CHILD & YOUTH SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Little Mountain Society is committed to protecting the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and youth participating in our programs. This policy outlines our responsibility to create safe environments, prevent harm, and respond appropriately to concerns.

This policy applies to all staff, instructors, volunteers, contractors, and anyone representing Little Mountain Society in programs, events, or activities involving children and youth.

• The safety and wellbeing of children and youth come first.

• All children and youth have the right to feel safe, respected, and supported.

• Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the organization.

• ​Prevention, early response, and clear boundaries are central to our approach.

 Adults working with children and youth must:

• Treat all participants with respect, patience, and care.

• Maintain appropriate physical, emotional, and professional boundaries at all times.

• Use language and behaviour that is supportive and age appropriate.

• Avoid one on one situations in isolated or unsupervised spaces whenever possible.

• ​Follow all program guidelines and directions related to safety and supervision.

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Physical punishment, humiliation, intimidation, or emotionally harmful behaviour is strictly prohibited.

• Programs are designed to ensure appropriate supervision ratios and visibility.

• Activities take place in safe, structured environments with clear expectations.

• Play fighting, rough physical contact, or unsafe behaviour is not permitted.

• ​Materials and spaces are monitored to reduce risk of injury or harm.

Staff and volunteers are expected to remain attentive to signs of distress, unsafe behaviour, or boundary violations. If a concern arises:

• The child or youth will be supported with care and empathy

• Immediate safety needs will be addressed first.

• Concerns will be documented and reported to program leadership promptly.

• When required, parents or guardians will be informed.

• If there is reasonable concern of abuse or serious harm, appropriate reporting obligations will be followed in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Information related to safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know in order to protect the child or youth.

Little Mountain Society is committed to ensuring that staff and volunteers understand safeguarding expectations, boundaries, and reporting responsibilities. Ongoing reflection and improvement are part of maintaining a safe and responsive organization.

This policy reflects Little Mountain Society’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments where children and youth can learn, grow, and thrive with trust and confidence.