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
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:
Cultural Differences
Need to think Internationally -- Not just "USA" or one's native country
Be aware of cultural differences -- refer to:
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
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:
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
What we will do when an incident is reported (If you tell us of a Harassment and/or Abuse allegation:)
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.
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
- 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:
During the home interview, we will take pictures of the exterior and interior of the home and address hosting requirements with these expectations:
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.
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.