together to build schools and camps that do more than educate and entertain – let’s make them safe havens where every child can thrive.1 If you are interested in becoming an Advocate for the Innocent member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/ to learn more.