New 4-H Club Leaders Lesson Five

1. New 4-H Club Leaders Lesson Five Legal Issues in Working With Youth Safety Issues in Working With Youth Having Fun Working With Youth Bill Heltemes Florida 4-H Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator

2. What Are My Responsibilities In Working With Youth as a 4-H Club Leader?

3. Some Legal Concerns in 4-H Volunteerism Liability Risk Management Application Process Insurance Child Abuse Sexual Abuse 4-H Emblem 5-7 Year Olds Adult Behavior Discrimination Fund Raising Religion

4. Liability “No officer, employee, or agent of the state or any of its subdivisions shall be held personally liable in tort…for any injury or damage suffered as a result of any act, event, or omission of action in the scope of his employment or function, unless such officer, employee, or agent acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property.” Section 768.28(8)(a), Florida Statutes

5. Civil or Criminal Liability Criminal: abuse, exploitation, financial Civil: Contracts and Torts Contracts: Volunteers are not authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the county or university. Such liability is not protected through official immunity. Tort: a civil wrong consisting of an act of omission

6. Managing Your Risks High Risk Activities: automobiles – transportation horses, large animals, shooting sports… Managing risks includes: Reducing Transferring Assuming Avoiding

7. Reducing the Risk Instructions to Participants Put Safety First Follow Established Policies and Procedures Understand the Readiness of the Participants Certification for Special Programs

8. Transferring the Risk Insurance Company Parental Waivers Parental Requirements

9. Risk Assumption There is risk but we feel we are doing everything reasonable and the value of the activity is worth it.

10. Risk Avoidance We decide the risk outweighs the benefits. We don’t feel we can adequately manage the risk involved.

11. Situation: club outing to the beach. Members: four ages 5-7 ; eleven ages 8-10; nine ages 11-13; two ages 14-18 Adults: club leader, one other parent so far Travel: by school bus Other: only one adult can swim

12. The Application Process Adults: application form screening interview training placement Teens: same as adults

13. Insurance Medical: family provided club provided Liability: University of Florida Workman’s: University of Florida Vehicle: personal

14. What Do I Do If…..? Never admit liability at time of occurrence. Notify 4-H Agent or County Extension Director Only talk about the facts – no off the record with media Identify witnesses, preserve physical evidence Make a written record of what happened immediately Take steps to prevent re-occurrence

15. The 4-H emblem may be used by authorized representatives which includes volunteers. Use of the 4-H name or emblem may not exploit 4-H programs, its volunteer or youth participants. Letters, designs or objects may not be superimposed on the emblem. The emblem may not be altered from its intended shape.

16. 4-H Club Fundraising Fund raising should be carried out for specific educational purposes, and spent accordingly. Fund raising projects must be determined by and approved by the club members. (club vote as verified in the club minutes) Fund raising projects must be approved by the County Extension 4-H Agent. Products and services sold must not bear the 4-H name or emblem. State laws prohibit lotteries or games of chance.

17. Working With 5-7 Year Olds Florida 4-H rules prohibit youth ages 5-7 from enrolling or participating in large animal projects and shooting sports projects. Large animals includes beef, dairy, goat, horse, llama, sheep, and swine. This includes participating in or riding in 4-H horse shows. 5-7 year olds are not allowed to participate in competitive activities and events.

19. Recognizing and Dealing With Child Abuse Abuse represents an action against a child. Generally abuse is categorized as follows: Physical: the non-accidental injury of a child Sexual: any act of sexual nature upon or with a child Emotional: chronic attitudes or attacks which interfere with the psychological and social development of a child. It is not a one time act, but consistent and chronic behavior. Ohio State University 4-H Fact Sheet, 4H-024099; Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, University of Arkansas

20. Physical Signs and Behaviors Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises and welts, burns, cuts, fractures: on face, lips, mouth on torso, back, thighs in various stages of healing reflecting shape of article used (belt buckle, etc.) immersion burns patterned burns rope burns Behavior Indicators: wary of adult contact apprehensive when other children cry aggressive or withdrawn afraid to go home reports injury from an adult complains of soreness wears inappropriate clothing

21. Sexual Signs and Behaviors Physical Indicators; difficulty in walking or sitting itching in the genital area Behavioral Indicators: withdrawn infantile behaviors poor peer relationships bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge reports sexual assault by caretaker difficulty eating or sleeping

22. Emotional Signs and Behaviors Physical Indicators: speech disorders lags in physical development impaired sense of self-worth empty facial appearance fears adults Behavioral Indicators: habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking, etc.) conduct disorders (antisocial, destructive, etc.) psychoneurotic traits (hysteria, obsessive, etc.) aggressive & demanding, or compliant & passive inappropriately adult or infant

23. Some Questions Where is the injury? Injuries are less likely to occur in protected parts of the body…back of legs, buttocks, back or face. How many injuries does the child have? The greater the number the greater concern. Multiple injuries are unusual. Injuries at various stages of healing are unusual.

24. What is the size and shape? Accidental injuries usually have no defined shape. Common shapes such as fingertips or cigarette should be cause for concern. Does the description of how the injury occurred seem likely? If the injury was an accident, there should be a reasonable explanation. If the explanation is vague, or if the appearance and description don’t seem to relate, there may be cause for concern.

25. What Do I Do If…..? I Suspect Abuse? Make a report by phone or by person to the Florida Department of Children and Families. May be done locally or by calling the hot line at 1-800-962-2873. After filing the report notify either the 4-H Agent or the County Extension Director. Be prepared to have available this information: name, address and age of child; name and address of parent or caretaker; name of person you suspect; reason for suspecting; your relationship to the child. Do not contact the suspected abuser!

26. What Do I Do If…..? A child tells me about being abused? Listen to what is being told to you. Don’t “lead” or interrogate the child. Let the child share what he/she is willing to tell. Reassure the child he/she has done the right thing by telling you. Acknowledge the difficulty of the decision and make it clear it is not the child’s fault. Keep your own feelings under control. Be calm and non-judgmental. Don’t express emotions. Use the child’s own vocabulary.

27. Do not promise not to tell. Tell the truth. There may be actions taken over which you have no control. Be supportive. Provide help and guidance. Let the child know that confiding in you was the only way to possibly end the abuse. Report the case immediately. Contact the 4-H extension agent and report was has occurred. Do not share information or discuss the situation or contact anyone involved.

28. What Are the Extension Guidelines for My Behavior as a 4-H Leader?

29. Behavior Guidelines for 4-H Volunteers Working With Youth Treat others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate to a positive role model for youth. Obey the laws of the locality, state and nation. Recognize that verbal and/or physical abuse and/or neglect is unacceptable in 4-H and report suspected abuse to authorities.

30. Make all reasonable efforts to assure that 4-H youth programs are accessible to youth without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion or disability. Do not participate in or condone neglect or abuse which happens to 4-H youth outside the program and report suspect abuse to authorities. Treat animals humanely and teach 4-H youth to provide appropriate animal care.

31. Operate motor vehicles in a safe and reliable manner when working with 4-H youth, and only with a valid license and the legally required insurance coverage. Do not consume alcohol or illegal substances while responsible for youth in 4-H activities nor allow 4-H youth program participants under your supervision to do so.

32. Putting Safety First

33. How Do I Put Safety First? Plan: have a plan of action, an agenda of activities Anticipate: think ahead, visualize what might happen, review the schedule for potential problems Prepare: have what you need, have enough adult help, etc.

34. Review: are there policies or procedures established to follow? Health forms, parental permission, codes of conduct, out of county travel form, insurance? Understand: the readiness and willingness of your youth

35. Having Fun With Kids! Children who feel accepted and liked will learn and be successful in your club. Here are some ways you can help your 4-H’ers have that feeling. Greet children in a warm and friendly fashion each time you see them. Learn the children’s names and use them often. Praise them for every success, but always be sincere. Remember what is important to them. Accept your 4-H’ers as individuals. Don’t classify them as poor, slow, etc.

36. Use a tone of voice that will encourage children and make them feel confident. State directions in a positive manner. Keep explanations short. Be comfortable with silences. All children time to think and organize what they want to say. Be patient and wait. When introducing something, demonstrate it so the children will know what to expect. Be absolutely honest. It is ok to say “I don’t know”. Then try to find the answer. Smile! A relaxed and friendly attitude creates the best atmosphere.

37. Giving Instructions Give good instructions to avoid negative reactions from your 4-H’ers. Instruct your 4-H’er as though you expect him/her to comply. Give sufficient time and warnings if necessary. Use words the child understands. Check for understanding Keep your voice low. As your voice rises so will the child’s. Your rules should match the child’s ability to understand. Reward good behavior with a smile or compliment. Practice “Catching Your Kids Being Good!”

38. Developmentally Appropriate Practices DAP focuses on the individual 4-H member and his/her involvement in age appropriate activities and project. Learning is something a child does, it is not done to the child. 4-H curriculum is designed to develop the child’s self-esteem, sense of competence, and positive feelings toward learning. The 4-H member is allowed to determine the pace needed to acquire project skills and to complete project units.

39. Elements of Developmentally Appropriate Practices in 4-H Include: The 4-H club is child centered, activity oriented and utilizes project curriculum, and differentiates for age and individual appropriateness.. Project curriculum is used to promote maximum 4-H member involvement in learning. Evaluation of club members is individual rather than competitive.

40. 4-H’ers are provided a nurturing and challenging environment. The club provides guidance in the social and emotional development of its members. The club encourages and facilitates family involvement. The club is flexible and responsive to the needs of its members. 4-H club volunteers participate in on going leadership development programs.

41. Kids Are Fun, But….. Kids can create problems on occasion. If you have a child who is misbehaving: Deal with the child directly if the parent is unaware of the problem, or ignoring the problem. Approach the child, get down to his/her level, eye to eye. Calmly and kindly ask him or her to stop. Explain why the behavior is unacceptable. If the light approach doesn’t work, or if the parent is aware and ignoring the problem, you can refer the situation to your 4-H Agent. NEVER use physical force to restrain or discipline a child unless the behavior endangers the child or others, or may cause significant property damage.

42. Where Do I Go From Here? 1) Have you received approval as a 4-H Club Leader? 2) Find a meeting place 3) Set a date for the Informational Meeting 4) Recruit Youth (and their families) a. Talk to families in your neighborhood b. Put up posters c. Visit with local pastors and school principals

43. 5) Conduct your first club meeting (informational meeting for youth and parents) 6) Conduct parent meeting 7) Conduct second club meeting 8) Meet with club program planning committee and finalize program plan 9) Conduct third club meeting 10) Complete and return appropriate forms Review progress with 4-H Agent