GENERAL POLICIES

1. Corporal punishment (slapping, hitting, pushing) is not permitted.

2. Abusive verbal discipline (yelling, insulting, threatening) is not permitted.

3. Parent(s) are to be informed and involved whenever a youth misbehaves beyond minor correction, or if a pattern of misbehaviour increases.

4. Concerns about a youth’s behaviour or the appropriate response to a youth’s behaviour should be reported to the Discipline Committee. Small Group Leaders, Leadership Coaches, and any Planning Committee members other than those on the Discipline Committee are not to impose discipline on any youth.

5. Just as the behaviour of the youth must reflect their age and level of comprehension, discipline must reflect their age and level of comprehension.

6. Youth leaders may meet with the youth one-to-one if necessary. Any such meetings must occur in public (example: door ajar or in a main area). For longer contacts, wherever possible, parents should be notified. If it is not in the best interest of the child to notify the parents, a supervisor should be notified.

7. Adequate supervision should be present for all mixed-group activities. 8. While the appropriate display of affection is ofen part of conveying support and encouragement to one another, such displays can be misinterpreted. Therefore, displays of affection between volunteers and youth ought to be limited to actions such as a brief hug, an arm around the shoulder, an open-handed pat on the back, a handclasp or a handshake, or a light touch of the forearm. Restrict these displays to a public area. Any participant’s (either youth or leader) right to refuse such displays of affection will be respected. Alternative non-physical displays of affection (wink, encouraging compliment) can be used.

Leader Code of Ethics

1. My first priority in teaching/supervising/leading youth will be to seek the welfare of the youth physically, socially, educationally, and spiritually.

2. I will also try to understand and respect the youth's cultural background.

3. I will not do anything that will damage the trust of a youth. I will try to protect the youth from all forms of abuse while he or she is in my care.

4. If I suspect that a youth may be hurt by the abusive actions or attitudes of another person, I will report that suspicion to a responsible person so that it can be investigated properly.

5. If I wish to talk to the youth alone, it will be within the sight and sound of other people.

6. I will answer the question of a youth openly and honestly.

7. If a youth is distressed, I will try to offer comfort and help. I will encourage the youth to find appropriate help for their needs.