The Safety and Wellbeing of Young People is Our Number One Priority
We work every day to create a safe, fun environment so kids can have every opportunity to be successful in life. We have ZERO tolerance for inappropriate behavior of any kind, including child sexual abuse or misconduct, and we put resources behind that stance.
Culture of Safety: Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee continually updates robust safety policies, programs and training for our staff and volunteers that are designed to promote child safety and protect young people from threats that are present in our society. We implement layers of safety policies and guidelines to keep our kids safe including:
- Installing a new front entrance that includes a locked door to the program space. All parents, guardians and visitors need to check in with the person at the front desk to be buzzed in.
- Cameras in all program spaces that are monitored by several key staff during the day while any members are in the building.
- Internet safety – certain sites are blocked during computer time.
Safety Policies: Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee has comprehensive safety policies in place that protect youth – including, but not limited to, supervision, transportation, communication and prohibiting private one-on-one contact.
Mandatory Background Checks: Mandatory criminal background checks are required every year for every staff and board members. In addition, criminal background checks are required for any volunteer who has direct contact with children.
Mandatory Annual Safety Assessments: We complete a safety assessment each year to ensure we continually make improvements to safety at our Club(s).
Safety Trainings: Ongoing training and supervision of staff is critical. We participate in a wide variety of child safety training conducted including seminars and webinars.
Safety Committee: we have a dedicated safety committee to provide input and guidance on local policies and safety strategies. The committee consists of staff, board members from the community and a member of the CPD and CFD.
Locally, Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee partners with the following to stay current and up to date with the latest safety information:
- Chicopee Police Department
- Chicopee Fire Department
- School Department
