Risk Management inYouth Development

ProgramsJanuary 16, 2013

A Year in the Life of a 4-H Extension Educator

The purpose of this activity is to increase and to apply knowledge of the process for analyzing, planning and implementing risk management strategies in 4-H youth development programs, activities and events.

• Each table has an envelope that contains a Season of 4-H Scenarios.

• Read the Scenarios – select one to discuss as a group.

• On back of the sheet – respond to the following:– Oh No! What Do I Do Now?– Let’s Take a Step Back – What could we do differently so

that we don’t end up here in the future? • Repeat with another scenario, as time allows.• Pick one that you would like to share with the group –

situation, what you discovered/learned, what questions you still have?

Risk Management ProcessPhase 1:

Risk AnalysisRisk

Identification Evaluation & Measurement

Phase 2:Risk Response

Risk ControlFinancing &

Communication

Phase 3:Risk ReviewMonitor and

Evaluate RiskPlans

Resources

• Risk Management for Everyone PPT• Risk Management Checklist

Risk Management Checklist

• Facilities• Transportation• Participant Health Related Requirements• Unexpected Situations• Supervision• Participant & Parent/Guardian Awareness• Overnight Programming

When We Pay Attention to Risk Management Issues…

• It becomes an important educational component of our programs, focusing on safety and prevention.

• Participants can focus on learning in a safe, comfortable environment.

• Faculty & Volunteers limit their liability exposure.

• You've carefully thought out all the angles.

• You've done it a thousand times.

• It comes naturally to you.

• You know what you're doing, its what you've been trained to do your whole life.

• Nothing could possibly go wrong, right ?

Think Again!!!!

Questions/Comments/Concerns?

University of Maryland Procedures on The Reporting of

Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

• University of Maryland Policy – 9/10/12• University System of Maryland (USM)

Policy – 12/09/11• State of Maryland’s Mandatory Child

Maltreatment Reporting Laws

• Employees and volunteers must make a report if you have “reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect”

• Definitions/Resources – Department of Public Safety’s Website– http://www.umpd.umd.edu/umpd2a_detailcf

m?id=1597– USM FAQ’s

Making a Report• Actual Witness to act of child abuse or

neglect, call 911 and ask for officer immediately.

• Believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, notify Chief of Police, College Park (President’s designee for receiving reports).

Making a Report con’t

• Notify your AED/CED and State 4-H Program Leader.

• Submit a Written Report to Child Protective Services within 48 hours.– NEW FORM!!!!!!

• Only report information you witnessed or was disclosed. Some info might be blank. Do not initiate your own investigation.

Past Child Abuse/Neglect Disclosed by an Adult Victim

• MD Attorney General’s opinion – required to follow State’s reporting requirements even if the information is learned for the first time from an adult victim who was under the age of 18 when suspected abuse occurred.– “determine whether children in the household or

care of the alleged abuser or neglector are currently in need of protection.”

Immunity• Under State law (Family Law Article Section 5-708), any

individual who in good faith makes or participates in making a report under the law shall be immune from any civil liability or criminal prosecution. In addition, any person who in good faith makes or participates in making a report under this policy shall be free from any reprisal at the institution that might otherwise result from compliance with the policy.

Failure to Report• Any employee of the USM who fails to report

suspected child abuse or neglect in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline for professional misconduct, up to and including termination of the employee’s employment with or appointment to the USM.

Confidentiality• The confidentiality of a report of suspected child

abuse or neglect, including the identity of an individual who makes a report under this policy, the individual suspected of abuse or neglect, and the child who may have been abused or neglected, will be protected consistent with relevant federal and state laws.

Adult/Youth Interaction – Barriers to Abuse

• Two adults or to work with the children in a group with two or more children present. Where possible, avoid being alone with a single child.

• Never discipline children by use of physical punishment or failing to provide the necessities of care, such as food, water or shelter.

• Alert to the physical and emotional state of all children each time they participate in a program. Report signs of injury or suspected abuse.

• Encourage parents/other responsible adults to become involved.• Sensitive to the need for confidentiality in the handling of information related to

the child.• Work with young people in reasonably open places where others are welcome to

enter.• Respect privacy of youth. Protect own privacy.

• Youth share room with other youth. • If instruction requires touching, ask and take clues

from body language.• “Buddy system” plus one• No physical/mental hazing and “secret” initiations.• Topics and conversations are age appropriate.• Staff and volunteers are encouraged to follow the

above on those occasions when socializing with 4-H members under the age of 18 outside of Extension Programs, as well.