YOUth Protection Starts With YOU!
Pony Club is committed to creating a safe environment for our youth members. Each of us plays an active part in helping to create and maintain this safe environment.
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USPC Policy 0111
Youth Protection |
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In most states, either all or certain classes of persons are legally required to report child abuse to authorities.
Where classes of persons are defined, they normally include teachers, law enforcement personnel, childcare custodians, and health practitioners.
Each state has made its own determination as to who is a legally mandated reporter, and in some states, a volunteer is a mandated reporter.
Pony Club Parents, Leaders and Volunteers should check their state’s laws regarding the definitions of child abuse and identifying who are mandated reporters.
Click here to access the US Department of Health & Human Services' website that collects state laws regarding the reporting of child abuse. |
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Procedure Regarding Child Abuse
Anyone who suspects or has reason to believe that child abuse has occurred at or during any USPC program or activity OR becomes aware of information that a staff member, Pony Club member, or Pony Club volunteer has been arrested, charged or pled guilty to any type of child abuse is to follow the procedure below:
1. Report the incident to the authorities. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
2. Intervene to prevent continuing abuse if the circumstances do not create an unreasonable risk of personal injury, although requirements to intervene may be governed by state or local law.
3. Under all circumstances and as soon as practical, contact any of the following by telephone (859/254-7669) and/or e-mail the Chief Executive Officer (youthprotection at ponyclub.org) or email the USPC President (president at ponyclub.org) to report the incident and provide specifics regarding the persons involved and the circumstances, including the following:
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name of the child,
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present location of the child,
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nature and extent of the injury, and
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any other information, including that which led the person to suspect child abuse.
5. Cooperate fully with any investigation by USPC or by federal, state or local authorities.
6. Maintain the confidentiality of any information reported as required by state law.
Any intentional and/or malicious false report of child abuse may result in a suspension from USPC activities for the accuser. USPC will make required reports to the appropriate authorities of all incidents of child abuse of which it becomes aware.
Observe these best practices at all times:
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Always have another adult with you when interacting with youth members (Two Deep Rule).
Avoid one on one situations.
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If a meeting has ended and a member has not been picked up by his/her parent, be sure to have at least two adults wait until a parent arrives.
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Respect members' right to privacy at all times.
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When there is an overnight situation be sure that two unrelated adults of the same gender share sleeping quarters with members.
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