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Student Protection

The protection of our students is our top priority. This section provides information on topics that describe key aspects of our protection program plus descriptive information of the many aspects of the program. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you have related to student safety and protection.

Student Protection Policy & Mission Statement

Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities.

It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians' spouses, partners, and other volunteers to safeguard, to the best of their ability the welfare of, and to prevent the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of children and young people with whom they come into contact.

Adopted by RI Board of Directors, November 2002

We do this by:

  •  Recognizing your right to freedom from harassment & abuse.
  •  Ensuring staff and volunteers are carefully selected, trained and accept responsibility
  •  Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations
  •  Appointing a District 7150 Exchange Student Protection Officer (SPO)
  •  Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted
  •  Reviewing the effectiveness periodically.

Cultural Differences

It is very important to recognize and accept that there are many different cultures in our world. As we travel through this life as part of the international programs we:

Need to think Internationally -- Not just "USA" or one's native country

Be aware of cultural differences -- refer to:

  •  State Dept country descriptions
  •  Former exchange students ("ROTEX")
Touching/Hugging is perceived by different cultures in different ways

Body language means different things

Be aware of your and your student's culture and make sure others are sensitive to potential pitfalls

Student protection code

When feeling threatened, you have the right to:

  •  Trust your instincts or feelings
  •  Expect privacy
  •  Say no to unwanted touching or affection
  •  Say no to an adult's inappropriate demands or requests
  •  Withhold information that could jeopardize your safety
  •  Refuse gifts
  •  Be rude or unhelpful if the situation warrants
  •  Run, scream, and make a scene
  •  Physically fight off unwanted advances
  •  Ask for help
Report any situation in which you feel threatened to your Host Club Counselor immediately

Definitions

Sexual Abuse


Intercourse, Masturbation, Oral sex, Fondling
Viewing pornographic materials
Taking part in making pornographic materials

Physical Abuse


Hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting or burning
Excessive training

Neglect


Failure to meet basic physical needs
Constantly leave alone or unsupervised
Failure or refusal to give affection or attention
Left in an unsafe “at risk” environment

Emotional Abuse


Persistent lack of love and affection
Frequent shouting
Taunting
Over-protection
Constant criticism, bullying or unrealistic pressure to perform to higher expectations

Financial Abuse


Misappropriation of student's funds
Overt illegal use of funds by other than student

What you can do to avoid problems

  •  If you have a problem or are worried about something, always tell someone you trust about it, such as your host parent, host club counselor or host club chairperson. Don't suffer in silence!
  •  Always pack your own suitcase and never carry items abroad for others.
  •  When you go out, plan what you would do and where you would go if you got lost or had a problem -- a shop, restaurant, police station or library.
  •  Before you leave your home country, make sure that you have your list of contacts both from your Sponsoring Rotary District as well as your Hosting Rotary District
  •  Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be home. Be sure to call your host parents if your plans change while you are away from home.
  •  If you are out at night in a city, stay in places with streetlights. Wherever you are, make sure that you don't get separated from your friends.
  •  If you need to use a public toilet, go with a friend.
  •  If you do get lost or separated, follow your plan -- or go to a shop or place where you will be seen by lots of people to ask directions.
  •  If someone you don't know talks to you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, walk away.
  •  Keep your host family's address and telephone number with you at all times.
  •  Always keep enough money with you to make a phone call.
  •  Always arrange for someone to pick you up; don't go home alone.
  •  Make sure you know who is coming to pick you up. Never get into a car with someone you don't know.
  •  If you are on a bus or train, and someone makes you feel uncomfortable, move to a seat near the driver.
  •  Dress and behave sensibly and responsibly
  •  Be sensitive to local codes and customs.
  •  Think things through carefully before you act and do not take unnecessary risks.

What we will do when an incident is reported (If you tell us of a Harassment and/or Abuse allegation:)

  •  We will listen attentively & assure you it was right to tell us
  •  Assure you that you are not to blame
  •  Remain calm and make sure you feel safe
  •  Encourage you to share with us what happened and who was involved
  •  Make detailed notes including date & time
  •  Explain the necessity of informing Protection Officer and assure you of confidentiality
  •  Your Country Contact will:
  •  Assure all facets of your exchange are completed
  •  Confirm that you have a copy of District Student Protection materials
  •  Assure that you receive abuse & harassment training
  •  Maintain monthly contact with you
  •  Be your advocate, counselor and listener
  •  In the case of an allegation,
  •  make sure you are safe and cared for
  •  Work with SPO and authorities as your advocate
Every Club has a “Safe Haven” alternate Host Family identified who can accept you in the event of an allegation involving the host family.

They must remove the perpetrator from further contact with you. If this perpetrator is a Rotarian, he or she must be suspended from club pending investigation results

If the perpetrator is a Rotarian, and is found to be guilty, Rotary International will bar further membership in Rotary in any District or Club worldwide for that individual.

Student Protection Officer

The Student Protection Officer in D7150 is a NYS “Mandated Reporter”

  • Provides training to Inbound & Outbound students & families, Host Families and YE volunteers

  • When an allegation of abuse is reported


    • Gathers facts on allegation

    • Contacts appropriate authorities

    • Contacts YE Chairperson immediately

    • Serves as point of contact for all agencies involved

    • Advocates for the victim to assure help is provided

    • Acts as link to the professional care agencies

    • Documents all details


The Host Family In-home interview will be scheduled by the local Rotary Club. It will include:

  •  Discussion of the expectations the host family would have of the student and of the Rotary Club, and what the Rotary Club expects of the host family. It is important for the host siblings to be there as well, since the hosting situation won't work if the siblings are against it.

During the home interview, we will take pictures of the exterior and interior of the home and address hosting requirements with these expectations:

  •  The exchange student can share a bedroom with a same-sex sibling, but there should be no more than three years age difference between them.
  •  The exchange student must have his/her own bed.
  •  Access to night-time bathroom facilities should not be via an adult's bedroom.
  •  Access to a bedroom or other room used by adults or people of the opposite sex should not be via the exchange student's bedroom.
  •  Privacy for washing, dressing and undressing must be provided.
Criminal Background and Abuse Checks will be performed by an independent security agency. Individuals will complete an Application/Affidavit providing personal information to the District 7150 YE Compliance Officer who will process the documentation through the Security Agency. Individuals will give permission to investigate, verify and obtain information given in the application including searches of law enforcement and published records (including driving records and criminal background checks), contact with former employers and reference interviews. Information will also be checked against local and national abuse data bases. Such checks will be repeated as necessary, with Host Family checks repeated annually. Instances of abuse and/or felony charges/convictions will be cause for automatic rejection.

Individuals will be given the right to review the criminal history report in the event of negative findings and given the opportunity to provide clarifications.