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Child Abuse Prevention Policy & Procedures

Child/Sexual Abuse Prevention Statement

 

As a youth-serving organization, West Chester Lacrosse Association (WCLA) prioritizes the safety and well- being of the youth participants in our programs through our Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures.  Our organization prohibits and has zero tolerance for child abuse, sexual abuse, and any other violence. The WCLA Board of Directors will proactively strive to address reports of this type of conduct and will act in a fair and balanced manner in accordance with our policies.

 

In the event that volunteers or staff members observe any inappropriate behaviors (i.e. policy violations) or suspected abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual) it is their responsibility to immediately report the observations to the appropriate program director.


The West Chester Lacrosse Association has developed and implemented the following policies and procedures in an effort to provide a safe environment for our youth program participants, staff members, coaches, and volunteers. The Board of Directors shall annually review our policies and update it as needed, including the defining of prohibited and discouraged behaviors. Failure to follow or violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action and removal from our programs.

 
Volunteer/Coach Application and Screening Process

 

Volunteer Sign-Up

Every coach and volunteer over 18 years of age working with WCLA youth participants (this includes program directors, head coaches, declared assistant coaches, and any adult who is on the field at any time) is required to apply and provide necessary information via Coach Sign Up. This form must be filled out on an annual basis, even if the coach/volunteer is returning from a prior year.

 

We follow the background/clearance check procedures that West Chester Area School District (WCASD) implements for their volunteers. 

 

Background/Clearance Check

All WCLA coaches must follow our download current clearances as set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in order to work 

with children. These clearances are good for 5 years once they are completed. If you are a returning coach, please verify your clearances are up to date with Logistics Director, Michele O’Kane (michelewclax@gmail.com).  Directives on the clearance process can be found on our website, https://www.wclax.net/volunteer-clearances.

 

  • PENNSYLVANIA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE

  • PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

  • DISCLOSURE STATEMENT APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTEERS Required by the Child Protective Service Law 23 Pa. C.S. Section 6344.2 (relating to volunteers having contact with children)

 

  • Additionally, depending on certain conditions, some of you will need to complete an FBI fingerprint background check. (PA RESIDENT FOR LESS THAN 10 CONSECUTIVE YEARS must obtain a FBI Criminal History Report - Click here to go 

to the IdentoGO Fingerprinting Online System. You will need to register and make an appointment at a nearby service center. The following code will be required to 

register -Volunteer Registration Code - 1KG6ZJ. Your clearance will be mailed to you.)

 

  • You are required to disclose any prior claims or allegations of child and/or sexual abuse or any other inappropriate conduct. If criminal charges are pending against you, or you are charged at any time before or after you fill out the required clearances for the season, you are required to contact WCLA Executive Director, Gina Colley-Holgate (ginawclax@gmail.com), immediately.

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Abuse Prevention Orientation/Required Training 

  • Prior to the spring season commencing, the Executive Director or a representative of the Board of Directors will hold a mandatory Abuse Prevention Training sessions. During these sessions, the Executive Director will extensively review the coaching policies and procedures with the directors, divisional directors, and coaches during the coaches' meeting. All coaches will certify that they have reviewed and accepted our policies with respect to abuse prevention by signing our Coaches Policies. If the coach is unable to attend the coaches meeting, they will be required to coordinate with the appropriate director to review and sign the policy.

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