Youth safety
“Child safety comes first.”
No mission objective, leader, donor, reputation concern, or personnel need takes priority over a child’s safety or a lawful report. These everyday standards summarize The Dignity Imperative Youth Protection and Abuse Prevention Manual for FlaxCo space, programs, and activities.
Stop and reset the activity if staffing, supervision, space, transportation, communication, or boundaries no longer meet these standards.
Before youth arrive
Plan the people, space, movement, and records.
01
Approved adults
Only screened, trained, authorized personnel may supervise youth or have recurring access.
02
Plan and staff
Confirm the leader, roster, staffing ratio, supervision zones, emergency contacts, and approved exceptions.
03
Prepare the space
Secure hidden or unused areas. Check sight lines, doors, bathrooms, tools, equipment, and visitor access.
04
Check in and release
Record attendance, conduct head counts, and release youth only to an authorized person.
05
Plan transportation
Use approved, licensed, insured drivers; seat belts; direct routes; and passenger logs.
06
Know your responsibility
Know which youth you supervise and maintain line of sight or an approved accountability method.
During every activity
Keep care visible, appropriate, and accountable.
07
Visible interactions
Keep interactions observable and interruptible. Use two screened adults whenever practicable.
08
One-on-one limits
Allow only when necessary and authorized, with parent awareness, visibility, time limits, and documentation.
09
Clear boundaries
No secrecy, favoritism, sexualized conduct, coercion, humiliation, substantial gifts, or emotional dependency.
10
Appropriate contact
Physical contact must be public, youth-centered, developmentally appropriate, nonsexual, and welcome.
11
Approved digital and media
Use visible, record-preserving channels and required consent. No secret accounts or disappearing messages.
12
Speak up
Interrupt unsafe conduct, report concerns, and preserve records. Retaliation, interference, and concealment are prohibited.
Clinical and spiritual boundaries
“Transparently Christian. Radically hospitable.”
FlaxCo provides formation, mentoring, education, and referral—not psychotherapy, crisis treatment, addiction treatment, or licensed professional services unless separately authorized and insured. Leadership maintains relationships with qualified counselors and safeguarding specialists for needs beyond our scope.
Mentors may speak honestly about their faith and respond when participants initiate spiritual questions. They may not exploit authority, access, vulnerability, or dependence to pressure religious response. A Spiritual Inquiry Pathway provides a participant-led route to conversation, prayer, or pastoral referral.