Commitment
to Child Safety
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, the safety and protection of our members is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every young person who walks through our doors deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected. Creating a secure environment is not just a priority — it is a fundamental obligation. We maintain strict safety practices and standards to ensure that all members experience a Club that nurtures their growth and development without fear or risk of harm.
We recognize that the trust placed in us by families, caregivers, and our community is sacred. Every member of our team — from frontline staff to senior leadership — shares a unified commitment to upholding the highest standards of child safety. Our Clubs are designed to be safe spaces where young people can explore their interests, learn important life skills, and build lasting relationships under the careful supervision of trained professionals.
Our Approach to Safety
We have implemented comprehensive measures to safeguard every young person who participates in our programs. All staff, board members, and volunteers undergo mandatory annual background checks to ensure they meet strict eligibility criteria. These checks are renewed each year, and any individuals who do not pass the required screenings are not permitted to work with our youth.
In addition to screening, every staff member is required to complete thorough training in recognizing, preventing, and responding to all forms of child abuse or misconduct. This training includes best practices for maintaining professional boundaries, identifying signs of abuse, and reporting any concerns immediately and appropriately.
Our organizational policies include strict codes of conduct that define clear expectations for staff and volunteers. These codes are designed to eliminate opportunities for misconduct or unsafe situations. We also maintain transparent reporting systems that empower members, families, and community members to report any concerns without fear of retaliation.
We collaborate closely with local child protective services and law enforcement agencies to ensure that any incidents are handled swiftly, appropriately, and in full compliance with California law.
National Standards and Local Action
As an affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), we align our safety practices with nationally recognized standards while also customizing our procedures to meet the specific needs of Monterey County families. We participate in BGCA’s National Child Safety Assessment and peer review programs to continually strengthen our practices and policies.
Members and families also have access to BGCA’s confidential Safety Helpline (866-607-SAFE), which provides a direct line to report any Club-related safety concerns anonymously. Locally, we have established designated Safety Officers at each of our Clubhouses who oversee the day-to-day implementation of safety protocols and act as resources for members, families, and staff.
Reporting
Concerns
If you have concerns about the safety of a child or about the behavior of a staff member, volunteer, or member, we urge you to contact us immediately. Our leadership team is committed to taking every report seriously and responding with the urgency and care that every young person deserves.
To report a concern or to speak directly with our administrative team, please contact:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Safety Officer
Phone: (831) 394-5171 x235
Email: info@bgcmc.org