Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Reducing Risks for Volunteers Optimizing Potential in 4-H Youth Development Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service 2002

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Introduction Sexual harassment and abuse are real. - Accusations can be made when perceptions differ. - 4-H volunteers need to avoid risky situations - There are 11 factors to consider. This program will provide information on ways to avoid risk when working with youth.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service 4-H/Youth Program Philosophy Caring, capable, contributing adults serve as role models. We provide strong educational youth development program conducted in a variety of settings. We have a rich heritage and want to ensure beneficial experiences for both youth and adults.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Youth Development May Be Risky Business Our society is changing. We need to take more precautions today than we did in years past. It is prudent to review risky occasions and situations and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Factors to Consider When Assessing Risk Location Parental involvement Adult supervision Frequency and duration of interaction Changing clothes Training Education of children Monitoring Physical contact Staff turnover Age and disabilities

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Location Public settings lower risk. Activities in private homes present medium risk Isolated settings (e.g. wilderness) present high risk.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Parental Involvement The more parental involvement, the lower the risk. Molesters seek out children who are isolated. Parental involvement signals less vulnerability.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Adult Supervision The more adults, the lower the risk. There are no magic supervision ratios. Factors to consider: –Size of the group. –Ages of children involved. –Nature of the activity. –Setting where activity occurs. At least 3 people always present.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Frequency and Duration of Interaction The less interaction between child and adult, the lower the risk Longer periods of involvement provide more opportunities for abuse to occur.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Changing Clothes The less need to change clothes associated with the activity, the lower the risk. When children are changing clothes, preparing for bed, or showering, they are more vulnerable.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Training Volunteer training can reduce risks. It serves to: –Alert volunteers that the organization will respond aggressively to any allegations. –Inform volunteers about what to look for. –Communicate organizational policies to prevent child abuse.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Education of Children The more education children receive on child abuse, the lower the risk.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Monitoring The more monitoring of an activity, the lower the risk. When no monitoring occurs, the risk increases.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Physical Contact The less physical contact, the lower the risk. Situations where the activity requires physical contact between adult and child can provide high risk. Adults may justify unacceptable behavior as an unintentional slip.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Staff and Supervisor Turnover Low turnover of both staff and volunteers lowers the risks.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Age and Disabilities The age of onset is highest for children between the ages of 8 and 12. The risk is especially high for 10 to 12 year olds. Children with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be abused. Children with family problems are also at high risk.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Reducing Volunteer Risks Programs provide opportunities for youth and adults to learn and work together. Awareness of the risk factors can ensure that all are safe.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service The End! Questions????? Optimizing Your Potential as a 4-H Volunteer Fall, 2001 (Rev. 2/05) 4-H Youth Department, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Catherine E. Burwell, Ph.D., Extension Specialist Renee K. McKee, Ph.D., Project Director

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service References Legal Requirements for Responding to the Suspicion of Neglect and Abuse. Indiana 4-H Youth Program Policies and Procedures. Purdue Cooperative Extension Service. West Lafayette, IN Assessing the Level of Risk for Child Sexual Abuse. Indiana 4-H Youth Program Policies and Procedures. Purdue Cooperative Extension Service. West Lafayette, IN Screening Volunteers to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: A Community Guide for Youth Organizations. National Collaboration for Youth. The National Assembly of National Voluntary Health and Social Welfare Organizations Prevent Child Abuse Indiana. Online at