Safety
Words from the Executive Director
Dear TeamMates:
As events have unfolded over the past week, it is a good time to reflect on how we can remain diligent in reducing the risk of harm to youth. The ethical principal of "first do no harm" is a good one to keep in mind.
TeamMates has a core value of safety along with core values of commitment to youth, integrity, trust and inclusion. These core values are intended to create a youth-centered culture of transparency.
In addition to our core values, listed below are just a few of the tools designed to further promote safety within our organization:
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School Based Mentoring Model: Mentors meet on a weekly basis on school property.
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TeamMates Coordinator: Typically a school counselor or staff person, the coordinator is the first contact for support.
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Mandatory Reporting: By law, volunteers are required to report neglect and abuse. Hotline numbers can be found on the website link below.
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TeamMates Website: http://teammates.org/mentoring/mentorlibrary.htm Outlines our safety procedures for mentors and mentees.
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TeamMates Safety & Ethics Hotline Number: Volunteers or youth can call 1-888-788-7727 for support or help at any time.
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Mentor Training: Outlines the policies, procedures and boundaries for mentoring relationships. The training outlines a mentor's obligation as a mandatory reporter.
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Mentee Training: The power point and brochure defines the role of the mentor, the rules of the program and who to contact for support.
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Parent Handbook: Outlines the role of a mentor, the rules of the program and the rights of both the parent and student.
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Screening: Criminal and HHS check for each mentor as well as three references. A mentor must be cleared by screening before being matched with a student.
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Quality Control Committee: A subcommittee of the TeamMates Board that reviews screening, incidents and health of the overall program on a quarterly basis.
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Out of School Form: Details time, place and public location of visit along with identification of third party and insurance coverage.
The more we educate the community, volunteers, parents and youth, the more we reduce risk and increase our odds that youth will only experience great things as a result of the mentoring relationship. Your diligence in each of these areas is not only appreciated but critical to the safety of youth and mentors.
Thank you for what you do each day and for being a positive example to youth.
Suzanne Hince
Executive Director
