It's For The Kids!
EIN: 30-0712494

Volunteer Code of Conduct

At the Freedom Youth Foundation, the safety and well-being of the youth we serve is our highest priority. As a volunteer, you play a critical role in creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. By agreeing to this Code of Conduct, you commit to upholding the highest standards of behavior while representing our organization.

Commitment to Safety

  • I will never be alone with a child.
  • I will never touch a child unless absolutely necessary.
  • I will prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all youth.
  • I will immediately report any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being to the Event Leader or the appropriate authority.
  • I will follow all child-protection policies, including supervision, boundaries, and mandatory reporting rules.
  • I will remain patient and calm, even if a child exhibits challenging behavior.

Professional Boundaries

  • I will always maintain appropriate adult-youth boundaries.
  • I will not engage in unsupervised, one-on-one interactions with any youth.
  • I will avoid physical contact with the youth.
  • I will not share personal contact information with youth, or communicate with them via text, phone, email, or social media unless explicitly approved by the Event Leader for program purposes.
  • I will not give gifts or money to youth without the Event Leader’s permission.
  • I will not engage in or tolerate teasing, bullying, shaming, or favoritism.

Appropriate Conduct

  • I will treat all youth, families, volunteers, and staff with respect and dignity.
  • I will use positive, age-appropriate language and behavior.
  • I will maintain a professional and inclusive environment for youth of all backgrounds.
  • I will not use profanity, sexually suggestive language, or inappropriate topics around youth.
  • I will not make promises of gifts, special privileges, or ongoing personal relationships with youth.
  • I will not state or imply that I can influence a youth’s foster placement, case decisions, or reunification.
  • I will not comment negatively about a youth’s parents, foster family, caseworkers, or placement.
  • I will not give legal advice or express opinions about a child’s foster case or court decisions.

Prohibited Behaviors

I understand that the following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

  • Being alone with a youth in a private or isolated space
  • Any form of physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse or misconduct
  • Inappropriate touching or displays of affection
  • Sharing or showing inappropriate media (sexual content, violence, etc.)
  • Roughhousing, wrestling, or physical play that could be misinterpreted or unsafe
  • Transporting youth in my personal vehicle unless specifically authorized and documented, and all required permissions are in place
  • Using or promoting the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco / vaping while volunteering, or being under the influence when working with youth
  • Bringing weapons or dangerous objects to volunteer activities
  • Raised voices, threats, shaming, or punitive discipline

Photography and Social Media Guidelines

  • I will not take photos of youth unless specifically instructed by the Event Leader.
  • I will not “friend,” follow, direct message, or otherwise connect with youth on personal social media accounts.
  • I will only use organization-approved platforms or communication channels when interacting with youth.
  • I will not post photos or information about youth on social media.

Confidentiality

  • I will not ask youth personal questions about their foster status, family circumstances, court cases, placement history, or trauma.
  • If a youth chooses to share personal information, I will respond supportively and keep the conversation appropriate and brief.
  • I will never disclose a youth’s foster status, placement, caseworker information, or identifying details to anyone outside of the Freedom Youth Foundation.
  • I understand that sharing any identifying information about a foster youth, even casually, is prohibited.
  • I will keep all personal information about youth and families confidential.
  • I will not discuss a child’s behavior, circumstances, or personal details with anyone except organization staff who need information to support the child.

Reporting Responsibilities

  • If a youth discloses abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions, I will stay calm, listen, and immediately notify the Event Leader. I will not question the youth further or attempt to investigate.
  • I will immediately report any suspicion, allegation, boundary violation, or inappropriate behavior, whether by staff, volunteers, parents, or youth.
  • I understand that reporting is mandatory, not optional.
  • I will document incidents as instructed and cooperate fully with investigations.

Professional Integrity

  • I will represent the Freedom Youth Foundation with professionalism.
  • I will follow all staff instructions and program guidelines.
  • I understand that my role is voluntary and that I may be removed from service at any time if I violate this Code of Conduct or other organizational policies.

Commitment

By agreeing to this Code of Conduct, I confirm that:

  • I have read and understand this Code of Conduct
  • I agree to follow all expectations and policies described above.
  • I understand that violation of this Code may result in removal from volunteer service and could require further action if necessary for the safety of our youth.
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