USU Youth Program Employees and Volunteers

 Most codes of conduct contain a wide range of common sense topics, such as:

• Not developing personal friendships with students
  • Bathroom and locker room monitors should be of the same gender as the children using them. At least two educators should be present if it is necessary to assist a child with activities such as diapering, putting on bathing suits, and taking showers.
  • Do not schedule meetings or practices with children after regular school hours or established times for athletic and co-curricular activities. Do not meet with children outside of school-sponsored or approved programs. At least two chaperones (preferable male and female) should accompany students during trips away from school.
  • Employees should not use personal vehicles to transport children. Use institution-provided vehicles whenever possible, and more than one adult should be present. If a personal vehicle is used to transport children, permissions and consent forms signed by the children’s parents should be required.
  • Do not develop personal friendships or share any private or intimate information with a child. Do not invite children to your home. Avoid spending time alone with children in their homes. When serving as mentor or tutor, make sure that parents or other adults are present.
  • You should respond to child behavioral issues in an age-appropriate manner. Responses may include redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement.
  • You should physically restrain a child only in predetermined situations, such as when necessary to protect a child or other children from harm. All incidents of physical restraint should be reported to supervisors and documented.
  • In general, touching to express compassion or give encouragement should be open, not secretive and conducted in response to the child’s needs, not those of the adult. Any resistance from the child should be respected. A child’s breasts, buttocks, and groin area should never be touched, except for purposes such as diapering or health emergencies.
• Acceptable usage of electronic devices and social media
  • Staff should not communicate with students via email, text messages, social networking sites, or other methods at any time except when there is a clear educational purpose and the communication is consistent with the mission and policies of the school.
  • Do not give (or receive) excessive gifts to children and their families. Many schools prohibit gifts more than $10 to $25.