Our Commitment to Trauma-Informed Practice, Safety, and Inclusion

Commitment to Trauma-Informed Practice

We recognize trauma affects many lives and impacts how people engage with us. We continually evaluate our processes and environments to avoid unintentional triggers and promote healing. By adopting a trauma-informed lens, we aim to help everyone we serve and employ feel seen, heard, capable, and valued. Compassion and respect guide our interactions as we support health, wellness, and empowerment for all. 

Commitment to Safety

The safety and wellbeing of young people is our highest priority. We maintain zero tolerance for abuse or misconduct and employ multiple safety layers, including: 

  • Comprehensive background checks & monitoring for all staff and volunteers 

  • Child abuse prevention and trauma-informed training 

  • Regular crisis drills with local law enforcement 

  • Clear policies on supervision, transportation, and communication. (policies can be reviewed upon request) 

  • Mandated immediate reporting of safety concerns to authorities and BGCA 

  • Annual safety assessments and ongoing staff training covering ethics, boundaries, emergency response, bullying prevention, and more 

  • Partnerships with national safety experts to continually enhance practices 

Our Safety Committee provides oversight and guidance to uphold these standards. We comply fully with all relevant laws to protect every child entrusted to us. 

Commitment to Inclusion

We believe every young person has what it takes to succeed. Our Clubs embrace diversity and strive to create safe, positive, and inclusive environments for all youth—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, or religion. We foster respect and empowerment so all can reach their full potential. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia is dedicated to nurturing the whole child—physically, emotionally, and socially—through trauma-informed, safe, and inclusive care.