POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

GUIDELINES FOR ADULT/CHILD INTERACTION WITHIN A GIRL SCOUT SETTING

VERBAL GUIDELINES

1. Adults may not use abusive or derogatory language with a child.
    

2. Adults should exercise good judgment in choosing the topics and language used with children. Under no circumstances, should the romantic/sexual life of an adult be shared with children.
    

3. When an activity is planned on a topic of a sensitive or controversial nature, parents and the council paid staff are informed and (written) permission is received before proceeding.

(Safety-Wise standard 14)
 

PHYSICAL GUIDELINES

1. When touching a child for any reason, ensure that another adult is in clear view.
    

2. Under no circumstances may an adult hit a child.
    

3. When touching children, contact should generally be limited to the hand, shoulder, or upper back. Children should never be touched in a place normally covered by a bathing suit, unless for a clear medical necessity, and then only in the presence of another adult.
    

4. A hug should be given only in response to a request by a child or after asking permission. (For example, “You look like you could use a hug. Would you
   like one?”)
    

5. An adult should never touch a child against her or his will, unless in the case of clear and present danger to the child.
    

6. An adult should never touch a child against her or his discomfort, whether expressed verbally or nonverbally.
    

7. The physical right to privacy of a child should be respected to the greatest extent possible, especially in activities and situations such as sleeping, changing of clothing, showering/bathing, and other bathroom activities.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

The Girl Scout philosophy of behavior management builds on a child's need to develop a sense of self-worth. In order to promote this, the program has been carefully
planned to foster positive behavior. To accomplish this:

• Children are involved in rule setting and help determine the consequences of misbehavior.

• Whenever possible, the site and activities are set up to promote positive interaction among children.

• Volunteers encourage children to learn how to solve problems and settle differences among themselves.

All disciplinary efforts are based on this philosophy. When a child's behavior creates a risk for the emotional or physical health and safety of another child or a volunteer, the following procedures shall be followed:

1. The child is separated from the problem activity or situation.
    

2. A volunteer listens to the child and discusses the consequences of further misbehavior.
    

3. Repeated misbehavior will be handled by a telephone conversation or conference with the child's parents/guardians.
    

4. The parent, child and a volunteer agree to a plan that will improve behavior or face the possibility of termination from the program.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT STATEMENT

Girl Scouting meets the mental health and educational needs of girls.

Under no circumstances may an adult hit a child or cause a child physical discomfort as a form of discipline.

It is completely impermissible to use any form of corporal punishment when acting in one’s capacity as a Girl Scout volunteer or paid staff member.

Research indicates that a variety of positive and effective alternatives are available to maintain discipline, and that children can learn appropriate problem-solving behavior
when provided with the necessary models.

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio provides training for all Girl Scout volunteer and paid staff members to learn the techniques for providing positive discipline measures for all children in their care.