Every child deserves to feel safe—no matter where they play, gather, or grow. But today, private and nonprofit youth programs—including sports teams, church youth groups, and community-based nonprofits—are not required to follow the same child protection standards as public schools.

We’re calling on lawmakers to change that.

We, the undersigned, demand the adoption of Youth Safety Standards in all non-governmental programs serving minors. These common sense protections would include:

✅ Required boundary and safety training for all adults working with youth
✅ A signed code of conduct outlining expectations and appropriate behavior
✅ Clear communication of boundaries to youth participants—especially teens
✅ Parent/guardian acknowledgment for younger children
✅ Public accountability and transparency in policy implementation
These aren’t extreme measures—they’re already standard in public schools and national youth groups like Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), where families must review and discuss youth protection material before joining.

From national headlines to local communities, we’ve seen repeated stories of harm and predatory behavior within spaces where no formal policy or training exists. Youth safety cannot rely on good intentions alone. It must be backed by clear expectations and protective frameworks.

 
What a Basic Youth Boundaries Policy Should Include

We’re not calling for red tape—we’re calling for clear, consistent safeguards that protect kids and empower adults. A minimum Youth Boundaries Policy should include:

🔒 1. Signed Adult Code of Conduct
All adults representing a youth-serving organization should agree in writing to:

No unapproved physical contact (hugging, lap-sitting, etc.)
No private one-on-one interactions with youth (follow the two-adult rule)
No personal texting, calling, or social media with youth unless documented and approved
Use of respectful, appropriate language at all times
Immediate reporting of any boundary concerns

🧠 2. Youth Orientation
Before programs begin, older youth (middle school and up) should be given a verbal explanation of:

What boundaries are in place
How to speak up or report concerns
Their right to a safe, respectful space
For younger kids, this info should be shared with parents who can explain it in an age-appropriate way.

👨‍👩‍👧 3. Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment
Parents receive a copy of the policy
They confirm they understand the adult conduct standards
They know how to raise concerns

📣 4. Safe, Simple Reporting Process
A designated staff lead or safety point of contact
Confidential reporting method
A clear, non-retaliatory response protocol

Every program working with youth deserves a clear safety framework—simple, consistent, and protective. This is how we build trust, empower kids, and lead by example.

 
Example: Bike 4 A Cause Youth Boundaries Policy

Below is the current Youth Boundaries Policy used by Bike 4 A Cause, provided as a real-world example of what organizations can implement right now:

 
Bike 4 A Cause – Youth Boundaries Policy

Promoting safe, respectful, and empowering environments for all participants

Purpose:
This policy is designed to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of youth participants during all Bike 4 A Cause events and programs. All volunteers, staff, and board members must read and acknowledge this policy prior to engaging with youth.

Core Boundaries:

Two-Deep Leadership:
Adults should avoid being alone with a youth participant. Whenever possible, two adults (18+) should be present with youth, especially in enclosed or isolated spaces.

Physical Boundaries:
Respect personal space. Keep hands to yourself, do not invade personal space, keep a respectful distance from youth. Best practice is to have hands and body visibility away while in close proximity or passing. This shows respect for the youth's personal space.

No roughhousing, tickling, or physical displays of affection beyond appropriate high-fives, fist bumps, or pat on the shoulder. Any physical contact besides a high-five, fist bump, or pat on the shoulder is considered inappropriate.

Verbal Boundaries:
Use respectful, encouraging language.
Do not use profanity, insults, threats, or teasing.
Avoid discussions of a personal, romantic, religious, or political nature that are not relevant to the program.

Digital and Social Media Boundaries:
Do not communicate with youth via personal social media or messaging platforms.
If a volunteer role involves email outreach to youth leaders, adult representatives from their organization will be included as well as a Bike 4 A Cause Board Member.
Day of event communication can be briefly handled via our Nonprofit Organization phone line 805-900-2453 or 805-900-BIKE.

Transparency & Accountability:
Report any concerns or violations to a supervisor or mandated reporter immediately.

Acknowledgement:
I have read and understand the Bike 4 A Cause Youth Boundaries Policy. I agree to uphold these guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all youth participants.

Name: ______________________
Signature: ___________________
Date: _______________________

 
About the Author
Carlos Landeros-Angel
Founder & President of Bike 4 A Cause
Community Advocate, Youth Program Developer, and Former Child Development Specialist

Carlos is launching conversations with elected leaders—including Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Congressman Salud Carbajal, Senator Monique Limón, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and Congresswoman Julia Brownley—to advocate for statewide and national youth safety standards. His nonprofit, Bike 4 A Cause, is the first in Ventura County to publicly adopt and model this Youth Boundaries Policy as a baseline for nonprofit programs.

 
📝 Add your name. Share your voice. Protect our youth.

Let’s ensure safety is not optional—it’s expected.