Our Commitment to Trauma-Informed Practice, Safety, and Inclusion
Commitment to Trauma-Informed Practice
We recognize trauma affects many lives and impacts how people engage with us. We continually evaluate our processes and environments to avoid unintentional triggers and promote healing. By adopting a trauma-informed lens, we aim to help everyone we serve and employ feel seen, heard, capable, and valued. Compassion and respect guide our interactions as we support health, wellness, and empowerment for all.
Commitment to Inclusion
We believe every young person has what it takes to succeed. Our Clubs embrace diversity and strive to create safe, positive, and inclusive environments for all youth—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, or religion. We foster respect and empowerment so all can reach their full potential.
Our Commitment to Youth Safety
At BGCApp, the safety and well-being of every young person is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
We maintain strong policies, ongoing staff training, and clear reporting systems to ensure concerns are taken seriously and addressed quickly.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility — staff, volunteers, families, and youth all play a role in keeping our Club safe.
How We Keep Youth Safe
Rigorous Screening & Hiring
All staff and volunteers must complete:
National criminal background checks
Reference checks
Child abuse prevention training
Ongoing safety and supervision training
No one is permitted to work with youth until screening is complete.
Continuous Training
Our team receives training on:
Child Abuse Prevention
Mandatory Reporting
Prohibition of One-on-One Interaction
Supervision & Facility Monitoring
Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response
Digital & Technology Safety
Transportation Safety
Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace expectations
Training is refreshed regularly to ensure best practices.
Safe Environment Policies
We maintain strict policies to protect youth, including:
Two-Adult Rule: Staff avoid one-on-one interactions whenever possible.
Open & Observable Spaces: Activities occur in areas that are visible and supervised.
Sign-In/Out Procedures: Youth are only released to authorized adults.
Clear Behavior Expectations: Respect, kindness, and safety are core values.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse or Misconduct
Recognizing a Safety Concern
A safety concern may include:
Bullying or harassment
Inappropriate behavior or boundary violations
Unsafe facility conditions
Suspected abuse or neglect
Violations of Club policies
Any situation that makes a youth feel unsafe
If something doesn’t feel right, we want to know.
How to Report a Concern
We encourage immediate reporting of any safety concern.
For Parents & Guardians
You may report concerns by:
Speaking directly with a Club Director or staff member
Emailing: mhaynes@bgcapp.club
Calling: (606) 909-4449
All reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially.
For Youth Members
If you feel unsafe or see something that worries you:
You can talk to a Trusted Adult at the Club.
A Trusted Adult is someone who:
Listens to you
Takes you seriously
Helps keep you safe
Reports concerns to get help
Trusted adults may include:
Club staff
Program leaders
Site directors
School counselors or teachers
You can also use our anonymous reporting option available at the Club.
For Staff & Volunteers
Staff and volunteers must report concerns immediately using our internal reporting procedures and incident reporting system.
Failure to report concerns is a violation of policy.
What Happens After a Report Is Made
When a concern is reported:
The report is documented.
Leadership reviews the information immediately.
Appropriate actions are taken, which may include:
Notifying parents/guardians
Contacting child protection authorities
Conducting an internal review
Implementing safety measures
Follow-up occurs to ensure continued safety.
Our goal is always to respond quickly, responsibly, and transparently.
Confidentiality & Non-Retaliation
We protect the privacy of those who report concerns whenever possible.
We strictly prohibit retaliation against anyone who:
Reports a concern
Participates in an investigation
Speaks up about safety
Speaking up helps keep everyone safe.
Our Promise
We are committed to continuous improvement.
We regularly review our policies, training, and procedures to ensure we are meeting the highest safety standards.
Together, we can create a safe place for every child.