Code of Conduct(Required) 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.
I have read and agree to the volunteer Code of Conduct.