Through Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Caring People Alliance is supported by the Child & Club Safety Team, composed of safety experts who provide support, on a variety of issues, including physical and emotional safety, facilities management, emergency management, child sexual abuse prevention and disaster preparedness. Boys & Girls Clubs of America continually updates and innovates robust safety policies, programs and training for our staff and volunteers that are designed to protect young people from threats that are present in our society.  

Our Commitment to Safety is outlined below:

• We do not tolerate inappropriate behavior of any kind, including child sexual abuse or misconduct. From strict adherence to policies and guidelines within Club facilities and staffing structure, to equipping young people with the critical thinking and social-emotional skills to make healthy, safe choices, ensuring Club members are safe is the first step to their success.

• We make continual updates to Clubs’ sexual abuse prevention polices, practices, and trainings that align with best practices of healthcare and school-based settings.

• We process mandatory criminal background checks for all volunteers and employees including but not limited to FBI Fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry Check, and Pennsylvania Child Welfare Background Check.

•  All of our sites participate in annual site reviews from the Health Department, DHS/OCDEL, and various stakeholders including PCA, OST, STARS, and more.

• We will immediately report any incident regardless of severity to the appropriate authorities and then to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

• We operate a Board led Safety Committee elevating safety to the highest level of governance.

• We are required to complete a mandatory annual safety assessments.

• We receive and disseminate training and resources for Club youth and families focused on mental health and social-emotional development.

• Our Clubs offer safe, inclusive spaces and experiences that empower members’ learning and growth. 

  • • • BGCA data shows that this approach works:

        • • • Club teens are more likely to abstain from health-risk behaviors like alcohol and smoking than their peers nationally.

            • Clubs provide safety, mentorship and a sense of community during the critical out-of-school hours. 54% of Club alumni said the Club “saved my life.”

            • Clubs help build a sense of civic responsibility and leadership. In fact, 83% of Club members believe they can make a difference in their communities and 89% stand up for what they think is right.

For more information on the PA Department of Human Services child care licensing regulations, click here.