CHILD SAFETY & YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY

Effective Date: 01/01/2026

ROC Youth Community Engagement (RYCE) is committed to creating safe, respectful, and supportive environments for all youth involved in our programs and services.

Protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of children and adolescents is a core organizational responsibility.

RYCE prioritizes:

• youth safety
   
• emotional well-being
   
• trauma-informed engagement
   
• respectful communication
   
• culturally responsive support
   

All staff and volunteers are expected to maintain professional conduct that protects youth from harm.

RYCE staff comply with applicable New York State mandatory reporting laws.

If staff suspect:

• child abuse
   
• neglect
   
• exploitation
   
• immediate risk of harm
   

they are required to report concerns to the appropriate authorities in accordance with state law.

All staff members must:

• maintain appropriate professional boundaries
   
• avoid private or secretive interactions with youth
   
• treat all youth with dignity and respect
   
• avoid discriminatory or harmful language
   
• prioritize youth safety at all times
   

RYCE maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct involving youth.

Communication with youth should be:

• transparent
   
• appropriate
   
• related to program activities
   

RYCE discourages private messaging between staff and youth without parental awareness when appropriate.

Whenever possible, communication should include:

• parents or guardians
   
• supervisors
   
• official program channels
   

RYCE protects the privacy of youth and families.

Youth information is shared only when necessary to:

• coordinate services
   
• comply with legal requirements
   
• ensure safety
   

Public sharing of youth stories or images requires appropriate consent.

Anyone who believes a youth may be at risk or experiencing unsafe behavior should contact RYCE immediately.

Concerns may be reported to:

support@ryce585.info

If a youth is in immediate danger, individuals should contact local emergency services.