Purpose

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is dedicated to fostering a safe, Christ-centered environment where students can develop their character and creativity. To protect students, staff, and volunteers, CYT has adopted the following Abuse Prevention Policy to reduce the risk of abuse and to respond appropriately to concerns of misconduct or abuse.

Scope

This policy applies to all CYT personnel, including but not limited to:
  • Paid staff
  • Teaching artists
  • Volunteers
  • Chaperones
  • Contractors
  • Board members
  • Any adult interacting with minors on behalf of CYT, including at local branches, National events, or virtual programs.

1. Definitions

  • Minor / Student: Any participant under the age of 18.
  • Adult: Any person 18 years or older.
  • Child Abuse includes, but is not limited to:
    • Physical abuse
    • Sexual abuse or exploitation
    • Emotional abuse
    • Neglect or endangerment

2. Screening & Selection

All adults who work with minors must complete the following before engaging in any CYT National activities:
  • Complete a CYT Volunteer/Staff Application
  • Provide at least two references
  • Undergo a criminal background check, including a national sex offender registry search
  • Disclose any past criminal convictions or pending charges
  • Agree to CYT’s Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement
All chaperones, volunteers, and staff will be re-screened every 2 years, or more frequently if required by law or CYT policy change.

3. Supervision & Interaction Guidelines

To ensure the highest standard of safety:
  • Three-person Rule: Adults must never be alone in a private space with a minor. Interactions must be observable and interruptible. 
  • Open-Door Policy: All one-on-one meetings with minors must occur in public or semi-public settings.
  • No Unmonitored Contact: Adults may not transport, house, or meet one-on-one with a minor without parental consent and CYT supervision.
  • Overnight Events: Chaperones must follow gender and age-appropriate rooming policies. No adult may sleep in the same bed or room (unless a parent/guardian) with a minor.
  • Physical Touch: Must be age-appropriate, public, and non-sexual. Examples: high fives, side hugs, fist bumps.
  • Digital Communication: Staff/volunteers may not engage in private, one-on-one texting, messaging, or social media contact with minors unless a parent or second adult is copied or included.

4. Mandatory Reporting

Any adult who witnesses, receives a disclosure of, or suspects abuse (past or present) is required by CYT policy and may be required by law to report the incident. The report should be made immediately to:
  1. CYT National Staff
  2. Local Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement, if legally required
Failure to report suspected abuse is grounds for dismissal and may be punishable by law.

5. Response to Allegations

CYT is committed to a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
Upon receiving a report of suspected abuse:
  • The accused individual will be immediately suspended from duties pending investigation.
  • Law enforcement or child protective services will be contacted as required.
  • CYT will cooperate fully with all investigations and keep the reporting party informed.
  • No internal investigation will interfere with or delay a law enforcement investigation.
  • Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible, without hindering the investigation or the protection of others.

6. Training

All CYT personnel who work with minors must complete abuse prevention training, which includes:
  • Recognizing signs of abuse
  • Understanding reporting procedures
  • Setting appropriate boundaries
  • CYT’s Rules of Engagement and Behavioral Standards
Training must be documented and refreshed annually.

7. Disqualification & Dismissal

Individuals will not be permitted to work with minors if they:
  • Refuse or fail a background check
  • Have a history of child abuse, sexual misconduct, or violent crime
  • Exhibit behavior deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with CYT values, and this policy
Violation of any part of this policy may result in immediate removal, legal action, or termination of employment or volunteer status.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually by CYT leadership and legal counsel to reflect changes in law, insurance standards, and best practices.

Acknowledgment

All personnel—including employees, volunteers, contractors, and chaperones—are required to acknowledge that they have received, read, and agree to comply with CYT’s Abuse Prevention Policy.
Acknowledgment may be submitted digitally or in writing. Digital acknowledgment, including through a checkbox and typed name with date on an online form or platform approved by CYT, shall be considered legally valid and binding.

No individual may begin service in any capacity until this acknowledgment is received and recorded by CYT leadership.