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Self-Assessment: Youth Protection Policies and Practices

Purpose: Organizational Self-Assessment

This self-assessment survey will ask you to think about the status of different areas at your organization/programs that impact and/or involve youth. 
 
McNary Group's Youth Protection Policy Assessment Tool examines nine domains of Youth Protection: 
  1. Knowledge and Training 
  2. Procedures and Policies 
  3. Responding and Reporting 
  4. Screening and Monitoring Adults 
  5. Accountability and Responsibility
  6. Boundaries and Behaviors
  7. Youth Rights 
  8. Risk Management
  9. Culture and System  

This survey is a brief self-assessment based on the 9 domains listed in our tool. The subdomains and measurement indicators in our assessment tool are not included here, yet can be accessed by organizations if we engage in individualized work in this area in the future.  At this time we provide a few examples for context in each domain. We also ask some checkpoint questions related to several criteria areas and request summary responses to a couple open-ended questions. 

McNary Group uses a human rights and racial equity lens while engaging in the assessment and recommendations phases of our work with clients. We employ the ecological/systems framework to guide our discussions and co-collaborative efforts. We aim to help clients with the creation of action plans and policies to address changes needed to address root causes of child and youth exploitation and abuse.  
1.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Knowledge and Training

Education and training is prioritized and valued (e.g. training on signs of abuse provided at orientation, education on grooming is provided, specialized training or education on relevant topics [such as online sexual exploitation] is made available annually or quarterly, etc.).
2.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Policies and Procedures

Policies should be proactive and reactive. Written policies are available to staff, volunteers, parent/guardians, and children/youth. All policies and procedures are provided by leadership and acknowledged by all staff. Reviews and discussions about youth protection policies and procedures, at a minimum, occur annually. 
3.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Responding and Reporting

Organizations are ready to respond to risk and alleged or suspected abuse/neglect/trafficking (e.g. mandated reporting laws are understood, confidentiality procedures are detailed, special training on the nature of disclosures and/or impact of trauma have been implemented, if alleged abuse happened at organization-the organization is ready to implement leave procedures, etc.). 
4.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Screening and Monitoring Adults

When adults engage with youth, they are screened before and during these relationships (e.g. background and references are checked, intentional practices are established to monitor interactions, policies are crafted and regularly enforced so adults monitor and hold each other accountable, etc.).
5.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Accountability and Responsibility

The organization actively executes steps to fulfill their responsibilities to the youth they serve. Accountability emphasizes the value and importance of communicating with, as well as soliciting feedback from stakeholders about activities, expectations, and outcomes for young people impacted by the organization. Roles and responsibilities in relation to daily practices protecting youth are clear and carried out.  
6.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Boundaries and Behaviors

Acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and practices of anyone who works for the organization and directly with youth exist (e.g. codes of conduct are clear and referenced often, relationships and roles are understood, special circumstances [such as overnight field trips] are described, etc.). 
7.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Youth Rights

The inherent rights of children and adolescents within the organization are clearly stated. Youth rights are the rights that everyone should have. The right to safety. The right to choices. The right to respect. Young people of any social, economic, or race category have rights, and this statement is lived at the organization. Groups of youth that are more vulnerable to abuse/exploitation due to marginalization and structural racism are given unique and purposeful attention. Rights are posted and referenced often.
8.Status of policies and practices related to:
 
Risk Management

Proactive risk management strategies exist. Youth protection resources and training are available and mandatory participation categories are established. Policies address risks (e.g. environment where programs are delivered, staff ratios related to number of youth, respond promptly to all allegations of abuse, understand other organizations' youth protection policies that are also involved with the youth you serve, etc.).
9.Status of policies and practices related to: 

Culture and System

The organization’s existing culture, capabilities and resources meet criteria for best practices in youth protection. The system of delivery of programs is examined and evaluated. Unique cultural considerations are intentionally explored with a youth protection lens (e.g. sports, immigrant youth, mentoring models, grassroots. child welfare etc.). 
10.The organization makes clear that all children and youth (including marginalized or historically underrepresented groups) have equal rights to protection.
11.There is clear guidance for staff/employees, families, community partners and other organizations (including funding organizations) on how youth will be kept safe.
12.What are the strengths at your organization as it relates to youth protection policies and practices? 
13.What are the specific areas for growth and improvement in your programs and activities at your organization that would elevate and strengthen youth protection policies and practices?
14.What do you need? 

What are the challenges your organization is facing when it comes to youth protection?
15.What training, education, and/or resources would be beneficial for your organization?
16.After completing this self-assessment, if the organization has a desire to do deeper organizational work to enhance or create youth protection polices and practices, McNary Group is available to provide assistance. We can work with your budget. If you are interested, please provide the name of your organization, contact person, and email address so that McNary Group can connect with you.
17.If there is anything else you would like to share with McNary Group related to the strengths and needs in your organization as it relates to protecting and supporting children and youth, please use the comment box below.
Thank you for completing this survey!