CHILD SAFETY POLICY

Preventing, Recognizing, and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse

1. Statement of Commitment

DreamChaser International Inc. ("DCI Foundation" or "the Organization") is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for every child and youth we serve.

The safety, dignity, and well-being of children are foundational values of our organization.  DCI Foundation expressly commits to keep children safe from sexual abuse by:

• Preventing situations that in any way compromise children's safety — both on and off the playing field;

• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse and misconduct; and

• Responding promptly, appropriately, and decisively when abuse is suspected or reported.

This policy applies to all staff members, board members, volunteers, coaches, mentors, contractors, and any individual who interacts with youth through DCI Foundation programs — including the Sports Without Barriers Program, DreamChaser Youth Mentorship Circles, and all

Community Events.

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2. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all persons acting on behalf of DCI Foundation, including:

• Paid staff and contractors

• Board of Directors members

• Volunteers and program helpers

• Coaches, mentors, and activity leaders

• Event staff and venue partnersThis policy covers all DCI Foundation activities — on-site programs, off-site events, mentorship

meetings, travel, and any other setting where staff or volunteers interact with youth participants.

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3. Definitions

Child / Youth: Any person under the age of 18.

Child Sexual Abuse: Any sexual act or sexual threat directed toward a child, including but not

limited to: sexual touching, exposure, grooming behaviors, exploitation, or sexual communication via any medium.

Grooming: A pattern of behavior used by an offender to gain the trust of a child and/or their

family in order to facilitate abuse. Grooming behaviors may include excessive one-on-one time,

gift-giving, secrecy, and inappropriate boundary-crossing.

Mandated Reporter: Any adult who, by law or this policy, is required to report known or reasonably suspected child abuse to appropriate authorities.

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4. Prevention Standards

4.1 Screening and Background Checks

DCI Foundation is committed to screening individuals who work with youth. Recognizing that the organization operates with a range of staff and volunteer involvement — from long-term mentors to one-day event helpers — DCI Foundation applies a tiered screening approach that matches the level of screening to the nature and duration of each person's involvement:

• Tier 1 — Required Background Check: All paid staff, board members, recurrin volunteers, coaches, and mentors who have regular, ongoing contact with youth must complete a criminal background check prior to beginning service. This includes a national criminal database search, a sex offender registry check, and a county-level criminal court search.

• Tier 2 — Supervised Participation: Individuals who assist on a one-time or occasional basis (such as event-day volunteers) are not required to complete a background check, provided they are supervised at all times by a Tier 1 screened adult and the Two-Adult

Rule (Section 4.2) is strictly observed. These individuals must still sign the Child Safety Policy Acknowledgement Form before participating.

• Renewal: Background checks for Tier 1 individuals will be renewed every two years.

• Disqualification: DCI Foundation will not place any individual — regardless of tier — with convictions for crimes against children, sexual offenses, or crimes involving violence in any role with youth access. If a background check reveals such a conviction, the

individual will be immediately removed from consideration.

4.2 Two-Adult Rule

No adult shall be alone with a single child in a private, unobservable setting. DCI Foundation adheres to the Two-Adult Rule:

• A minimum of two unrelated adults must be present whenever youth are in program settings.

• If two adults cannot be present, activities must be conducted in a publicly visible and open location.

• One-on-one mentorship sessions must take place in open, observable environments.

4.3 Communication Standards

All digital and in-person communication between adults and youth participants must be appropriate, transparent, and documented:

• Adults should not communicate privately with youth via personal social media, direct messaging, or text without copying a parent/guardian.

• Program communications should go through official DCI Foundation channels when possible.

• Adults should not share personal contact information with youth participants without organizational approval.

4.4 Code of Conduct for Adults

All adults working with DCI Foundation youth must adhere to the following standards:

• Never engage in physical contact with youth that is not appropriate, consensual, and necessary (e.g., sporting instruction).

• Never make sexual comments, jokes, or advances toward youth.

• Never show, share, or produce sexual content of any kind with youth.

• Never transport youth alone without written parental consent and organizational approval.

• Never enter sleeping quarters, bathrooms, or other private spaces occupied by youth.

• Never give gifts to individual youth participants without organizational approval.

• Never ask youth to keep secrets from parents or guardians.

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5. Recognizing Signs of Abuse

All DCI Foundation staff and volunteers are expected to be aware of common warning signs that a child may be experiencing sexual abuse, including:

5.1 Behavioral Signs in Youth

• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or school performance

• Fear of specific adults or settings

• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities

• Unexplained gifts, money, or privileges from an adult• Reluctance to change clothes or participate in physical activities

5.2 Warning Signs in Adults

Staff and volunteers should report any adult who:

• Insists on physical affection from children (hugging, kissing, touching)

• Seeks excessive alone time with individual youth

• Ignores children's need for privacy

• Speaks with youth about sexual topics or shares sexual content

• Gives gifts to youth without organizational knowledge

• Talks with youth about keeping secrets from parents

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6. Reporting Procedures

6.1 Mandatory Reporting

All DCI Foundation staff, board members, and volunteers are considered mandated reporters.  Anyone who suspects or has knowledge of child abuse or neglect is required to report it — both internally and to appropriate legal authorities.  Under California law (Penal Code Section 11166), certain categories of persons are legally required to report known or suspected child abuse to law enforcement or child protective services immediately.

6.2 How to Report

Step 1 — Ensure Immediate Safety: If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Step 2 — Report to Authorities: Contact the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Hotline:

LA County DCFS Child Abuse Hotline Phone: 1-800-540-4000 (available 24 hours / 7 days a week)

Step 3 — Notify DCI Foundation Leadership: Report the concern to the Executive Director (Kibwe Trim) or Board Chair immediately. If the concern involves the Executive Director, contact the Board Chair or Vice Chair directly.

Step 4 — Document: Write a factual, detailed account of what was observed, said, or reported— including dates, times, locations, and the names of those involved. Submit this documentation to the Board Chair within 24 hours.

6.3 Confidentiality

Reports of suspected abuse will be handled with the highest degree of confidentiality.  Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and as required by law. Individuals who report in good faith are protected from retaliation.

6.4 Non-Retaliation

DCI Foundation strictly prohibits retaliation against any person who reports suspected child abuse in good faith. Any staff member or volunteer found to have retaliated against a reporter will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

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7. Response Protocol

When a report of abuse is made or an allegation arises, DCI Foundation will:

• Immediately prioritize the safety of the child or youth involved.

• Suspend (with pay, where applicable) or remove any staff member or volunteer who is the subject of a credible allegation, pending investigation.

• Cooperate fully with law enforcement and DCFS investigations.

• Refrain from conducting its own investigation that could compromise official proceedings.

• Provide appropriate support and referral resources to the affected youth and their family.

• Maintain confidential documentation of the incident and organizational response.  DCI Foundation reserves the right to permanently terminate any individual found to have engaged in child sexual abuse or related misconduct.

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8. Training and Education

DCI Foundation is committed to ongoing education and awareness:

• All new staff and volunteers will review this Child Safety Policy before beginning service with youth.

• The Organization will incorporate child safety awareness into regular staff and volunteer communications.

• The Board of Directors will review and affirm this policy annually.

DCI Foundation encourages staff and volunteers to seek out child safety training resources, including free programs offered by Darkness to Light (www.d2l.org) and other reputable child protection organizations.

 

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated by the Board of Directors no less than once per year, or whenever significant changes in law, best practice, or organizational structure require revision. The effective date will be updated upon each review.

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10. Official Adoption Statement

This Child Safety Policy has been reviewed and formally adopted by the Board of Directors of DreamChaser International Foundation. The executed copy bearing board member signatures is maintained in DCI Foundation’s official internal records.

This version is made available to all staff, volunteers, and individuals working with youth through DCI Foundation programs. Questions about this policy may be directed to the Executive Director at dcifoundation@hotmail.com.

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