Safety

We take the safety of our children seriously, and have developed some policies designed to make sure that our children are safe and that we treat one another with respect. Please review our Policy and Procedures for Handling Harassment and Abuse document. Our Children’s program co-coordinators are Debbie Walton and Lisa Jennings; they are glad to hear from you with ideas, suggestions, or concerns: twhrf@comcast.net.

Children’s Program Code of Mutual Respect and Safety

We are committed to be a community of people who love, aid, and support each other, welcome and celebrate diversity, and maintain a nurturing environment. As part of realizing this mission we strive to ensure the existence of a safe community for all.

Therefore, the relationship among conferees must be one of mutual respect and safety. We seek to create an environment free of intimidation, coercion, harassment, assault, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and neglect.

We recognize our obligation to provide support to those who suffer from current or past neglect, abuse, or unsafe circumstances, as well as those who may have hurt or abused others and/or who suffer allegations of committing harm or abuse.

We are also concerned about underage drinking and drug use. Please be aware of the following:

  1. All Star I policy restricts access to social hour for all youth under the age of 21 with the exception of youth participating in a conference sanctioned activity.
  2. Consequences for a verified violation of the Star Island Corporation drug and alcohol policy or of the Code of Mutual Respect and Safety (below) will be strictly enforced by conference governance.
  3. An explanation of consequences for policy violation will be sent to all junior teens, senior teens and young adults participating in the Children’s program and their families/sponsors prior to the conference. These will be reiterated upon arrival at Star.
  4. Teens will be asked to sign a policy statement similar to the one below acknowledging the new guidelines during their first group meeting. (Adapted from the All Star I Children’s Program Code of Mutual Respect and Safety.)

Code of Mutual Respect and Safety

On Star Island we are committed to be a community of people who love, aid and support each other, welcome and celebrate diversity, and maintain a nurturing environment. As part of realizing this mission we strive to ensure the existence of a safe community for all. It is my responsibility to adhere to the laws of the State of New Hampshire and the Star Island Corporation regulations during my week on Star including but not limited to the use of alcohol, illegal and non-prescribed drugs. I understand that the consequences for breaking the Code of Respect and Safety will begin with a meeting with the Children’s Program Coordinator(s) with the youth(s) and parent(s) to verify the Code violation, and verification of the breach will then be reported to conference chairs.  One or more of the following will then occur:

  • Loss of independent living privileges (must room with parent/sponsor for the rest of the week)
  • Forfeiture of attendance at All Star I the following year
  • Discussion with conference leadership
  • Being reported to Island Management

Children’s Program Contract of Ethical Conduct

Children, adults and the entire conference suffer when leaders* violate the Code of Mutual Respect and Safety. Therefore, leaders will refrain from engaging in: offensive gender, racial or sexual remarks; demeaning and/or threatening comments, gestures or statements; inappropriate physical contact; verbal, emotional or physical abuse; sexual abuse; or neglect. Leaders shall agree to abide by the Code of Mutual Respect and Safety before assuming their role. Where a violation of the Code is called into question, appropriate action will be taken (See Star Island Corporation Harassment policies and All Star I’s Harassment policy.)

I hereby agree to abide by this contract of ethical conduct and to strive to create an affirming, respectful and safe community.

I further state that I have never been convicted of a crime or offense involving unlawful sexual conduct, assault, or endangering the welfare of a child, and that I have never been determined by a court or child welfare agency to have abused a child.

Signature____________________________________________________

Date_________________________________________________________

Please print name ___________________________________________

*Leaders include but are not limited to, children’s staff, volunteers, class liaisons, parents in a leadership role, and youth advisors

Both comments and pings are currently closed.