Level Up: Waukee Community Gaming Initiative

Youth Protection Policy

1. Purpose

Level Up: Waukee Community Gaming Initiative (“the Nonprofit”) is committed to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for youth participants. This Youth Protection Policy outlines standards to protect minors and ensure responsible conduct.

2. Who Must Follow This Policy

Applies to volunteers, board members, event staff, and anyone representing the Nonprofit.

3. Background Checks

All volunteers interacting with youth must complete a background check before any interaction.

4. Adult-to-Youth Interaction Standards

- Two-adult guideline when possible.

- All interactions should be observable and interruptible.

- No transporting minors without written guardian consent and organizational approval.

5. Appropriate Behavior and Boundaries

- Only brief, appropriate physical contact allowed.

- No adult topics, insults, or inappropriate verbal conduct.

- No private digital communication with minors; use approved channels only.

6. Photography and Media

- Photos of minors allowed only with signed parent/guardian waiver.

- Volunteers may not store or post photos on personal devices/accounts.

7. Reporting Requirements

All concerns about abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior must be reported immediately to leadership or 911 if urgent.

8. Discipline and Removal

Violations may result in removal from duties or reporting to authorities.

9. Training Requirements

Volunteers may be required to complete Youth Protection training.

10. Policy Review

Reviewed annually or after any relevant incident.

11. Acknowledgment

Volunteers must sign acknowledgment of this policy.