Because we are an Association of Congregations, UUA youth programs seek to be in covenant and partnership with congregations....

Recommended Provider We currently recommend Trusted Employee as a background check provider. They can do a national criminal justice and sex offender registry search along with other additional search options. Sample Letter This is a sample letter to use when asking adults to undergo a background...

Permission forms must include photo permissions. This permission only applies to media from the event named on the form and does not cover media from other contexts of the same youth. UUA staff may share photos or videos on social media during events. Other photos may be used in websites,...

Participants who need to use injectable medication should bring a sharps container. If a participant does not bring one and there is not one in the host location, staff should create a temporary one....

“Covenant is the silk that joins Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations, communities, and individuals together in a web of interconnection. The practice of promising to walk together is the precious core of our creedless faith. ‘Covenant’ is both a noun and a verb. It can be a written...

Who: Co-hosted by youth and adult program leaders For youth who are turning 18 and/or bridging soon. (Include any other youth who want to come. This is important info for everyone). At least one parent of a teenager should be present to share view of parents with younger youth When: After...

This is a report to submit to the UUA confidential record system for youth and adults whose actions at UUA youth ministry events warranted temporary or permanent suspension or restrictions in attending events. This report provides a summary of the status of the relationship between the individual...

UUA Youth and Adult Leaders Code of Ethics 2019 Adults and youth in leadership roles are in a position of stewardship and play a key role in fostering spiritual development of both individuals and the community. It is, therefore, especially important that leaders be well qualified to provide the...

UUA Adult Code of Conduct for Youth Events, 2019 NOTE: This code of conduct applies to all adults at UUA youth events -- including those adults sent by congregations to sponsor or advise youth. Adults at UUA youth events are in a special position of trust as they foster youth spiritual development.

This Appendix contains specific forms for implementing this policy in UUA programs and to support other UU programs in developing their own safety policies and procedures. These appendices are a work in progress and will be expanded as UUA programs fully implement the 2019 Youth Safety Guidelines.

Adults ideal for youth ministry should have the abilities to: form real and genuine relationships with youth focus the relationship on the needs of the youth and not the needs of the adult hold appropriate emotional and physical boundaries provide for their own physical, sexual, social, spiritual...

While the laws in each state vary, the UUA expects all participants act as “mandated reporters” within our organization. Any volunteer or leader, youth or adult, must report to the UUA staff responsible for an event anything that constitutes harm or potential harm to a minor (“harm to self or...

Access to incident reports is limited to UUA staff and relevant Unitarian Universalist credentialing organizations. Youth and adults with documentation on file may request a file summary in writing by contacting the Director of Lifespan Faith Engagement.

All programs must retain permission forms, photo permissions, incident reports, and supporting documentation for a minimum of twelve (12) years. The UUA’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will maintain all documentation of incident reports concerning behavior of youth or adults...

The UUA encourages people of all ages to engage with justice, advocacy, and witness work to bring faithful values into the world. The UUA does not allow youth or the adults responsible for them to engage in civil disobedience or other high-risk direct actions as part of UUA sponsored events....

Youth and adults participating in service and volunteer work should be aware they represent the organization. Staff will attempt to make sure that service opportunities are available to people of all abilities....

At a minimum: Swimming Swimming, as part of youth focused programming, including hotel pool, requires a certified lifeguard (Red Cross or equivalent) with at least one lifeguard per ten swimmers. Lifeguards do not count in maintaining adult ratio. A copy of the lifeguard’s certification must be...

If sexuality education is a programed part of a youth event, the leaders must be specifically trained and have the knowledge and skills not only to teach about sexual health but to fulfill the trust inherent in the role of a sexuality educator. Such training should include experience, comfort and...

When transporting youth by bus or train, youth must travel as a group with at least two adults. Every person in the group should know the route and the final destination in case the group gets separated. One adult should lead and one should follow to prevent youth from being separated from the...