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Abuse, Neglect & Harassment Protocol District 7090

Abuse, Neglect & Harassment Protocol District 7090. Why are we doing this?. Rotarians help vulnerable people: Youth Children Elderly Disabled Rotarians have credibility (and want to keep it!) Our duty includes protection of those we serve RI requires it. Why – simplified:. Prevention

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Abuse, Neglect & Harassment Protocol District 7090

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  1. Abuse, Neglect & Harassment Protocol District 7090

  2. Why are we doing this? • Rotarians help vulnerable people: • Youth • Children • Elderly • Disabled • Rotarians have credibility (and want to keep it!) • Our duty includes protection of those we serve • RI requires it

  3. Why – simplified: • Prevention • Liability reduction

  4. Why Now? • Volunteers are doing more • Increased front-line interaction with vulnerable people • Increased litigation/claims • Rising insurance costs • Expanded liability decisions by courts

  5. 5 Myths: 1. No one in our club would do anything to hurt someone 2. If I don’t know about it, I’m not responsible 3. We can’t control the volunteers, so we can’t be responsible for them

  6. 4. We do so much in the community, no one would ever sue us 5. Insurance will cover us

  7. Policy: • Safeguard the welfare of those we serve during their contacts with us. • Prevent physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, harassment & neglect • Be consistent with the law

  8. The Protocol is about: • Identifying risks • Evaluating risks • Controlling risks

  9. Ask: • What is the level of risk? (low/high/medium) • Is the risk worth taking? • Can the risk be minimized? (precautions taken etc.) Look at the “Risk Assessment Chart”

  10. District Mandate: • Ensure participants in District Programmes (including Rotarians, but especially vulnerable groups) are protected by: • Screening all volunteers etc. • Reporting/investigating allegations

  11. District Programs: • Youth Exchange • RYLA • Slapshot • Interact • Rotaract • Earlyact • Group Study Exchange • Foundation Scholarships

  12. Club Programs: • Youth activities: Rotary Medals, essay contests, Junior Achievement, Camp Enterprise, etc. • Seniors activities & events • Disabled children/adults activities • Feed the Hungry programs • Reading to children (literacy) projects • Etc, etc.

  13. Screening: Who? • All volunteers in District Programs involving vulnerable people • Adults over 18 in home of host family

  14. Screening: How? • Volunteer Assessment Form must be completed and retained • Criminal record checks where required (e.g. youth exchange) or recommended

  15. Club-based Policy • District recommends adoption of consistent policy • Local recognition of potential negative consequences • Ensure safety/well-being of participants

  16. Establish Club Counsellor position • Complete & maintain screening forms • Check references • Review criminal record checks • Be point person for complaints

  17. District Harassment & Abuse Prevention Committee • First point of contact* for Clubs if complaint occurs • Source of information, advice, training if needed *subject to local police reporting

  18. We need to: • Understand “why” have a Protocol • Adopt and implement • Follow-up and maintain = make it part of what we do and who we are

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