Safety & Policies

Supervision

• At least two screened adult mentors or program staff are present at all times during program activities.
• No mentor or volunteer will ever be alone with a single participant without another adult present (two-deep leadership policy).
• Participant check-in and check-out are required at every session. Children are only released to the parent, guardian, or approved adult listed on the application.

Venue & Activity Safety

• All program venues are reviewed by the coordinator prior to use. Any venue deemed unsafe will not be used.
• Physical activities are structured and supervised. Participants are never required to engage in any activity they are uncomfortable with.
• First aid supplies are available at every in-person session.
• Emergency contact information for every participant is kept on file and accessible to program staff at all times.

Incident Reporting

• Any accident, injury, or concerning behavior is reported to the program coordinator immediately.
• Parents or guardians are notified of any incident involving their child within 24 hours.
• Serious incidents are documented and, where required by law, reported to appropriate authorities.

Zero Tolerance

The Uncomfortable Changes Mentorship Program maintains a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Physical, verbal, or emotional abuse of any participant or mentor
• Bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind
• The presence of weapons, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco at any program event
• Any behavior that threatens the physical or emotional safety of participants

Violations may result in immediate removal from the program without refund.

Emergency Procedures

• In the event of a medical emergency, staff will call 911 immediately, then contact the parent or guardian.
• In the event of a weather or environmental emergency, participants will be kept together in a safe location until a parent or guardian can be reached.
• All program staff are familiar with the emergency procedures for each venue used.

Who Is Screened

All of the following individuals are required to complete our screening process before working with program participants:

• Lead mentors and co-mentors
• Program volunteers who interact directly with youth
• Any adult in a supervisory or caregiving role during program activities

Screening Process

As the Uncomfortable Changes Mentorship Program grows, our mentor screening process includes:

• Application & Interview: All mentors complete a written application and interview with the program coordinator.
• Personal References: A minimum of two personal or professional references are checked prior to approval.
• Church Verification: All mentors are active members of a local Christian church. Church affiliation and character is verified with church leadership.
• Background Check: As the program expands, formal criminal background checks will be required for all mentors and volunteers who work directly with youth. Individuals with convictions for violence, abuse, or crimes against children will not be permitted to serve in any capacity.

Ongoing Accountability

• Mentors are expected to model the values of the program at all times, both during and outside of program activities.
• Any mentor whose conduct becomes a concern will be removed from the program immediately pending review.
• Parents are encouraged to share any concerns about mentor conduct directly with the program coordinator.

The Uncomfortable Changes Mentorship Program is a faith-based, community-driven environment. Everyone — participants, mentors, parents, and volunteers — is expected to uphold the following standards.

For Participants

• Treat every person in the program with respect and kindness.
• Use appropriate, respectful language at all times.
• Follow the directions of mentors and program staff.
• Take care of program property and venues.
• Attend church a minimum of two times per month as required by the program.
• Be honest with mentors and program staff.
• Support fellow participants — this program is about lifting each other up.

For Mentors & Volunteers

• Never be alone with a single participant without another adult present.
• Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with all participants.
• Model the Christian values the program is built on — integrity, service, accountability, and faith.
• Report any concerns about participant safety or well-being to the program coordinator immediately.
• Never share participants' personal information outside of the program.
• Communicate with parents or guardians only through approved program channels.

For Parents & Guardians

• Communicate respectfully with program staff and mentors.
• Ensure your child arrives and is picked up on time at all sessions.
• Keep emergency contact and medical information current.
• Support your child's church attendance commitment.
• Bring any concerns to the program coordinator promptly and constructively.

The Uncomfortable Changes Mentorship Program may photograph and/or video record participants during program activities for ministry and promotional purposes. This includes social media posts, promotional materials, and program documentation.

How Images May Be Used

• Program social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
• Program website and promotional materials
• Internal program documentation and reports

What We Will Never Do

• Sell images of participants to any third party
• Share images of participants for any commercial purpose without explicit written consent
• Post images of participants who have opted out of photo consent

When you submit an application and electronically sign the application form, you are agreeing to the following on behalf of yourself and your minor child:

1. Program Participation: You give permission for your child to participate in all Uncomfortable Changes Mentorship Program activities including game nights, group sessions, and faith-based programming.
2. Church Attendance: You understand that your child is required to attend church a minimum of two (2) times per month as a condition of continued enrollment.
3. Release of Liability: You voluntarily release the program, its organizers, mentors, volunteers, and partnering churches from liability for accidental injury arising from program activities, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
4. Indemnification: You agree to hold harmless the program and its staff from claims arising from your child's participation.
5. Allergy Disclosure: You confirm that all food allergies and medical conditions have been accurately disclosed and you accept responsibility for any undisclosed allergies.
6. Medical Emergency Authorization: You authorize program staff to call 911 and authorize emergency medical personnel to treat and transport your child if necessary.
7. Safety Policy: You acknowledge that you have read and understood this Safety & Policies page.
8. Communications: You agree to receive program communications at the email address provided in the application.
9. Accuracy: You confirm that all information in the application is truthful and accurate.

If you have any questions about our safety policies, mentor screening process, or any other aspect of this document, please reach out. We are always happy to speak with families directly.

Concerns about the safety or well-being of a child in the program should be communicated to the program coordinator immediately. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911.