Child Safety Is
Job No. 1

Child Safety at Boys & Girls Clubs

The safety of young people at Boys & Girls Clubs is always our top priority. Youth who are mentally and physically safe are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.  Boys & Girls Clubs of America works continuously to enhance safety policies, practices, and trainings to ensure they are centered on youth’s needs. There is nothing more important to us than keeping children safe and protected.

Boys & Girls Clubs do not tolerate inappropriate behavior of any kind, including child sexual abuse or misconduct. From strict adherence to policies and guidelines within Club facilities and staffing structure, to equipping young people with the critical thinking and social-emotional skills to make healthy, safe choices, ensuring Club members are safe is the first step to their success.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America advocated for the passage of the U.S. PROTECT ACT, which improved background screening systems and access, and is proud to partner with the following organizations to develop safety practices that benefit ALL youth-serving organizations.

As the world’s first Child Advocacy Center, the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) places our utmost priority on the safety of youth. As a proud member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Child & Club Safety Task Force for the past 10 years, I’ve witnessed and applaud the organization’s continual commitment to protecting youth. From their ongoing investment in best-in-class safety resources, trainings, practices and procedures to requiring that all local Clubs adhere to robust safety measures, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s dedication to the safety and well-being of young people ensures that Clubs provide a safe haven for kids – a place where they are heard, supported and feel both physically and emotionally secure.”

— Chris Newlin, MS LPC, Executive Director, National Children’s Advocacy Center

Club teens are more likely to abstain from health-risk behaviors like alcohol and smoking than their peers nationally.*

Clubs provide safety, mentorship and a sense of community during the critical out-of-school hours. 91% of Club members say adults encourage them to make positive choices.*

Clubs help build a sense of civic responsibility and leadership. In fact, 82% of Club members believe they can make a difference in their community and 88% stand up for what they think is right.*

Since 1979, Committee for Children has championed the safety and well-being of children through research-based social-emotional learning, child protection and bullying prevention. As Vice President of Education, Research and Impact at Committee for Children, I’ve been honored to serve on Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Child & Club Safety Task Force with dedicated partners who share our vision of safe children thriving in a just and peaceful world.”

— Tia Kim, PhD Vice President of Education, Research & Impact, Committee for Children

*2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth Outcomes Initiative Member Survey