Kids Safe Training
I. Why does Productive Lives have a mandatory Kids Safe Program?
1. To protect the children and youth in our programs and reassure the parents in our
community
2. To protect our volunteers/staff
3. Our insurance company requires yearly re-training/renewals
II. What is the purpose of the Kids Safe training?
to inform you of your legal duty as a “Mandated Reporter” per (state reg)
Mandated reporters are certain adults, who are legally required to report
suspected child abuse if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a ...
Mandated Reporters are defined under the Pennsylvania Child Protective
Services Law (CPSL), Section 6311. Persons required to report suspected
child abuse:
6. A clergyman, priest, rabbi, minister, Christian science practitioner, religious
healer or spiritual leader of any regularly established church or other religious
organization,
7. An individual paid or unpaid, who, on the basis of the individual’s role as an
integral part of a regularly scheduled program, activity or service, is a person
responsible for the child’s welfare or has direct contact with children,
-Failure to Report Penalties (can be as high as a 1st degree felony)
-Good Faith Protection (immunity from liability)
(CPSL 611; https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/Pages/Report-Abuse.aspx)
III. What is the definition of Child Abuse?
Child abuse in Pennsylvania is defined as when an individual acts or fails to
prevent something that causes harm or a high likelihood of harm to a child
under the age of 18. This harm can take many forms, such as bodily injury,
serious mental injury, or sexual abuse or exploitation.” (www.pafsa.org)
Pennsylvania’s definition of child abuse was amended within the Child Protective
Services Law (CPSL) at the end of 2014. This expanded definition of child abuse
went into effect December 31, 2014, and lowered the threshold of what is
considered child abuse under the CPSL.
The definition of child abuse was amended to require that acts or failures to
act be committed by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly doing one of these
categories of abuse:
IV. What does abuse look like?
1.Physical- “Serious bodily injury” Bodily injury which creates a substantial risk
of death or which causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or
impairment of function of any bodily member or organ.
2. Mental/Emotional Abuse- "Serious mental injury." A psychological
condition, as diagnosed by a physician or licensed psychologist, including the
refusal of appropriate treatment, that:
(1) renders a child chronically and severely anxious, agitated, depressed,
socially withdrawn, psychotic or in reasonable fear that the child's life or safety is
threatened; or
(2) seriously interferes with a child's ability to accomplish age-appropriate
developmental and social tasks.
3. Neglect- "Serious physical neglect." Any of the following when committed by
a perpetrator that endangers a child's life or health, threatens a child's well-being,
causes bodily injury or impairs a child's health, development or functioning:
(1) A repeated, prolonged or egregious failure to supervise a child in a
manner that is appropriate considering the child's developmental age and abilities.
(2) The failure to provide a child with adequate essentials of life, including
food, shelter or medical care.
4. Sexual abuse/exploitation- sexual contact with a child (inappropriate touching,
etc.), using a child for sexual films, pictures or prostitution; obscene language or
exposure.
V. Kids Safe Guidelines and Protocol while serving with Productive Lives
1. 2 Adult Rule - No volunteer should be alone with a child in the room or area of
the building.
*If there is only 1 volunteer in a classroom with a group of children, all doors
should remain open as well as the lights on. Volunteer should also notify program
leaders.
2. Closed Door Policy - Classroom doors should be kept closed during kid’s
programs.
3. Bathroom Policy - When taking children to the bathroom, if possible do not
enter the stall with them. If you need to enter the stall, leave the stall door open as
well as the door to the hallway. If child needs assistance with buttons and zippers
have them come out to the main bathroom area and assist them. This section also
includes trying to take the class to the bathroom all at once so 2 adults are present.
4. Physical Affection - Displays of affection, such as hugs should be done in the
open where other teachers/leaders are present. These actions should be child-led.
No touching or tickling underneath clothing.
5. Children Management - Handle children in a quiet, calm manner. They must
not be yelled at or made to participate in activities that they do not want to
participate in. If there is a problem, please contact Productive Lives Staff to assist
with any difficulties.
6. Parental Instructions - If parents are involved. Follow all parental instructions
for the care of their children.
7. Injuries or Illness - Immediately notify Productive Lives Staff. Use the First Aid kit is necessary.