Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse and Molestation Policy

The purpose of this policy is to reduce the liability risk and related negative publicity, expense and trauma to the Girls on the Run® organization and most importantly, to protect the girls we serve. In conjunction with comprehensive screening and background checks on employees and volunteers, this policy reduces the likelihood of a sexual abuse incident within Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse and strictly prohibits and does not abide any form of sexual abuse of the girls we serve within the organization, or individuals involved with Girls on the Run at any organization related activities.

Child Abuse is defined as verbal abuse (such as ridicule), physical abuse (any hurting, touching or excessive exercise used as a form of punishment), emotional abuse (threats to perform unreasonable tasks) and sexual abuse. Sexual abuse refers to a wide variety of interactions including rape, physical assault, sexual battery, unwanted physical sexual contact, unwelcomed sexual advances or comments, coercive sexual contact or harassment, and/or sexualized attention or contact with a minor. Policy With some forms of abuse, there may be physical indicators or symptoms, however, please note that no indicators and symptoms are absolute. As representatives for Girls on the Run, we report suspected incidents of sexual abuse, however, we in no way handle or pursue these reports. If you suspect sexual abuse at the home of the child, you must report the suspected incident directly to the appropriate person at the program site, and to the council Executive Director, who will contact your local/state Child Protection Services Agency or Child Abuse Agency. Girls on the Run councils should follow current federal and state regulations and guidelines for the reporting of abuse. The council must immediately notify Girls on the Run International of the incident and file a Crisis Management report within five business days. Under no circumstances should the incidents be discussed with parties other than authorized individuals privy to such information.

Youth Protection Policy

Girls on the Run International understands the importance of protecting youth in our programs and therefore wishes to provide a safe and secure environment. The following policy has been adopted in order to provide practices that will protect youth from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior and also protect the employees and volunteers from false accusations. It is understood that caring, quality staff and volunteers will develop positive relationships with youth while involved in Girls on the Run programs.

The following practices will be followed to ensure the protection of both youth and staff.

Staff and volunteers will not initiate contact with or accept supervisory responsibility for youth outside of Girls on the Run programs and activities (i.e.: babysitting).

Staff and volunteers will not communicate with youth outside of Girls on the Run programs via written, electronic or other means without express approval.

Staff and volunteers will appear and behave in a manner consistent with the mission, vision and core values of Girls on the Run at all times while acting as a representative of Girls on the Run, including electronic, written and verbal communications.

If an incident of abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred at or during Girls on the Run programs or activities, the following procedure shall be followed:

The parents/guardians of the child will be notified. ·

The appropriate authorities will be notified; consistent with local, state and/or federal regulations. ·

The alleged perpetrator of the abuse or misconduct will immediately be removed from Girls on the Run pending an investigation. ·

An Accident/Incident report will be submitted to the respective Girls on the Run council, followed by a Crisis Communication Report submitted to Girls on the Run International. · The insurance company will be notified. ·

The Girls on the Run council will cooperate with any investigation of the incident by state or local authorities.

Inclusion Policy

Girls on the Run® strives to make our program accessible to all girls in 3rd-8th grade. We must be responsive to the needs of our community and our curriculum is designed to reflect and accommodate the varying needs of our participants.

Special needs encompasses children who require support and assistance with daily living, whether formally diagnosed or not, and whether a diagnosis is short term or long term in nature. It includes emotional, familial, physical, behavioral, developmental, cognitive, communicative or emotional disabilities. If a participant has a disability and requires assistance or additional care, the Girls on the Run council is responsible for providing assistance, provided that making special accommodations does not create an undue burden for the council. Councils are encouraged to secure qualified volunteers for teams with disabled participants and ensure the coach’s comfort level with the specific circumstances. Families are also encouraged to provide their own personal care assistant if possible. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to serve as volunteers on the team in which their daughter participates, to guarantee adequate oversight and assistance for the participant. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, all girls enrolled in the program must complete a Health History Form and are required to list all conditions and medications on it. Girls on the Run supports all girls to reach their full potential and recognizes that inclusion benefits all children. If at any time a girl’s needs or behavior detracts from the experience of the team, she may be asked not to participate, however this option is used as an absolute last resort.

GOTRNEFL Spring 2025 Coach Application