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YOUTH PROTECTION GUIDELINES <br />LIBRARY DEPARTMENT <br />PURPOSE <br />The City of Santa Ana understands the importance of protecting youth in the community and in <br />our programs and therefore wishes to provide a safe and secure environment. The City will <br />provide practices that will protect youth from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior <br />and also protect the employees and volunteers from false accusations. <br />Staff - all employees, full and part -time, and program volunteers that have any contact with youth. <br />Youth - individuals 17 years of age or younger. <br />SCREENING <br />All City of Santa Ana Library staff having direct interaction with youth will be screened in <br />accordance with these guidelines. Screening components include: <br />• Written Application <br />• Personal Interview <br />• Reference Check <br />• Background Check (Live -Scan) <br />TRAINING <br />All staff will receive an orientation that includes: <br />• Review of policies related to prevention of child abuse and <br />• Participation in Youth Protection Training. <br />ONE -ON -ONE CONTACT <br />• A minimum of two staff should be assigned to each program or activity. <br />• Staff members will never be alone with an individual youth where they are not observable <br />by others. <br />CONTACT WITH YOUTH <br />It is understood that caring quality staff will develop positive relationships with youth while <br />involved in programs and activities. The following practices will be followed to ensure the <br />protection of both youth and staff outside of City of Santa Ana Library programs and activities. <br />• Staff will not initiate contact with or accept supervisory responsibility for youth outside of <br />the City of Santa Ana Library programs and activities, including baby- sitting or private <br />instructions. Staff with prior or family relationships to youth may be exempted from this <br />restriction with prior documented Executive Director approval. <br />• Staff will not communicate with youth outside of City of Santa Ana Library programs via <br />written, electronic or other means without express Executive Director approval. <br />EXHIBIT A <br />