1. Introduction

Summit Arts Collective is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children who participate in our programs and activities. This Child Protection Policy outlines our dedication to safeguarding children from harm and ensuring their well-being.

2. Policy Statement

Summit Arts Collective is dedicated to protecting children from abuse and harm. We are committed to creating an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive in safety and security.

3. Definitions

Child: Any person under the age of 18.

Abuse: Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment, violence, harassment, discrimination, or exploitation of a child.

4. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, board members, and anyone affiliated with Summit Arts Collective who may come into contact with children during our programs and activities.

5. Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers are responsible for the safety and well-being of children.

It is everyone's duty to report any suspected child abuse or harm promptly.

6. Recruitment and Screening

Summit Arts Collective will conduct thorough background checks and screenings for all staff and volunteers who interact with children.

Character references and criminal history checks are part of the recruitment process.

7. Training

All staff and volunteers will receive training on child protection policies and procedures during orientation.

Training will be updated regularly to stay current with best practices.

8. Code of Conduct

We have a strict code of conduct that sets expectations for appropriate behavior with children.

It includes guidelines on appropriate physical contact, communication, and setting and maintaining boundaries.

9. Reporting and Response

Any suspicion of child abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to the Executive Director and/or local authorities. We will cooperate fully with any investigations into reported incidents.

10. Confidentiality

All reports and investigations will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Information will only be shared with individuals involved in the response process.

11. Prevention

We promote a culture of vigilance and responsible supervision to prevent child abuse.

All children will be supervised adequately during activities.

12. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to ensure its effectiveness.

Feedback and input from staff, volunteers, and parents will be considered during reviews.

13. Resources

Contact information for local child protection agencies and resources will be available to all stakeholders.
Cuyahoga Falls Police Department: 330-928-2181
Summit County Children Services: 330-434-KIDS (5437)
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: 855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453)

14. Acknowledgment

All staff, volunteers, and board members are required to read and sign an acknowledgment of this policy.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary actions or legal measures.

15. Review and Approval

This policy has been reviewed and approved by the board of Summit Arts Collective.

16. Distribution

This policy will be distributed to all staff, volunteers, and board members.

It will also be accessible on our website and program locations.

Teaching Artist & Volunteers
Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

Summit Arts Collective is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children involved in

our programs and activities. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all staff, volunteers, and

individuals associated with our organization when interacting with children.

2. Respect for Children

• Treat all children with respect, kindness, and consideration, regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, or background.

• Listen to children and take their opinions, feelings, and concerns seriously.

3. Appropriate Behavior

• Maintain professional and appropriate behavior at all times when interacting with children.

• Do not engage in any form of physical, emotional, or sexual misconduct or abuse.

• Staff and volunteers will refrain from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs when working with children.

4. Boundaries

• Respect the personal boundaries and privacy of children. Do not invade their personal space or engage in any intrusive behavior.

• Do not develop inappropriate personal relationships with children outside the organization's activities.

• Staff and volunteers should not accept or give gifts to children without the knowledge of their parents or guardians.

5. Physical Contact

• Physical contact with children should be appropriate, non-intrusive, and necessary for their safety or well-being.

• Always seek consent from the child and/or their parent/guardian for any physical contact beyond what is necessary for their safety.

• Summit Arts Collective staff and volunteers are prohibited at all times from physically disciplining a child.

6. Communication

• Use appropriate and respectful language when communicating with children.

• Do not engage in offensive, discriminatory, or disrespectful speech.

• Communication between Summit Arts Collective personnel (including volunteers) and children that is outside the role of the professional or volunteer relationship is prohibited.

7. Supervision

• Children must be supervised during all activities to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

• During Summit Arts Collective programs and activities children, staff, and volunteers are allowed access only to board-approved areas.

• At no time may a volunteer be alone and/or unsupervised with children regardless of the outcome of their criminal history background check.

• One-on-one meetings with children must be held in a public area; in a room where the interaction can be (or is being) observed; or in a room with the door left open, and another staff member, supervisor, or volunteer is notified about the meeting.

8. Use of Technology

• Only Summit Arts Collective board-approved electronic communication is allowed when interacting with children.

• When using electronic or online communication with a minor, a parent or guardian must be included in the communication.

• Do not share personal information, or images, or engage in inappropriate online behavior with children.

• Staff, volunteers, and individuals working with children as representatives of Summit Arts Collective will not friend, follow, and/or tag the students of Summit Arts Collective on personal social media accounts. 

9. Publicity Release

• Publicity Release Forms must be on file and consent given before photos and/or videos may be taken of children and volunteers.

• Photos and/or videos of Summit Arts Collective students, staff, volunteers, activities, and events belong to Summit Arts Collective and will ONLY be used in a manner approved by the board of Summit Arts Collective.  

10. Reporting Concerns

• Report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior immediately to the Executive Director: Sadie Piper at sadiepiper@sartscollective.org 234-738-1519

• If a child is in immediate danger, and the Executive Director is not available, call Summit County Children Services: 330-434-KIDS (5437) or Cuyahoga Falls Police Department: 330-928-2181 and notify the Executive Director as soon as possible.

• It is everyone's responsibility to report concerns about the safety and well-being of children.
     

11. Training and Awareness

• Attend training sessions on child protection policies and procedures provided by Summit Arts Collective.

• Stay informed about best practices and legal requirements related to working with children.

12. Consequences

• Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary actions, including termination of contract or volunteer service, and legal measures as appropriate.

13. Review and Acknowledgment

• All staff, volunteers, and individuals working with children under the umbrella of Summit Arts Collective are required to read, understand, and sign an acknowledgment of this Code of Conduct.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we ensure the safety, well-being, and positive development of children involved in our programs and activities while upholding the values and mission of Summit Arts Collective.