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Volunteer

Protective Behaviors Training Policy

On behalf of the Special Olympics U.S. Risk Management and Insurance Task Force (RMITF), we wish to announce that the new online Protective Behaviors training material has been finalized and is ready for implementation by all U.S. Programs.  The new training material is a critical tool for protecting Special Olympics athletes from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.  The RMITF, numerous U.S. Programs, and experts both inside and outside Special Olympics have extensively reviewed and tested the new training material.  All Class A registered volunteers must complete this training to maintain an active status. Click here to take the training online.

Each US Program must incorporate the new Protective Behaviors training into its regular ongoing training for all Class A Volunteers (Class A Volunteers as defined in the Special Olympics US Volunteer Screening Policy) and staff members.  Effective October 1, 2007, the new online version of the Protective Behaviors training will replace all previous Protective Behaviors materials.

ONLINE PROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS TRAINING

How does the new system work?

  • The new Protective Behaviors training is “housed” on SOI’s Web site, however, each U.S. Program has a link to the training on its own Web site.  Once a volunteer/staff member completes the training, the US Program will receive email notification that the individual has successfully completed the training. 

PROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS TIMELINE/FREQUENCY

While we realize that ensuring compliance with the timeline outlined below may be a challenge for US Programs, we believe that the new streamlined approach to the Protective Behaviors training will facilitate the timely implementation of this policy.   

New Class A Volunteers/Staff

  • Programs shall not permit a new Class A Volunteer applicant/staff member (a person who applies after September 30, 2007) to participate as a Class A Volunteer after October 1, 2007, until that person has completed the online Protective Behaviors training. 
  • Class A Volunteers/staff registered on or after October 1, 2007, must complete the training at least once every three years and the US Program must maintain record of such completion.

Existing Class A Volunteers/Staff

  • Programs must ensure that all existing Class A Volunteers/staff members (those individuals who were registered prior to October 1, 2007) receive the online Protective Behaviors training by December 31, 2007.
  • Class A Volunteers/staff registered before October 1, 2007, must complete the training at least once every three years, and the US Program must maintain record of such completion.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the new Protective Behaviors training policy will help protect Special Olympics athletes from sexual, emotional and physical abuse.  The new materials were developed to help Programs provide Protective Behaviors training in the most time-efficient manner possible.