Training Manual Leader'S Guide: Abuse and Harassment Prevention

Abuse and Harassment Prevention
TRAINING MANUAL
and
LEADERS GUIDE
TRAINING MANUAL
The Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual and Leaders Guide is
designed to help Rotarians provide a safe and secure environment for participants in Rotary International youth programs. District governors, district youth
protection ofcers, and all district leaders involved with Interact, RYLA, and
Youth Exchange should review these materials. Districts also may use these
guidelines when working with other youth-related projects, such as scouting
or mentoring, and any at-risk or vulnerable population, such as the elderly or
disabled.
The training manual provides information and guidelines for developing and
implementing an effective district abuse and harassment prevention program
for youth protection. Topics include proper screening of adult volunteers
working with youth (including privacy issues and recordkeeping), selection of
youth participants, and effective training programs for Rotarians, non-Rotarian
volunteers, and students.
The leaders guide consists of abuse and harassment prevention training sessions for all Rotarians involved in youth programs as well as specialized Youth
Exchange training sessions for district Youth Exchange committee members,
club counselors, host families, and students and their parents.
Throughout the text, items that relate only to the Youth Exchange
program are set apart with this graphic.
Contents
Awareness and Prevention

Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth
Denitions of Abuse and Harassment
Signs of Abuse and Harassment
Developing Youth Protection Policies for Your District
Volunteer Selection and Screening
Volunteer Training
Reporting and Follow-through
Reporting an Allegation
Follow-through
Positions of Responsibility
District Governor
District Youth Protection Ofcer
District Review Committee
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12
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14
Appendixes
A. Sample District Youth Exchange Abuse and
Harassment Prevention Policy
B. Sexual Abuse and Harassment Allegation Reporting Guidelines
C. Youth Volunteer Afdavit
D. Additional Resources
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29
Rotary International has a long and successful history of providing service

to youth. Each year, more than 250,000 young people participate in Rotary
International youth programs such as Interact, Rotary Youth Exchange, and
RYLA. In addition, many club and district mentoring programs, immunization efforts, job training programs, literacy projects, and other initiatives are
designed specically to help young people.
In recent years, allegations of sexual abuse and harassment have increased in
all programs involving young participants. Any organization that works with
youth is vulnerable, as child sex offenders seek out teaching, coaching, and
other positions that offer them easier access to children and teenagers. Many
adults committed to working with youth are so focused on helping young
people that they nd it difcult to believe others will abuse the trust placed in
them.
Unfortunately, no organization is invulnerable to abuse, and it can and does
occur in even the most seemingly positive settings. In fact, the opportunity to
work with youth may attract potential abusers to otherwise highly reputable
organizations.
A comprehensive
approach to abuse and
harassment prevention in
youth programs includes
awareness of physical
and emotional abuse and
neglect. Because these
topics are more widely
understood and addressed,
most of the materials in
this manual are focused on
prevention of sexual abuse
and harassment.
Rotary International takes youth protection very seriously. As the subject of

sexual abuse has been more widely discussed, Rotarians involved in youth
programs have addressed this issue by developing abuse prevention procedures at the district and regional levels. Rotarians contribute to creating safe
environments that stop abuse before it happens and respond appropriately in
the unfortunate situations when it occurs.
This publication builds on these efforts, seeking to provide a set of youthprotection materials that can be modied to comply with local laws and situations. In developing these materials, Rotary International worked with abuse
prevention specialists to determine how best to prevent sexual abuse and
harassment of young people entrusted to the care of clubs and districts and
incorporate best practices currently in place in Rotary districts. Rotarians can
use these tools to protect young people and ensure that Rotary International
youth programs continue to provide successful leadership training and international exchange experiences for young people.

Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest
possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty
of all Rotarians, Rotarians spouses, partners, and other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical,
sexual, or emotional abuse of children and young people with whom they
come into contact.
Adopted by the RI Board of Directors, November 2002
This statement of conduct provides the basic principle for Rotarians to follow when working with young people in any capacity. An abuse prevention
program with specic plans and procedures will help to ensure that Rotarians
and other volunteers exemplify this conduct. In addition, such a proactive approach will further demonstrate Rotary Internationals commitment to youth,
help to prevent specic incidents of abuse or mitigate their negative effects,
protect the long-term viability of youth programs, and strengthen the trust of
participants and their parents.
Too many instances of abuse and harassment of young people are ignored
because adults fail to recognize or admit that it is occurring. An effective youth
protection policy depends on the adults involved being both aware of the
possibility of abuse and vigilant in guarding against it.
Keep these points in mind:
Young people often fail to report sexual abuse because they fear that disclosure will bring consequences even worse than being victimized again.
Child abuse is generally underreported because offenders are able to convince their victims that it is their own fault.
In many cases, victims of child sexual abuse do not report the abuse until
they are adults.
Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

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Only about 1 percent to 4 percent of sexual abuse allegations prove to be

false.*
Children tend to minimize and deny abuse, not exaggerate or overreport
such incidents.
Child sex offenders seek opportunities for access to children and teenagers through youth organizations that lack strong screening and protection
practices.
* National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, www.ncptsd.org
Definitions of Abuse and Harassment

To heighten their awareness of the problem, all Rotarians working with young
people should fully understand what constitutes abuse and harassment.
Emotional or verbal abuse. Incidents in which an adult uses fear, humiliation,
or verbal assaults to control the behavior of a young person in his or her care.
Examples include rejecting the young person, preventing him or her from developing normal social relationships, and making derogatory statements about
the youths race, religion, or personal appearance.
Physical abuse. Mistreatment of a young person by use of physical contact
intended to cause pain, injury, or other physical suffering or harm.
Neglect. Failure to provide (for no apparent nancial reason) adequate food,
clothing, shelter, or medical care necessary for a youths well-being.
Sexual abuse. Engaging in implicit or explicit sexual acts with a young person
or forcing or encouraging a young person to engage in implicit or explicit
sexual acts alone or with another person of any age of the same or opposite
sex. Among the examples of sexual abuse are nontouching offenses, such as
indecent exposure or showing a young person sexual or pornographic material. This denition applies to any participant in Rotary International youth
programs.
Sexual harassment. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature. In some cases, sexual harassment precedes sexual abuse and is a technique used by sexual predators to desensitize
or groom their victims. Some examples of sexual harassment include:
Sexual epithets, jokes, written or spoken references to sexual conduct,
gossip regarding ones sex life, and comments about an individuals sexual
activity, deciencies, or prowess
Verbal abuse of a sexual nature
Display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or drawings
Sexual leering or whistling, any inappropriate physical contact such as
brushing against or touching, obscene language or gestures, and suggestive or insulting comments
The following misconceptions present obstacles to creating an effective abuse
and harassment prevention program:

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Sexual abuse is about sexuality. In fact, most sexual abuse and harassment
is about power and control.
Only girls are at risk. Although the majority of victims are girls, boys are also
at risk. Some studies have shown that as many as one in six boys under age
16 has experienced unwanted direct sexual contact with an older person.
Only men are abusers.
Girls are only at risk from men, and boys are only at risk from women.
Sexual abuse is always overt.
Most abusers are unknown to their victims. Most abusers are known and
trusted by their victims.
Signs of Abuse and Harassment

Rotarians, their families, non-Rotarian volunteers, and parents of young people
participating in Rotary youth programs should be aware of the following physical and behavioral changes that may be warning signs of abuse:*
Any physical signs of abuse, such as a repeated pattern of injury or an accident for which the explanation doesnt t the injury
Changes of behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness, or
excessive crying
Fear of certain places, people, or activities; reluctance to be left alone with
a particular person
High levels of anxiety
Distorted body image, including or resulting in eating disorders, selfmutilation, or other related behaviors
Diminished self-esteem
Overly aggressive behavior
Unwillingness to participate in extracurricular activities; difculties at school
Repression
Poor peer relationships; isolation
Nightmares or night terrors
Graphic or age-inappropriate knowledge of sex or sexual behavior
Suicide attempts or gestures
Obsessive behaviors
Self-medicating through drug or alcohol abuse
Problems with authority or rules
These behaviors should be seen as indicators that abuse or harassment may
have taken place, and adult volunteers should spend time with the young
person to nd out what is really going on. Active involvement with youth in
your care will enable you to observe changes in behavior, which can be a
more accurate indicator of abuse than those on the list above, many of which
* Based on materials produced by Bollinger Inc., Short Hills, New Jersey, USA
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could also be considered typical teen behavior. A normally outgoing and

condent young person who becomes withdrawn and quiet may have been
abused, and the adults involved with the young person should nd out why
the behavior has changed. Consider arranging a conversation between the
young person and a mental health professional who specializes in working
with adolescents.
Exchange students who are making cultural adjustments to the host

country or experiencing homesickness may exhibit some of the
behaviors listed above. Many of the behaviors commonly exhibited
by victims of abuse are the same as those that cause problems with
a student exchange and result in a student returning home early.
A student who has been labeled as difcult or unable to get
along with the host family may have been abused, either by an
adult in the host family, a peer, or someone in their home country
before their arrival.
Developing Youth Protection Policies

for Your District
Each Rotary district should develop appropriate youth protection policies, including those related to sexual abuse and harassment prevention, for its youth
programs. Policies will differ from district to district based on the type and
size of the projects and programs involving youth, the number of participating
clubs, and local governing law. As an essential rst step, Rotarians involved
with youth programs should become thoroughly informed about local laws
concerning abuse and harassment and incorporate that information into their
district policy.
To be certied by RI, districts participating in Youth Exchange must

develop policies that meet minimum standards. The Sample District
Youth Exchange Abuse and Harassment Prevention Policy (appendix A) can help districts develop a policy for Youth Exchange; it can
also be expanded or adapted for other programs and projects involving youth. For examples of policies implemented by RI districts
or other organizations, e-mail [email protected].
When developing a district youth protection policy, ask yourself what could go
wrong. Examine the risks associated with the environment in which a particular activity takes place, and consider what you could do to prevent accidents
or other problems from occurring. If something does go wrong, plan how to
respond. Have an emergency plan in place at all times.
Consider these issues when developing your district youth protection policy:
Physical safety (buildings owned or rented by the district where youth programs take place; activities that present some risk or danger)

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Privacy for youth participants (especially protection of personal information;

accommodations at camps and host homes)
Appropriate medical certication for volunteer clinics that serve young
people
Degree of supervision for any youth activity
Interaction with youth outside of program activities
Denition of normative physical contact, such as hugs or other forms of
touching
Illness, injuries, and accidents, including plans for rst-aid and insurance
Motor vehicle guidelines, such as licensing and insurance requirements for
adults involved
Key Policy Elements

An effective district abuse and harassment prevention policy includes the following information:
Policy statement that includes the language from the Statement of Conduct
for Working with Youth
Compliance statement afrming that all clubs in the district participating in
youth programs are adhering to the districts abuse and harassment prevention policy
Outline of club responsibilities for adherence to district policies
Comprehensive list of volunteer assignments involving contact with young
people and the required level of screening for each
Screening and selection procedures (written applications, background
checks, personal interviews, home visits) and volunteer-selection criteria
Procedures for training volunteers working with youth
Youth protection recommendations that provide specic supervision and
behavior guidelines to prevent abuse and harassment
Web site guidelines that dene the privacy and protection of youth participant data, images, and personal information, such as specic areas on the
site that are password protected
Plan for maintaining and keeping condential records of all allegations of
abuse and harassment
System to ensure that (1) any adult prohibited from participating in Rotary
youth programs is excluded from the program and (2) this information is
treated condentially
Job description for district youth protection ofcer, detailing qualications
and responsibilities (see the sample job description on page 11)
Guidelines for reporting and following through on both recent and historical incidents of sexual abuse and harassment for those involved in Rotary
youth programs (see appendix B)
Plan for regular program evaluation
Procedures for regular review of the district policy

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Other Youth Protection Policies

The sample policy in appendix A only applies to sexual abuse and harassment
prevention, and districts may want to expand their policies to address other
youth safety issues. For example, your district may wish to develop guidelines for the use of personal automobiles to transport youth program participants. Programs other than Youth Exchange may choose to adopt a policy
that prohibits one-on-one contact between an adult volunteer and a youth
program participant. For example, the Boy Scouts of America recommends a
two-deep leadership policy, which requires that two prescreened adults be
present at all trips and outings and that any individual meeting between an
adult and a child be conducted in full view of other people. Consult with other
youth-serving organizations in your community to nd out what types of policies they have in place.
Volunteer Selection and Screening

A key element in any youth protection policy is the selection and screening of
adult volunteers. As districts strive to select volunteers who demonstrate an
interest in the program and an aptitude for working with young people, they
should also develop a process for screening candidates to ensure that they
pose no danger to the youth participants. The level of screening may vary,
based on the position that the volunteer is interested in and the assignments
amount of contact (from incidental/infrequent to frequent) and type of contact
(group vs. individual) with the participants. For example, host families for Youth
Exchange students should undergo a more comprehensive screening process
than volunteer tutors at a local elementary school, who will likely be supervised when working with children.
Responsible youth program management requires a signicant time commitment to identify, screen, and train adult volunteers, and clubs and districts
must accept the additional administrative burden required to ensure that
youth participants are adequately protected. This means maintaining selection criteria, even when it is challenging to nd enough volunteers to continue
supporting a program. Adult volunteers who are unwilling to undergo screening should be excluded from participating in any Rotary International youth
program.
Applications
All adult volunteers who will have unsupervised contact with youth should be
required to complete an application that includes references (for a sample
application developed for Youth Exchange, see appendix C). At a minimum,
applications should include a statement that the applicant has no previous criminal convictions related to abuse or harassment of a young person.
Applications may also include requests for specic expertise related to the
assignment and experience working with young people.

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Interviews
All volunteer applicants for positions involving unsupervised contact with
youth should be interviewed in person. Interviewers should be experienced
committee members. For potential host families, conduct at least one in-home
interview, and provide interviewers with guidelines on the types of questions
to ask and what to look for when conducting home visits.
Reference Checks
Simply requesting references in the application is not sufcient. Contact each
reference by phone or in person, and ask a standard set of questions, such as:
How long have you known this individual? In what capacity?
Do you think this person is well qualied to work with youth?
Access to condential
information collected in the
volunteer screening process should be restricted.
Interviews and background
checks may uncover sensitive information that would
not disqualify a potential
volunteer but should be
kept condential nonetheless. Develop guidelines
stating who will collect and
maintain this information
and who will have need-toknow access to it. If your
district contracts with an
outside company to conduct criminal background
checks, ask whether they
can collect and maintain
this information on your
behalf.
Would you have any reservations about recommending this person to serve
as a
?
Can you verify the dates of employment for the following individual?
Record the date of the interview and responses to each question, and keep
this information with the volunteers application.
Background Checks and Criminal Record Checks

Background checks play a critical part in any youth protection policy because
they deter potential offenders and deny known offenders access to the program. Although many offenders have no criminal record and diligently avoid
being caught by law enforcement, background checks may dissuade them
from volunteering in your program. Many youth-serving organizations require
a criminal background check for all adult volunteers who work with youth, even
for programs that dont involve unsupervised access to youth.
Your district should determine which youth-related activities require a criminal
background check for adult volunteers. For example, at a district residential
RYLA camp for students ages 14-18, all counselors may be asked to undergo
criminal background checks, but Rotarians who volunteer to conduct registration for the RYLA may not. Criminal background checks should be conducted
for all volunteer positions that allow unsupervised access to young people.
The Youth Exchange program requires all adults (Rotarians and

non-Rotarians) involved in the program (committee members, host
families, club counselors, and others) to complete and sign the
Youth Volunteer Afdavit and agree to undergo a criminal background check and reference check.

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Maintenance of Records
Each district should determine how records are maintained and retained and
establish procedures for condentiality and limited access. Research local laws
to determine how long records should be retained (in some cases, records
may be kept in perpetuity).
Volunteer Training
Volunteer training is essential to an effective abuse and harassment prevention
program. Design specic training for each volunteer role, and include abuse
and harassment prevention information in all training. Establish guidelines on
how frequently volunteers should undergo training, and track which volunteers
have completed specic training sessions.
For example, training for volunteers in a Read with a Rotarian club program
should focus not just on methods for helping children with their reading skills
but also on guidelines for interacting with children, limitations on physical
contact, and supervision requirements of the program. Training for RYLA
camp volunteers may be more extensive, including CPR certication, leadership training skills, and information on how to report an allegation of abuse or
harassment.
The leaders guide that accompanies this manual contains specialized training
sessions for adult volunteers working with Rotary International youth programs. Districts can customize this content to include cultural considerations,
specic district policies, and other program-specic topics.
Abuse and harassment prevention training is required for all adult

volunteers and inbound and outbound Youth Exchange students.

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Reporting and Follow-through
Protecting the safety and well-being of young people participating in Rotary

International programs and activities requires that all allegations of abuse or
harassment be taken seriously and handled within these guidelines.
Reporting an Allegation
To ensure that such allegations are handled properly, districts should follow
these reporting procedures:
Establish a reporting policy that lists specic Rotarians to be contacted
when an allegation of abuse and harassment is made. (See appendix B for
model reporting guidelines that clubs and districts should adapt to local
laws and implement.) Provide these names and contact information to all
adult volunteers and program participants and their parents.
Arrange for the safety of the student. The rst adult to receive an allegation
of criminal abuse and harassment must immediately report this complaint
to the authorities.
Report every allegation of criminal abuse and harassment to the proper
authorities (child protection, social services, or local law enforcement agencies) for investigation. Notify the district youth protection ofcer.
Report all allegations and other serious incidents accidents,

crimes, early returns, deaths involving Youth Exchange students
to RI within 72 hours.
In the United States, federal law requires that any incident or allegation involving the actual or alleged sexual exploitation or abuse
of a participant in a secondary school student exchange program
must be reported to the Department of State and as required by
local or state law.

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Follow-through
After an allegation has been made and law enforcement or a child protective
agency is conducting an investigation, Rotarians involved should take the following actions:
Remove any adult against whom an allegation of sexual abuse or harassment has been made from any contact with youth until the matter is
resolved.
Cooperate fully with law enforcement and child protection agencies and
not interfere with the investigation.
Most Rotarians and other adults involved in youth programs are not trained
professionals with expertise in determining the seriousness or legal implications of an allegation; therefore, they should not decide whether an allegation
constitutes abuse or harassment until they have consulted with youth protection service agencies, law enforcement professionals, or a district youth protection ofcer trained in handling allegations of abuse or harassment toward
young people.
After law enforcement has completed its investigation, the district governor,
district youth protection ofcer, or district review committee should review the
situation to verify that all district policies were followed and recommend future
actions that could correct any possible shortcomings.
A club must terminate the membership of any Rotarian who admits to, is
convicted of, or is otherwise found to have engaged in sexual abuse or
harassment. Non-Rotarians who fall into this category must be prohibited
from working with youth in a Rotary context.
If an investigation into a claim of sexual abuse or harassment is inconclusive, additional safeguards still must be put in place to protect both the
person named in the allegation and any youth with whom that individual
may have future contact. Subsequent claims of sexual abuse or harassment
will prohibit the adult from working with youth in a Rotary context. A person
later cleared of charges may apply to be reinstated to participate in Rotary
youth programs. Reinstatement is not a right, however, and no guarantee is
made that he or she will be reinstated to his or her former position.
When Law Enforcement Is Not Involved

At times, a student may report being uncomfortable with conduct that doesnt
constitute reportable harassment under local law. Keep in mind that any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature between a youth and a volunteer, even if
the student is legally of age, is inappropriate.
Each district must document specic procedures for addressing allegations
that do not constitute reportable harassment under local laws. First, Rotarians
should put a stop to the inappropriate behavior and take steps to prevent it
from occurring in the future. In addition, document all accusations, the steps
taken to resolve them so that behavior patterns can be tracked, and the
perspectives of all parties involved in the incident. Based on this information,
develop policies for addressing patterns of problematic behavior that may
emerge.
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Each district is encouraged to consult a local legal professional about obligations and procedures for handling all allegations of abuse and harassment.
Historical Incidents
If a former youth program participant contacts your district to make an allegation of a past incident of abuse or harassment, contact RI for additional
information and recommendations on how best to proceed. Such allegations
must be reported to RI within 72 hours of the district being made aware of the
incident.

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Positions of Responsibility
Club and district Youth Exchange ofcers are also responsible for
youth protection within the Youth Exchange program. See handout
12 for an outline of these responsibilities.
While youth protection is the responsibility of all adults involved in youth
programs, compliance with Rotary International and district abuse and harassment prevention policy depends on the vigilance of the district governor,
district youth protection ofcer, and district review committee.
District Governor
The district governor raises awareness of abuse and harassment prevention
and creates effective prevention in the districts youth programs and reporting
policies in the district.
Responsibilities
Ensure that all allegations are reported to the proper authorities and to RI.
Conrm that abuse reporting follows the district policies and procedures.
Ensure that Rotary clubs comply with district policy.
Ensure that all youth program activities are conducted responsibly, even if
some responsibilities have been delegated to other district ofcers.
Intervene in the administration of youth program activities when necessary.
Establish risk management procedures, including policies and procedures
for abuse prevention.
The district governor should involve as many members of the district leadership team as possible in youth protection. This includes assistant governors,
who can play a role in youth protection by being familiar with district policies
related to awareness, prevention, and reporting of abuse and harassment. The
district trainer can serve as a resource during youth protection training sessions.

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District Youth Protection Officer

The district youth protection ofcer raises awareness of risk management issues for youth programs and ensures that the district, clubs, and all program
volunteers comply with RI and district abuse and harassment policies. He or
she is the rst point of contact in the district should any Rotarian receive an
allegation of abuse or harassment. This ofcer may train other district and
club ofcers on procedures and guidelines related to abuse and harassment
and other risk management issues. Although this position isnt required, it is
strongly recommended.
Responsibilities
Maintain records of all allegations made.
Ensure proper handling of allegations, according to local laws and district
policy, and protection of the interests of all involved.
Work with clubs to inform all Rotarians of their obligations under both district policy and local laws.
Review and maintain an archive of all screened volunteers, including applications and the results of criminal background checks and reference
checks. Alternatively, serve as a liaison to an external rm contracted for this
purpose.
Collect and submit all forms required by the police or relevant state/local
authorities to conduct background checks on program volunteers who will
have unsupervised access to youth.
Ensure that appropriate training is made available to Rotarians, program
volunteers such as host families or RYLA counselors, and youth participants
and their parents.
Advise the district youth program committees about developments in educational and training programs.
Qualications
Professional experience in handling abuse and harassment issues
Youth counseling experience
Knowledge of both RI policies and relevant national and local laws
Additional Considerations
Willingness to serve in position for at least three years
Professional experience in the elds of health, mental health, or education,
particularly working with teenagers as a social worker, therapist, educational
administrator, or youth protection professional

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District Review Committee

The district review committee follows through on allegations of abuse or
harassment that cannot be investigated by law enforcement or when law
enforcement investigations are inconclusive. Although this committee isnt
required, it is strongly recommended.
Responsibilities
Determine whether the districts risk management policies are sufcient.
Conduct an annual review of all documentation and allegations of abuse or
harassment in youth programs to ensure that the district is taking steps to
limit the risk of abuse and harassment.
The committee should meet within three to ve business days after an allegation of abuse or harassment is made.
Conduct an appraisal following law enforcement investigations to consider
the circumstances surrounding the allegation, and recommend a response
to the district governor and district youth protection ofcer.
Determine whether the accused individuals continued participation in
youth programs poses too great a risk in situations where an investigation
by law enforcement is inconclusive.
Follow through when law enforcement does not investigate an allegation.
Committee Members
The district governor should appoint members to this committee, with limited
participation from any one club. Members should include, at minimum:
District Youth Exchange committee chair
Non-Rotarian with professional experience related to abuse issues, such as
a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist
Volunteer with risk management experience
District youth protection ofcer (if appointed)
Additional Considerations
At least one past district governor should serve on the committee,
if feasible.
Committee members should serve a minimum of three years.
To avoid conicts of interest, committee members should recuse themselves from reviewing allegations made against a member of their own
Rotary club or a friend, colleague, spouse, or relative.
If a district chooses not to appoint this committee, the district governor
should appoint an ad hoc review committee to follow through on any allegation of abuse or harassment, with the same composition guidelines as
the district review committee.

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APPENDIX A
Sample District Youth Exchange

Abuse and Harassment
Prevention Policy
Developing and implementing an effective abuse and harassment prevention
policy tangibly demonstrates a districts commitment to protecting students
participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. This document provides a basic framework for a district policy in keeping with RI Board policy.
Districts can use it to develop or rene their abuse and harassment policies,
adapting it as needed to t specic district circumstances. Unless otherwise
indicated, your district policy must include each of the following elements
for certication.
District
Youth Exchange Abuse and
Harassment Prevention Policy
1. Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth
District
is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all
Rotarians, Rotarians spouses, partners, and any other volunteers to safeguard
to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical, sexual,
or emotional abuse of children and young people with whom they come into
contact.
2. Definitions (optional)
Volunteer. Any adult involved with Rotary Youth Exchange activities who
has direct interactions, either supervised or unsupervised, with students.
Volunteers include, among others: club and district Youth Exchange ofcers
and committee members; Rotarian counselors; Rotarians and non-Rotarians
and their spouses and partners who host students for activities or outings or
who might drive students to events or functions; and host parents and other
adult residents of the host home, including siblings and other family members.
Student. Any individual who is participating in a Rotary Youth Exchange,
regardless of whether he or she is of legal age of majority.
sexual acts alone or with another person of any age, of the same or opposite
sex. This includes nontouching offenses, such as indecent exposure or showing a young person sexual or pornographic material.

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physical conduct of a sexual nature. In some cases, sexual harassment precedes sexual abuse and is used by sexual predators to desensitize or groom
their victims.
Some examples of sexual harassment include:
Sexual epithets, jokes, written or spoken references to sexual conduct, talking about ones sex life in the presence of a young person, and comments
about an individuals sexual activity, deciencies, or prowess
brushing or touching, obscene language or gestures, and suggestive or
insulting comments
3. Incorporation of District Youth Exchange Program and Liability

Insurance
Each district Youth Exchange program is required to incorporate or establish
itself as a similar formal legal entity (Ltd., etc.). Consider including this information in your abuse and harassment prevention policy. For example:
Rotary District
Youth Exchange program is incorporated as
Rotary District
Youth Exchange Program, Incorporated, under
the laws of the state/province/country of
.
In addition, each district program must carry adequate general liability insurance with coverage and limits appropriate for its geographic location.
4. Volunteer Selection and Screening

District
will maintain in perpetuity all records of criminal background checks, waivers, and screening for adults working with minors.
All volunteers interested in participating in the District
Exchange program must meet the following requirements:
Youth
Complete the Youth Volunteer Afdavit form and authorize the district to
conduct a criminal background check (subject to local laws and practices).
Undergo personal interviews.
Provide a list of references for the district to check.
Meet RI and district eligibility requirements for working with students. RI
policy prohibits any volunteer who has admitted to, been convicted of, or
otherwise been found to have engaged in sexual abuse or harassment from
working with youth in a Rotary context. If an individual is accused of sexual
abuse or harassment and the investigation into the claim is inconclusive,
additional safeguards must be put in place to ensure the protection of any
youth with whom the individual may have future contact as well as for the
protection of the accused. A person later cleared of charges may apply to
be reinstated to participate in youth programs. Reinstatement is not a right,
and no guarantee is made that he or she will be reinstated to his or her
former position.

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Understand and comply with RI and district guidelines for the Youth
Exchange program.
Host families must meet the following selection and screening requirements,
in addition to those listed above:
Host families must undergo a comprehensive interview that determines
their suitability for hosting exchange students. Host families must
demonstrate:
Commitment to the safety and security of students
Motivation for hosting a student consistent with Rotary ideals of international understanding and cultural exchange
Financial ability to provide adequate accommodations (room and board)
for the student
Ability to provide appropriate supervision and parental responsibility that
ensures the students well-being
Host families must complete a written application.
Home visits must be conducted for each family and should include announced and unannounced visits, both before and during the placement.
Home visits must be conducted annually, even for repeat host families.
All adult residents of the host home must meet the selection and screening
guidelines. This includes adult children of the host family and other members of the extended family who are permanent or part-time residents in
the home.
Rotarian counselors must meet the criteria for all volunteers, as well as the
following:
Counselors must not be a member of the students host family.
Counselors must be trained in responding to any problems or concerns that
may arise during the exchange, including instances of physical, sexual, or
emotional abuse or harassment.
Additional recommendations: Although not required, districts may wish to
avoid selecting counselors who are close friends or relatives of other volunteers involved with a particular student (e.g., school principal who is also a
club member, host family).
5. Student Selection and Screening

All students interested in participating in the District
Exchange program must meet these requirements
Youth
Complete a written application and be interviewed to determine suitability

for participation in the program.
Attend and participate in all district orientation and training sessions.
All parents or legal guardians of students interested in participating in the
District
Youth Exchange program must be interviewed to determine the students suitability for participation in the program.

17
6. Training
District
will provide abuse and harassment prevention training to
all Youth Exchange program participants.
will conduct
the training sessions.
Specically, District
will
Adapt the Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual and Leaders
Guide to incorporate specic district guidelines, information on local customs and cultural issues, and legal requirements
Develop a training calendar that denes the participants, frequency of training required for each volunteer position, and training methods to be used
Conduct specialized training sessions for the following Youth Exchange
program participants:
District governor
District Youth Exchange committee members
Club Youth Exchange committee members
Rotarian counselors
Other Rotarians and non-Rotarians who participate in Youth Exchange
activities, such as local tours or district events
Host families
Students (outbound and inbound)
Parents and legal guardians of students
Establish guidelines to ensure that all participants have received the requisite training
Maintain records of participation to ensure compliance
consider these recommendations:
Have the district youth protection ofcer (if appointed) assume training
responsibilities.
Partner districts should share their training content with each other.
7. Allegation Reporting Guidelines

District
is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of
Youth Exchange students and will not tolerate abuse or harassment. All allegations of abuse or harassment will be taken seriously and must be handled
in accordance with the Sexual Abuse and Harassment Allegation Reporting
Guidelines.
8. Follow-through and Review Guidelines

District
takes all allegations of abuse or harassment seriously and
will ensure that each allegation is investigated thoroughly. The district will cooperate with all law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and legal
investigations and will not interfere with other investigations when conducting
its own independent reviews.

18
9. Other District
Responsibilities
Establish procedures for reporting, investigating, and handling noncriminal

offenses or historical cases that law enforcement chooses not to investigate.
Recommend that all inbound Youth Exchange students maintain insurance
at the following levels:
.
Provide each student with a list of local services in the district (rape and
suicide crisis hot lines, alcohol and drug awareness programs for teenagers,
relevant law enforcement agencies, community services, private services,
etc.).
Complete a student data request form for all participating Youth Exchange
students and return it to RI one month before the exchange begins.
Provide a 24-hour emergency contact phone number to Youth Exchange
students.
Follow RI guidelines for Youth Exchange Web sites.
Appoint an independent lawyer, therapist, or counselor to represent any
alleged victim in cases of sexual abuse and harassment.
Report all criminal allegations to RI within 72 hours.
Report all serious incidents (accidents, crimes, early returns, death) involving
Youth Exchange students to RI within 72 hours.
Evaluate and review this policy and accompanying procedures regularly.
do the following:
Appoint a district review committee to evaluate and review les, policies,
and allegations annually.
Appoint a district youth protection ofcer.
Require a monthly report from each inbound and outbound student in the
district that includes information on current hosts, feelings, concerns, ideas,
and suggestions. The district Youth Exchange chair can then review the
reports and assist students as needed.
Consider designating a mobile phone as a permanent district hotline.
Assign a Rotarian in the district to be on-call for a given period and carry
the phone 24 hours a day.
10. Club Compliance

District
will monitor all participating clubs within the district and
ensure that they comply with RI guidelines for abuse and harassment prevention. All clubs that wish to apply to the district for certication must provide
the district with a copy of the following for review and approval:
All materials produced in the club to promote and support the Youth
Exchange program, including promotional materials and brochures, applications, policies, Web site links, etc.
List of services in the area (rape and suicide crisis hotlines, alcohol and drug
awareness programs for teenagers, relevant law enforcement agencies,
community services, private services, etc.)
Club abuse and harassment prevention training program materials
19
Participating clubs must agree to carry out the following:

Complete and return a signed compliance statement that the club is operand RI policies.
ating its program in accordance with District
If not coordinated by the district, conduct criminal background checks and
reference checks for all volunteers involved with the program, including,
but not limited to, adult residents of host home, counselor, club chair, and
all Rotarians and their spouses or partners with direct unsupervised contact with youth. All volunteers must complete and sign the Youth Volunteer
Afdavit.
Develop a comprehensive system for host family selection and screening
that includes announced and unannounced home visits and interviews both
before and during the placement.
Conduct follow-up evaluations of both students and host families.
Follow the Sexual Abuse and Harassment Reporting Guidelines.
Prohibit direct placement of students outside of the District
Youth Exchange program structure (so-called backdoor exchanges).
Set procedures for removal of a student from the host family, including
establishing criteria for moving a student and locating available back-up
temporary housing in advance.
Develop contingency hosting plans that include prescreened, available
back-up families.
Ensure that all hosting is voluntary. Parents of outbound students and club
members must not be required to host students.
Ensure that long-term exchange students have multiple host families.
Provide each student with a comprehensive local services list, including
information for dentists, doctors, places of worship, counselors, suicide and
rape crisis hotlines, etc.
Ensure that the host counselor for each student is not a member of the
students host family.
Ensure that the host counselor is trained in responding to any problems or
concerns that may arise during the exchange, including the prevention of
physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or harassment.
Provide mandatory training on sexual abuse and harassment prevention for
host families, outbound students, inbound students, and their parents or
legal guardians.
Provide the names and contact information of at least three people both
males and females who are not related to each other and do not have close
ties to the host families or club counselor who can help the students with
any issues or problems.
Follow RI guidelines for Youth Exchange Web sites.
Report all serious incidents (accidents, crimes, early returns, deaths) involving Youth Exchange students to the district immediately.
Conduct interviews of all applicants and applicants parents or legal
guardians.

20

implement the following:
Appoint a club youth protection ofcer.
Place students in three successive host families on long-term exchanges.
Establish a system of club recertication that requires each club to provide
copies of all information for review and approval.
Prohibit volunteers from having contact with students until a background
check has been conducted and clearance for unsupervised contact with
students has been issued.

Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the
duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians spouses, partners, and other volunteers
to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent
the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of children and young people
with whom they come into contact.
Youth Exchange Section PD110
Rotary International
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201-3698 USA
E-mail: [email protected]
(June 2006)

21
APPENDIX B
Sexual Abuse and Harassment

Allegation Reporting Guidelines
Rotary International is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of
all youth program participants and will not tolerate their abuse or harassment.
All allegations of abuse or harassment will be taken seriously and must be
handled within the following guidelines. The safety and well-being of young
people must always be the rst priority.
Definitions
sexual acts alone or with another person of any age, of the same or opposite
sex. This includes nontouching offenses, such as indecent exposure or showing a young person sexual or pornographic material.
physical conduct of a sexual nature. In some cases, sexual harassment precedes sexual abuse and is used by sexual predators to desensitize or groom
their victims.
Sexual epithets, jokes, written or spoken references to sexual conduct, talking about ones sex life in the presence of a young person, and comments
about an individuals sexual activity, deciencies, or prowess
brushing or touching, obscene language or gestures, and suggestive or
insulting comments
Who should determine if it is abuse or harassment?
Upon hearing allegations, adults should not determine whether the alleged
conduct constitutes sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Instead, after ensuring
the safety of the student, the adult should immediately report all allegations to
appropriate child protection or law enforcement authorities. In some countries, this reporting is required by law.
Allegation Reporting Guidelines

Any adult to whom a Rotary youth program participant reports an allegation of
sexual abuse or harassment must follow these reporting guidelines:
1. Receive the report.
a. Listen attentively and stay calm. Acknowledge that it takes a lot of
courage to report abuse or harassment. Be encouraging; do not express
shock, horror, or disbelief.

22
b. Assure privacy but not condentiality. Explain that you will have to
tell someone about the abuse/harassment in order to make it stop and
ensure that it doesnt happen to others.
c. Get the facts, but dont interrogate. Ask questions that establish facts:
who, what, when, where, and how. Reassure the young person that he
or she did the right thing in telling you. Avoid asking why questions,
which may be interpreted as questioning the young persons motives.
Remember that your responsibility is to present the story to the proper
authorities.
d. Be nonjudgmental and reassure. Avoid criticizing anything that has
happened or anyone who may be involved. Its especially important not
to blame or criticize the young person. Emphasize that the situation was
not his or her fault and that it was brave and mature to come to you.
e. Document the allegation. Make a written record of the conversation,
including the date and time, as soon after the report as you can. Try to
use the young persons words and record only what he or she told you.
2. Protect the young person.
Ensure the safety and well-being of the youth program participant by
removing him or her from the situation immediately and preventing all
contact with the alleged abuser or harasser. Reassure the youth that this is
being done for his or her safety and is not a punishment.
3. Report the allegations to appropriate authorities child protection or
law enforcement.
Immediately report all cases of sexual abuse or harassment rst to the
appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and then to the
, the
club and district leadership for follow-through. In District
appropriate law enforcement ofce is
.
In most situations, the rst Rotary contact is
,
who is responsible for seeking the advice of appropriate agencies and interacting with them. If the allegation involves the conduct of this Rotarian, the
district youth program chair or district governor should be the rst Rotary
contact.
District
will cooperate with police or legal investigations.
District
has researched local, state, and national laws related to
sexual abuse and harassment prevention and notes the following legal requirements of which all adult volunteers participating in the program must
be aware: (district lls in appropriate points)
4. Avoid gossip and blame.
Dont tell anyone about the report other than those required by the guidelines. Be careful to protect the rights of both the victim and the accused
during the investigation.
District
maintains the privacy (as distinct from condentiality) of
any accused person by enforcing the following procedures: (district lls in
appropriate procedures)

23
5. Do not challenge the alleged offender.

Dont contact the alleged offender. In cases of abuse, interrogation must be
left entirely to law enforcement authorities. In cases of noncriminal harassment, the district governor is responsible for follow-through and will contact
the alleged offender after the young person has been moved to a safe environment. The district governor may designate this task to a district youth
protection ofcer or district review committee.
Follow-through Procedures
Either the district youth programs chair or district youth protection ofcer must
ensure that the following steps are taken immediately after an abuse allegation is reported.
1. Conrm that the youth program participant has been removed from the situation immediately and has no contact with the alleged abuser or harasser.
2. If law enforcement agencies will not investigate, the district youth protection ofcer or district review committee should coordinate an independent
review of the allegations.
3. Ensure that the student receives immediate support services.
4. Offer the young person an independent, non-Rotarian counselor to represent his or her interests. Ask social services or law enforcement to recommend someone who is not a Rotarian or in any way involved with the youth
program.
5. Contact the students parents or legal guardian.
If the student is away from home, the student and his or her parents
should decide whether to stay in country or return home. If the student stays in country, written authorization from the students parents or legal guardian is required. If the student and the students
parents choose for the student to return home, consult with police
before making travel arrangements. If an investigation is pending,
the police may not approve of the student leaving the country.
6. Remove alleged abuser or harasser from all contact with any other young
participants in Rotary programs and activities while investigations are
conducted.
7. Cooperate with the police or legal investigation.
8. Inform the district governor of the allegation. Either the district governor,
district youth protection ofcer, or other district youth program chair must
inform RI of the allegation within 72 hours and provide follow-up reports of
steps taken and the status of investigations.
9. After the authorities have completed their investigation, the district must
follow through to make sure the situation is being addressed. Specically,
District
will conduct an independent and thorough review of any
allegations of sexual abuse or harassment.

24
Postallegation Report Considerations

Responding to the needs of the youth program participant
District
will adopt a cohesive and managed team approach to supporting a young person after an allegation report. The youth program participant is likely to feel embarrassed or confused and may become withdrawn.
After a report of harassment or abuse, students may have mixed

feelings about remaining on their exchange. If they do choose to
stay, they may or may not want to continue their relationship with
their hosting Rotary club. In some cases, a student may wish to
remain in country but change to a different host club.
Although club members and host families may have trouble understanding how the student is feeling, the student would nd it helpful
to know that the club continues to be reassuring and supportive. Club
members and host families may feel ambivalent about their roles and
unclear about their boundaries. However, they need to do whatever is
necessary to reassure the student of their support at all times.
Addressing issues within the club
When addressing an allegation of abuse or harassment, the most important
concern is the safety of youth. Club members should not speculate or offer
personal opinions that could potentially hinder any police or criminal investigations. Rotarians must not become involved in investigations. Making comments about alleged victims in support of alleged abusers violates both the
Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth and Rotary ideals. Comments
made against an alleged abuser could lead to a slander or libel claim led
against Rotarians or clubs by the alleged abuser.

Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the
duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians spouses, partners, and other volunteers
to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent
the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of children and young people
Youth Exchange Section PD110
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Avenue
(June 2006)

25
Appendix C
Youth Volunteer Affidavit

Note: A local attorney must review this form to ensure compliance with
local laws.
District
is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in
Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, their spouses and partners, and any other volunteers to safeguard to
the best of their ability the welfare of children and young people involved in Rotary programs or activities and prevent
physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of young participants.
This information may be provided to an outside agency that this district has contracted with to conduct
background checks.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Postal Code:
How long at this address?
(If fewer than ve years, list previous residence[s] on the back of this sheet.)
Government Identication (e.g., Social Security Number):

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy):
CONSENT
I certify that all of the statements in this afdavit, and in any attachments hereto, are true and correct to the best of
my knowledge and that I have not withheld any information that would affect this afdavit unfavorably. I understand
that District
youth programs will deny a volunteer position to anyone convicted of a crime of violence.
I give my permission to District
to verify information given in this afdavit, including searches of law
enforcement and published records (including driving records and criminal background checks) and contact with my
former employers and with references provided. I understand that this information will be used, in part, to determine
my eligibility for a volunteer position. I also understand that as long as I remain a volunteer, this information may be
checked again at any time. I understand that I will have an opportunity to review the criminal history and, if I dispute
the record as received, a procedure is available for clarication.
WAIVER
IN CONSIDERATION of my acceptance and participation in the youth programs, I, to the full extent permitted by law,
hereby release and agree to save, hold harmless, and indemnify all members, ofcers, directors, committee members, and employees of the participating Rotary clubs and districts, and of Rotary International (Indemnitees), from
any or all liability for any loss, property damage, personal injury, or death, including any such liability that may arise
out of the negligence of any of the Indemnitees or may be suffered or claimed by me as a result of an investigation of
my background in connection with this afdavit.
I further agree to conform to the rules, regulations, and policies of Rotary International, the District
programs and its afliates.
youth
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above afdavit, consent, and waiver and that I sign this
form voluntarily.
Signature of Applicant:
Please Print Name:
Date:

26
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Home Phone:
E-mail:
Business Phone:
Fax:
Are you a member of a Rotary club?
Yes
No
If yes, indicate club name and year joined:

Position applied for:
Have you held a Rotary youth programs position in the past?
Yes
No
If yes, what position and when?
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (for the past five years; attach additional sheets, if necessary)
Current Employer:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Position:
Dates of Employment:
Supervisors Name:
Previous Employer:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Position:
Dates of Employment:
Supervisors Name:
VOLUNTEER HISTORY WITH YOUTH (for the past five years; attach additional sheets, if necessary)
Organization:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Position:
Dates Held:
Directors Name:
Organization:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Position:
Dates Held:
Directors Name:

27
PERSONAL REFERENCES (may not be relatives; no more than one former or current Rotarian)
1. Name:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Phone:
Postal Code:
Relationship:
2. Name:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Phone:
Postal Code:
Relationship:
3. Name:
Address:
City:
State/Province:
Phone:
Postal Code:
Relationship:
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

What relevant qualications or training do you have for this position? Please describe in full.
CRIMINAL HISTORY
1. Have you ever been charged with, been convicted of, or pled guilty to any crime(s)?
Yes
No
2. Have you ever been subject to any court order (including civil, family, and criminal courts) involving sexual, physical, or verbal abuse, including but not limited to domestic violence or civil harassment injunction or protective
order?
Yes
No
If yes, please explain. Also indicate dates(s) of incidents(s) and the country and state in which each occurred (attach a
separate sheet, if needed).
For District Use Only:

DATE
DATE
DATE
References checked by
INITIALS
INITIALS
INITIALS

28
Appendix D
Additional Resources
World Health Organization, www.who.int
Research on sexual abuse and its prevention worldwide, including World
Report on Violence and Health at www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention
/violence/world_report/en and country-specic information on sexual violence
at www.svri.org/countries.htm
UNICEF, www.unicef.org
Information on the protection of the rights of young people, including a fact
sheet on youth rights at www.unicef.org/voy/explore/rights/explore_148.html
and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at www.unicef.org/crc
/crc.htm
International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect,
www.ispcan.org
Abuse prevention resources, including contact information for national partners in 17 countries and a searchable listing of worldwide publications at
www.ispcan.org/resources.htm
Child-Safe, www.child-safe.org.uk/index.aspx
Information on child abuse prevention, including materials specically addressing travel safety at www.child-safe.org.uk/products/books
Australian Institute of Family Studies, www.aifs.gov.au/nch
Links to abuse prevention resources at www.aifs.gov.au/nch/nchlinkspro.html
World Organization of the Scout Movement, www.scout.org
Boy Scouts of America, www.scouting.org
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, www.missingkids.com
Nonprot Risk Management Center, www.nonprotrisk.org
American Medical Association, www.ama-assn.org
Strategies for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Assault at
www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/386/sexualassault.pdf
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, www.ncptsd.org
WINGS Foundation, www.wingsfound.org
Facts about Childhood Sexual Abuse at www.wingsfound.org
/statsChildhood.html
Bollinger Inc., Short Hills, New Jersey, USA

29
TRAINING
LEADERS GUIDE
This leaders guide contains session guides, slides, handouts, and case studies
for use in abuse and harassment prevention training and orientation programs
for youth program volunteers, participants, and parents. The training sessions
focus on awareness, prevention, and reporting. Some of the materials are
specic to the Rotary Youth Exchange program but may be adapted for other
audiences.
The materials included here cover only abuse and harassment prevention and
assume that individual clubs, districts, and multidistricts conduct additional
training and orientation sessions for other aspects of youth programs. Districts
can adapt these sessions to local laws and customs and incorporate them into
existing orientation programs or district assemblies. Districts should also tailor
the materials to conform to district policies and cultural norms. In addition,
districts may want to develop handouts that provide contact information,
district-specic policies, and other specialized information.
Please share your districts materials with RI for use in future editions of this
leaders guide. We also welcome any comments or suggestions for improving
these materials. Send them to
Youth Programs Department PD100
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Avenue
Fax: 847-866-6116
Contents
Planning
Selecting and Preparing Training Leaders
How to Use the Session Guides
Session Topics and Target Audiences
1
1
4
Sessions
Session 1: Awareness and Prevention
Session 2A: Recognizing Problems and Reporting
Session 2B: Recognizing Problems and Reporting:
Rotary Youth Exchange
Session 3: Developing a Support System for
Youth Exchange Students
Session 4: Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Parents
Session 5: Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Students
7
17
25
39
49
57
This guide provides information on conducting training sessions for participants in Rotary International youth programs, including adult volunteers,
youth, and parents. These sessions can be used to comply with RI Board requirements for district Youth Exchange certication. The guide comes in both
print and CD-ROM formats. The CD-ROM also contains electronic versions of
the supporting slides, which can be customized as appropriate for your district
and used with an LCD projector or printed as color slides.
Produced in nine languages and sent to all districts throughout the Rotary
world, this guide serves as an outline for an effective orientation program
rather than a script to be followed exactly.
For general training and logistical assistance in planning and conducting
training meetings, consult your district trainer or the District Trainers Manual
(246-EN).
Selecting and Preparing Training Leaders

The training leaders selected to facilitate discussions will likely have varying
degrees of training experience. Preparing training leaders to facilitate sessions
will ensure uniformity and consistency in the training and information that they
deliver. In addition to Rotarians experienced with youth protection, consider
asking local psychologists, teachers, law enforcement professionals, or others
involved with youth protection to serve as facilitators. Provide training leaders
with the following materials for conducting each session:
How to Use the Session Guides (pages 1-3)
Guides for sessions they are facilitating
Slides and handouts for sessions they are facilitating
District-specic policies and optional handouts, if any, for sessions they
are facilitating
How to Use the Session Guides

Session guides are designed to help training leaders facilitate meaningful
discussion on each topic. Rotary International leaders guides use the following key features:
Facilitated discussion
Session guides provide the framework for training leaders to guide participants in facilitated discussions. In such a discussion, participants are asked to
respond to questions that draw on their knowledge and experience. Training
leaders should remain exible, allowing group discussions to ow while using
discussion questions to guide the direction and pace of the dialogue. For
more information on facilitated discussion, consult the District Trainers Manual
(246-EN).
Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Leaders Guide

1
Discussion questions
Discussion questions are sample questions that training leaders can pose to
participants to encourage discussion about a key concept.
Sample responses
Sample responses are examples of how participants might respond to a discussion question. Training leaders may wish to use the sample responses to
encourage discussion if participants are having difculty responding to a question. Not all sample responses must be shared with participants.
Key points
Key points are concise statements to help training leaders emphasize important concepts. These points should be shared with the group. Training leaders
are encouraged to restate these ideas in their own words.
Training leaders notes

Training leaders notes provide information, suggestions, and directions to
help facilitate sessions.
Slide prompts
Slide prompts signal the training leader to illustrate key points by displaying
a slide. The slides for this leaders guide are provided on the accompanying
CD-ROM and are available for download from www.rotary.org to allow for
localizing the content.
Handout prompts
Handout prompts signal the training leader to refer to a handout related to
a key point of the session. The handouts appear at the end of the end of the
leaders guide and should be distributed at the beginning of the session.
Because of the wide variations in local laws and cultural norms related to
sexual abuse and harassment, districts should adapt the materials provided
and create additional district-specic materials. District-developed handouts
may be used to complement or replace the handouts provided by RI.
Case studies
Several case studies, based on actual situations that Rotary clubs and districts
have encountered, are included as optional handouts in this leaders guide
and can be used to support many of the sessions, especially those for adult
volunteers in the Youth Exchange program.
The case studies can be used in several ways:
As a whole group activity: Participants read the case study individually
and then discuss the questions as a group.
In small groups: In groups of four or ve participants, each group reviews
the case study, discusses the questions, and then shares their ideas with
the large group. This will require additional time.

2
As a role play: Working in pairs or small groups, participants assume the

roles in the case study (most involve one youth participant and one adult
volunteer). Alternatively, the facilitator can play one role, and all of the
participants can play the second role as a group.
As individual handouts: Distribute the case studies as individual handouts to be used independently either during a discussion session or as a
take-home reference.
Your district may also create its own case studies based on local examples,
either hypothetical or real, with identifying factors changed.
Localizing the content

The session guides provide a basic instructional framework, but they cannot
replace the local Rotary knowledge and experience that each individual training leader offers participants. Training leaders are encouraged to customize
their sessions with their own knowledge and expertise in order to provide a
program relevant to the participants in their district. The electronic versions of
this leaders guide and the slides are provided to help in adapting the content.
The sessions included in this leaders guide are designed to cover comprehensive discussion of abuse and harassment prevention for Rotary International
youth programs. If time permits, you may also consider discussing additional
topics. Creativity, innovation, and local expertise will inspire participants and
enhance the training. These abuse and harassment prevention sessions can be
incorporated into a comprehensive orientation program for Youth Exchange
students and adult volunteers and need not stand alone.
When implementing your training program, consider the following
suggestions:
Apply culturally appropriate training techniques based on the needs of
the district.
Invite past youth program participants to serve as training leaders.
Former Youth Exchange students and experienced host families are
excellent resources.
Involve volunteers with professional experience in youth protection, such
as social workers, therapists, law enforcement personnel, or educators.
Enliven the program by using a variety of formats, including panel discussions,
audiovisual presentations, and group activities.

3
Session Topics and Participants

Each session is designed to address a specic abuse and harassment prevention topic for a specic audience. Sessions 1, 2, and 3 are sequential; sessions
4 and 5 may stand alone.
Both the content and the timelines for these sessions are recommended, not
required. Your district may incorporate portions of any of the sessions into
other training and orientation programs already conducted for youth program
participants.

This session is designed for all adult volunteers (both Rotarian and nonRotarian) who wish to participate in Rotary International youth programs. For
non-Rotarians attending this session, consider providing basic Rotary information and additional information on Rotary International youth programs.
Target audience: All adult volunteers interested in working with youth in a
Rotary context, including:
RYLA counselors, facilitators, and staff
Interact advisers and committee members
All district youth program committee members
Adult members of host families
Rotarian counselors
Club Youth Exchange committee members and contacts
Prerequisites: None

This session is designed for volunteers who have more extensive involvement with youth but are not participants in the Youth Exchange program. This
session can be omitted for general groups that have limited interaction with
young people.
Target audience: All adult volunteers with extensive involvement working with
youth in a Rotary context but not involved in the Youth Exchange program,
including:
All district youth program committee members
Prerequisite: Session 1
Session 2B: Recognizing Problems and Reporting: Rotary Youth Exchange

This session is designed for volunteers who have more extensive involvement
with youth through the Youth Exchange program. This session can be omitted
for general groups that have limited interaction with young people.

4
Target audience: All adult volunteers in the Rotary Youth Exchange program,
including:
Rotarian counselors
Prerequisite: Session 1
Session 3: Developing a Support System for Youth Exchange Students

This session is specically targeted at the Youth Exchange program.
Target audience: All adult Youth Exchange program participants, including:
Rotarian counselors
Prerequisites: Sessions 1 and 2
Session 4: Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Parents

This session for parents of Youth Exchange students is designed to complement existing district and multidistrict programs outlining the programs benets and parents responsibilities. (If your district doesnt provide such training
and orientation, consider developing a program that includes the following
topics: culture shock and reverse culture shock, students personal growth,
educational experience abroad, structure of the Rotary Youth Exchange program, exchange rules, role of parents, role of the student, insurance requirements, and nancial responsibilities.)
Parents should receive a worksheet with emergency contact information, including the names of at least one club-level and three district-level Rotarians.
Target audience: Parents of outbound Youth Exchange students
Prerequisites: None
Session 5: Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Students

This session for inbound and outbound Youth Exchange students is designed
to complement existing district and multidistrict programs outlining the rules,
regulations, and cultural considerations of your districts Youth Exchange program. This session focuses on abuse and harassment prevention and should
be tailored to your district. Consider incorporating additional topics that relate
to student safety, such as peer-to-peer abuse, peer pressure, conicts with
host siblings, privacy within the host home, or other such issues in a questionand-answer format, using past Youth Exchange students as a resource.
Target audience: Inbound and outbound Youth Exchange students
Prerequisites: None
5
NOTES
SESSION 1

(60 minutes)
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to
1. Explain the need to safeguard young people involved in Rotary International youth programs
2. Understand RI and district abuse and harassment prevention policy
3. Identify and implement prevention techniques to meet the goal of safeguarding youth
participants
Materials
Target Audience
Slides
1. Statement of Conduct for Working with
Youth
2. Prevention Tools
All adult volunteers interested in working with

youth in a Rotary context, including:
Interact advisers and club contacts
District youth program committee members
Rotarian counselors
and contacts
Handouts
Youth
2. Abuse and Harassment Facts
3. Denitions of Abuse and Harassment
Optional Handouts
4A. Prevention Methods and Participants
4B. Prevention Methods and Participants:
Youth Exchange
5. Case Study: Abuse or Harassment?
6. Role of the Host Family (only for sessions
with host families as participants)
Prerequisites
None
District Handouts
District Policy on Abuse Prevention
District Contact Information

7
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
(5 MINUTES)
TO
(25 MINUTES)
TO
Key points
More than 250,000 young people participate in Rotary

International youth programs each year.
All organizations that serve youth should have youth protection policies that include awareness and prevention
training sessions.
AWARENESS
Why are you interested in volunteering
in a Rotary International youth
program?
Key points
Rotary International youth programs provide volunteer

opportunities for Rotarians and non-Rotarians interested
in working with youth through leadership training, international exchange, and educational programs.
Adequate protective measures must be in place to effectively serve youth participating in these programs.
SHOW SLIDE 1
REFER TO HANDOUT 1
Statement of Conduct for

Working with Youth
Rotary International is committed to creating and
maintaining the safest possible environment for all
participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of
all Rotarians, Rotarians spouses, partners, and
other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their
ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical,
sexual, or emotional abuse of children and young
people with whom they come into contact.
Slide 1

8
NOTES
Key points
In an effort to reafrm its commitment to safeguarding

young people involved in Rotary club and district activities, the RI Board of Directors developed a code of conduct for working with youth.
RI has a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and harassment.
What specic actions can you take in

support of the Statement of Conduct
for Working with Youth?
Give participants a few minutes to write their answers
on handout 1.
What are the benets of abuse

and harassment prevention for
organizations that serve youth?
Sample responses
Having a reputation as an organization that takes abuse
seriously can help deter potential abusers.
Proper response can help to prevent abuse or mitigate
its effects.
Potential youth participants and their families may nd
the programs more attractive when they know that prevention of abuse and harassment is taken seriously.
Key point
Clear and systematic crisis policies and procedures protect the interests of all volunteers and participants.

9
NOTES
REFER TO HANDOUT 2
Abuse and Harassment Facts
Allow ve minutes for participants to complete the
handout exercise.
Ask participants to state their level of agreement with
each statement and then discuss the facts behind the
common misconceptions listed on the handout.
Answer Key (Handout 2)

1.
False. Most abuse is committed by someone the victim

knows and trusts (approximately 90 percent of sex offenders were relatives or acquaintances of their victims).1
2.
False. Only 1 percent to 4 percent of sexual abuse reports are fabricated.2
3.
False. The possibility of signicant emotional harm is

present whenever sexual abuse or harassment occurs.
The level of trauma suffered depends on many factors,
and normal teens can be affected to varying degrees
(for example, feeling powerless to stop the situation or
confused, ashamed, or isolated).
4.
False. Offenders often cultivate an image of being good

with young people in order to gain trust from the community and victims.
5.
False. Poor judgment and inexperience do not mean

that a student deserves to be abused.
6.
True. Young people who are just growing into their

sexuality are often unsure of appropriate behavior and,
therefore, may not immediately object if they feel uncomfortable. As a result, teens often feel that they have
participated in the activity or led on the offender.
Social stigmas about sexuality also contribute to feelings
of shame. This is especially likely in the Youth Exchange
context, where inexperience with the host culture can
add to the teens confusion.
1
2
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (www.ncptsd.org)

WINGS Foundation, Facts about Childhood Sexual Abuse (www.wingsfound.org/statsChildhood.html)

10
NOTES
7. True. Within Rotarys denition, gossiping about and referring to a persons sexual attractiveness or deciency
constitute harassment. The gender of the harasser is
irrelevant.
8.
True. Males can be abused by females. Abuse is engaging in implicit or explicit sexual acts with a student or
forcing or encouraging a student to engage in implicit
or explicit sexual acts alone or with another person of
any age, of the same sex or the opposite sex. Among
reported cases of sexual abuse against boys, 14 percent
were committed by females.3
9.
True. Exposing a child to sexual or pornographic material is sexual abuse.
REFER TO HANDOUT 3
Key points
Sexual abuse or harassment can occur without any physical contact. Use of words, gestures, and images can be
enough.
No person involved with Rotary International youth programs should decide whether criminal sexual abuse
or harassment has occurred; this must be left to local
authorities.
After discussing the facts and

reading the denitions of abuse and
harassment, what surprised you the
most?
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

11
NOTES
PREVENTION
(25 MINUTES)
TO
Key points
Youth protection policies are designed to help prevent

incidences of abuse or harassment through awareness,
training, and volunteer screening.
Policies are strengthened by the actions and behaviors

of individual volunteers who support the policy.
SHOW SLIDE 1
As an adult volunteer working with

youth, what actions can you take to
protect young people participating in
the program?

Working with Youth
Slide 1
Sample responses
Treat all youth participants with respect.
Ensure that all policies for youth protection are followed,
including rules for driving, supervision, and safety.
Show youth participants that you are approachable
and willing to listen to their problems.
Provide youth participants with contact information
for individuals they can go to with questions or concerns.
Identify situations that might pose a special risk.
Be aware that even the most mature teen is not yet an
adult and that teens may misconstrue some conversations and actions.
What safeguards are in place for young

people participating in the program?
12
NOTES
Sample responses
Adult volunteers are carefully selected, screened, and
trained.
Guidelines may be set so that no one adult is alone
with one young person (for programs other than Youth
Exchange).
Support is provided by the many adults involved in the
program.
What tools are in place to help prevent

abuse and harassment of youth
participants?
Sample responses
Policy emphasizing protection
Selection and screening of volunteers and youth participants
Training of volunteers, youth participants, and parents
Support and communication with youth participants,
Rotary clubs, community members, and other districts
involved
Committed program participants, including Rotarians,
non-Rotarians, and youth united in the aim of providing
the best possible experience to youth
SHOW SLIDE 2
Prevention Tools
Prevention Tools
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 4A OR 4B
Prevention Methods and Participants

13
Policy
Selection and screening
Training
Support and communication
Program participants
Slide 2
NOTES
In your role as an adult volunteer

working with youth, what can you do to
safeguard youth program participants?
Relate this question to the specic risks associated
with the program or activity in which volunteers may
be involved.
For example, RYLA volunteers may need to pay special
attention to the physical risks associated with activities
such as ropes courses or abseiling (rappelling).
Many volunteers working with Youth Exchange are
experienced at providing a safe environment for participants. Encourage experienced volunteers to offer
their guidance on the subject.
REFER TO DISTRICT HANDOUTS

District Policies on Abuse Prevention
REFER TO HANDOUT 6
Role of the Host Family
(only for sessions with host families as participants)
Explain specic elements of district policy related to
program.
Give participants contact information for Rotarian to
be notied in case of questions or concerns, usually a
district child protection ofcer.

14
NOTES
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 5
Case Study: Abuse or Harassment?
If you suspect sexual abuse or

harassment, what should you do?
Sample responses
Act to ensure the young persons safety.
Report your suspicions to appropriate authorities in
your area (this may include child or family services, law
enforcement personnel, or other agencies).
Immediately inform your district governor or district
child protection ofcer.
Talk to the adults directly responsible for the students
supervision (host club Youth Exchange ofcer, students
counselor, RYLA director, etc.), unless you suspect that
this might put the student at greater risk.
Seek support services for student, such as hotlines and
counseling (or ensure that club is doing so).
Training leaders note

In some countries, mandatory reporting laws may also
require specic individuals, such as teachers, doctors,
or clergy, to report suspected abuse.

15
NOTES
REVIEW
(5 MINUTES)
Key points
Sexual abuse and harassment are real problems that any

young person may face.
All adult volunteers are responsible for ensuring the

safety of youth participants.

Be sure that all questions have been answered.
Review the learning objectives to ensure that all topics
were covered sufciently.
Thank participants.
Adjourn

16
TO
NOTES
SESSION 2A
Recognizing Problems and Reporting

(60 minutes)
Learning Objectives
1. Recognize and respond to possible sexual abuse or harassment of young people participating
in Rotary International programs
2. Understand RI and district policy for reporting sexual abuse and harassment allegations
Materials
Target Audience
Slide
3. Recognizing Abuse and Harassment
All adult volunteers who work extensively with

youth in a Rotary context but are not involved in
the Youth Exchange program, including:
District youth program committee members
Handouts
7. Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of
8. Abuse and Harassment Reporting
Optional Handouts
9. Signs and Symptoms Case Study: Rita
10. Report and Follow-through Case Study:
Jacob (part 1 only)
Prerequisites
District Handouts
District Allegation Reporting Procedures

17
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
(5 MINUTES)
TO
(50 MINUTES)
TO
Key points
Rotary International takes youth protection very seriously

and has specic reporting guidelines for handling allegations of sexual abuse and harassment.
Every allegation must be taken seriously and reported to

the appropriate authorities.
RECOGNIZING PROBLEMS AND REPORTING

What would make you suspect that
a youth participant is being sexually
abused or harassed?
REFER TO HANDOUT 7
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of
Sample responses
Becomes extremely active or extremely withdrawn
Displays low self-esteem
Expresses general feelings of shame
Begins to perform badly in school
Develops an eating disorder (especially common for
girls)
Becomes aggressive or a risk-taker (especially common for boys)
Has trouble sleeping or has nightmares
Becomes irritable or has angry outbursts
Becomes anxious or depressed

18
NOTES
Displays symptoms of physical tension such as headaches, stomach trouble, back pain
Has suicidal thoughts or engages in self-destructive
behavior
Becomes involved with drugs or alcohol
SHOW SLIDE 3
Recognizing Abuse and Harassment
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 9
Signs and Symptoms Case Study: Rita
Recognizing Abuse and

Harassment
The signs of abuse and harassment are often
the same as other problems.
Watch for:
Sudden changes in behavior
Clusters of symptoms
Drop off in school performance
Slide 3
Key points
The signs of abuse and harassment can sometimes be

difcult to distinguish from attitude problems, drug use,
or other troubles. Take time to learn what is really going on.
Watch for sudden changes in behavior or clusters of

symptoms.
Each young person is an individual and will respond

uniquely.
Understand that young people may behave poorly not

because they are bad kids but because they may have
suffered psychological or physical trauma. This trauma
may have occurred before or during participation in the
program.
In some cases, a youth participant will

tell someone that he or she has been
abused or harassed. Who should be
prepared to handle this situation?

19
NOTES
Sample responses
All adult volunteers and others involved with young
people
The students parents. Students often rst report a
problem of abuse or harassment to their parents.
Teachers, clergy, or other adults involved with the young
person, who may act as an intermediary to report an
allegation
Other young people. Often, a student will share an
experience with a peer instead of an adult.
Club and district ofcers and their spouses. A young
person involved in an abuse situation may feel more
comfortable reporting to someone of a specic gender.
Spouses of club and district leaders are sometimes the
rst person a young person tells.
Key points
A victim of abuse or harassment will report the situation

to someone he or she feels comfortable with. This could
be a peer, teacher, trusted adult, or relative.
Effective orientation programs for youth participants

should focus on the importance of immediately reporting any incident of abuse or harassment and provide
specic information on how to report.
What should you do if a young person

reports an incident of abuse or
harassment or if you suspect that abuse
or harassment has occurred?
Sample responses
Act to ensure the young persons safety.
Report the problem to appropriate authorities in your
area.
Inform your district governor.

20
NOTES
Talk to the adults directly responsible for the young
persons supervision, unless you suspect that this may
place the young person at greater risk.
Talk to the young persons parents.
Seek support services for the young person, such as
hotlines and counseling (or ensure that the club is
doing so).
Understand a young persons emotional and physical
needs in the event of such an incident.

Although session 1 includes a similar question with
similar sample responses, the key points are new and
serve as an introduction to this sessions discussion on
reporting.
Key points
The rst priority is to protect the young person. Even a

low level of suspicion by an adult volunteer or a vague
report from a young person should trigger an active
response.
All suspected cases of abuse or harassment must be

taken seriously, though the appropriate response to suspicion of abuse can vary. If your district has a policy for
handling suspected abuse and harassment, refer to it
when deciding appropriate actions to take.
Be aware that adult volunteers may have obligations under local law. In some countries, certain individuals (for
example, teachers and medical personnel) must report
suspected abuse to designated authorities.
Make sure that the youths safety is the rst consideration

when any decision is made.
Do not side with the alleged offender.
Reassure the young person that you believe his or her

allegations and that he or she was right to report the
incident.

21
NOTES
Educate others who may be acting on misconceptions

about abuse and harassment.
Do not allow anyone to punish the young person for reporting the incident.
Make sure that everyone involved including the youth

program participant and parents is informed.
Ensure that any decision made is based on thorough investigation rather than hearsay from the club.
What actions should be taken with the

adult against whom the allegations
have been made?
Key points
While an investigation is pending, the person should

have no contact with youth.
If the adult confesses, is convicted, or is otherwise found

guilty of sexual abuse or harassment, he or she must be
permanently barred from Rotary International youth programs. If the person is a Rotarian, he or she must be removed from membership in any Rotary club.
If an investigation is inconclusive, consult the district

youth protection ofcer to make recommendations on
the best course of action.
REFER TO HANDOUT 8
Abuse and Harassment Reporting

22
NOTES
Explain specic elements of district policy on allegations and reporting.
Handout 8 may be used independently or in conjunction with a district-developed handout.
Consider using the full text of the Sexual Abuse and
Harassment Allegation Reporting Guidelines (appendix
B in this manual) as a handout for this session.
Provide contact information for the Rotarian who should
be notied in case of questions or concerns, usually
a district youth protection ofcer. Some districts have
an independent counselor on call to assist with any
reported incident.
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 10
Report and Follow-through Case Study: Jacob
(part 1)
Key points
Young people who suffer sexual abuse or harassment

often feel powerless, so its important to give them the
opportunity to make choices, when possible.
Teach others that victims of abuse and harassment often

resort to antisocial behavior because of their trauma and
should be given support services rather than punishment
or criticism.

23
NOTES
REVIEW
(5 MINUTES)
Key points
Every allegation of sexual abuse or harassment must be

taken seriously and handled according to district requirements.
District governors or district youth protection ofcers

serve the critical role of coordinating response to an
allegation.

Thank participants.
Adjourn

24
TO
NOTES
SESSION 2B
Recognizing Problems and Reporting:

Rotary Youth Exchange
(90 minutes)
Learning Objectives
1. Recognize and respond to sexual abuse or harassment situations involving young people
2. Understand RI and district policy on reporting allegations of sexual abuse and harassment
3. Identify methods for responding to an allegation of sexual abuse or harassment
Materials
Target Audience
Slides
3. Recognizing Abuse and Harassment
4. Responding to an Allegation
All adult volunteers in the Rotary Youth

Exchange program, including
All district Youth Exchange committee
members
Rotarian counselors
and contacts
Handouts
7. Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of
8. Abuse and Harassment Reporting
Optional Handouts
9. Signs and Symptoms Case Study: Rita
10. Report and Follow-through Case Study:
Jacob
11. Role of the Rotarian Counselor
12. Role of the Club and District Youth
Exchange Ofcer
Prerequisites
District Handouts

25
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
(5 MINUTES)
TO
(45 MINUTES)
TO
Key points
Rotary International takes youth protection very seriously

and has specic reporting guidelines for handling allegations of sexual abuse and harassment.
Rotarys abuse prevention system has many layers that

work together, and each participant has a role to play.
For example, the district Youth Exchange committee
creates a youth protection policy, and district or club ofcers carefully screen and select each adult involved in
the Youth Exchange program.
Every allegation of abuse or harassment must be taken

seriously. Criminal allegations must be reported to the
appropriate authorities.
RECOGNIZING PROBLEMS AND REPORTING

Key points
Most of the time, Youth Exchange is a rewarding experience that allows participants to experience a new culture
in a safe environment.
On the rare occasions when problems occur, counselors

and Youth Exchange ofcers should be able to recognize
signs of difculty and determine the necessary level of
response.
What challenges might your students

experience in adjusting to their new
environments?

26
NOTES
Sample responses
Homesickness
Language difculty
Difculty making friends
Difculty interpreting culture-specic social cues
Host family conicts
Discipline or attitude problems
Other emotional difculties
How will you know when your student

is facing these challenges?
Sample responses
The student . . .
Talks to counselor about academic struggles, homesickness, language difculty, or related problems
Asks to move to a new host family
Doesnt seem to be learning the language of the host
country
Doesnt talk about new friends or positive activities
Calls home frequently
The host family or school ofcials . . .
Complain of attitude problems
Notify you of poor academic performance
Share concerns about inadequate social adjustment
What should you do if you recognize

any of these signs?
27
NOTES
Sample responses
Talk to the student about the signs you are seeing.
Ask open-ended questions that get the student talking.
Help the student nd activities to become involved
in.
Offer or help arrange additional language assistance.
Encourage the student to speak with the host family
or serve as a mediator between the student and the
host family.
Speak with school or community members to arrange
help for student.
Seek support services such as medical assistance, counseling, or support hotlines.
Notify your district Youth Exchange chair if local action fails to resolve low-level challenges or if a serious
problem occurs.
What student actions or behaviors

might lead you to suspect a student is
being abused or harassed?
REFER TO HANDOUT 7
Sample responses
Expresses sudden, unexplained homesickness
Becomes extremely active or withdrawn
Displays low self-esteem
Expresses general feelings of shame
Begins performing badly in school

28
NOTES
Develops an eating disorder (especially common for
girls)
Becomes aggressive or a risk taker (especially common for boys)
Has trouble sleeping or has nightmares
Displays symptoms of physical tension, such as headaches, stomach trouble, back pain
Has suicidal thoughts or engages in self-destructive
behavior
Becomes involved with drugs or alcohol
SHOW SLIDE 3
Recognizing Abuse and Harassment
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 9
Recognizing Abuse and

Harassment
The signs of abuse and harassment are often
the same as other problems.
Watch for:
Sudden changes in behavior
Clusters of symptoms
Drop off in school performance
Slide 3
Key points
The signs of sexual abuse and harassment are often difcult to distinguish from cultural adjustments, attitude
problems, drug use, or other troubles. Take the time to
learn what is really going on.
Watch for sudden changes in behavior or clusters of

symptoms.
Each young person is an individual and will respond

uniquely.
Understand that young people may behave poorly not

because they are bad kids but because they may have
suffered psychological or physical trauma. This trauma
may have occurred before or during participation in the
program.

29
NOTES
How will you know when a problem

is serious enough that you must take
decisive and immediate action?
Ask an experienced Rotarian in the group to share a
brief account of helping a student through a common
Youth Exchange challenge.
Allow a few minutes for the Rotarian to speak about
his or her experience.
In some cases, a youth participant will

report to someone that he or she has
been abused or harassed. Who should
be prepared for this situation?
Sample responses
All adult volunteers and others involved with young
people
The students parents
Teachers, clergy, or other adults involved with the young
person who may act as an intermediary to report an
allegation
Fellow Youth Exchange students
Host families, including host brothers or sisters who
may be closer in age to the student
Club and district ofcers, Rotarian counselors, and their
spouses

30
NOTES
Key points
A victim of abuse or harassment will report to someone
he or she feels comfortable with. This could be a peer,
teacher or other trusted adult, or relative.
Students often rst report a problem of abuse or harassment to their parents.
Often, a student will share an experience with a peer instead of an adult.
A young person involved in an abuse situation may feel
more comfortable reporting to someone of a specic
gender. Sometimes, the rst person a young person reports to is the spouse of a club or district leader.
Effective orientation programs for youth participants
should focus on the importance of immediately reporting any incident of abuse or harassment and specic information on how to report.
Your district has adopted guidelines to follow when there
is a report of sexual abuse or harassment.
What should you do if a student reports

an incident of abuse or harassment or if
you suspect that abuse or harassment
has occurred?
Sample responses
Act immediately to ensure the students safety. This
may involve removing a student from an activity or host
family.
Reassure the student that you believe his or her report
and that the student was right to report.
Respond to an allegation nonjudgmentally.
Understand a students emotional and physical needs
in the event of an incident.

31
NOTES
Talk to the student about the signs you are seeing. If the
student wishes not to speak with you or the counselor
about the situation, strongly encourage the student to
talk to someone else.
Report the allegation to appropriate authorities in your
area, which may include child protection services or
law enforcement authorities.
Inform your district Youth Exchange chair, district youth
protection ofcer, or district governor.
Seek support services for the student, such as medical
assistance, hotlines, and counseling.

Although questions and sample responses similar to
those above are included in session 1, the key points
are new and serve as an introduction to this sessions
discussion on reporting.
Key points
Suspected abuse and harassment must be treated as serious safety concerns.
All allegations of sexual abuse or harassment must be

taken seriously, though the appropriate response to suspicion of abuse or harassment can vary from one country
to another.
The rst priority is to protect the students safety. Even a

low level of suspicion should trigger an active response.
This may require a counselor to contact support services, law enforcement, and/or the district Youth Exchange
chair.
Be aware that adult volunteers may have obligations

under local law. In some locations, certain individuals
must report suspected abuse to designated authorities.
Counselors should investigate their obligations.

32
NOTES
REFER TO HANDOUT 8
Explain specic elements of district policy on reporting
of allegations.
Handout 8 may be used independently or in conjunction with a district-developed handout.
Consider using the full text of the Sexual Abuse and
Harassment Allegation Reporting Guidelines (appendix
B in this manual) as a handout for Rotarian counselors and club and district ofcers participating in this
session.
Provide contact information of the Rotarian to be notied in case of questions or concerns, usually a district
youth protection ofcer. Some districts have an independent counselor on call to assist with any reported
incident.

33
NOTES
RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS
SHOW SLIDE 4
Responding to an Allegation
The discussion so far has focused on recognizing abuse
and harassment and the rst stage of responding to
an allegation, which is receiving the report.
(35 MINUTES)
Responding to an Allegation
1. Receiving a report
2. Immediate response
3. Follow-through
Slide 4
The remainder of the discussion will focus on immediate response and necessary follow-through.
Key points
Youth Exchange ofcers may wish to keep a copy of the

allegation reporting form on hand at all times in case of
emergency.
All Youth Exchange volunteers should be instructed to

follow a specic chain of communication in the district
and report any allegations to the designated Rotarian
(usually the district youth protection ofcer or district
Youth Exchange ofcer).
District Youth Exchange ofcers should take responsibility for ensuring that each step of the procedure is followed.
If an allegation is made against any adult volunteer involved in the Youth Exchange program, he or she must
immediately step down from his or her position and cooperate with any investigation(s).
TO
After an allegation is reported, what

should you do to follow through?

34
NOTES
Sample responses
Provide support services to the student.
Remove the alleged offender from contact with youth
for duration of investigation.
Cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
Offer an independent, non-Rotarian counselor to the
student.
Offer the student the option of staying in host country
or going home (with parents written approval).
Contact the students parents, usually through sponsor
district chair.
Contact the district Youth Exchange chair in partner
district.
Provide follow-up reports to Rotary International.
Educate others who may be acting on misconceptions
about abuse and harassment.
Do not allow anyone to punish the student for reporting the incident.
Make sure that the students safety is the rst consideration when any decision is made.
Do not side with the alleged offender.
Make sure that everyone involved is informed this
could include the student, the students parents, the
host family, the host and sponsor districts, the host and
sponsor clubs, or school ofcials.
If the student wants to continue with the exchange,
consider transferring him or her to a new host family,
host club, or school rather than sending the student
home early.
Ensure that any decision made is based on thorough
investigation rather than taking the clubs word for
it.

35
NOTES
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 10
Report and Follow-through Case Study:
Jacob (part 1)
What procedures should be followed

with respect to the adult against whom
the allegations have been made?
Sample responses
While an investigation is pending, the person should
have no contact with youth in a Rotary International
program or activity.
If a law enforcement investigation is inconclusive,
consult the district youth protection ofcer or district
review committee to make recommendations on the
best course of action.
Key point
If the adult confesses, is convicted, or is otherwise found

guilty of sexual abuse or harassment, he or she must be
permanently barred from Rotary youth programs. If the
person is a Rotarian, he or she must be removed from
membership in the Rotary club and barred from membership in other Rotary clubs.
How do you determine when to

send a student home in an abuse or
harassment situation?

36
NOTES
Key points
Students who experience sexual abuse or harassment

may not report it because they fear that they will automatically be sent home.
Ask the student which option he or she would prefer, and

share this information with the students parents or legal
guardian (their written authorization is required should
the student wish to remain). Young people who suffer
sexual abuse or harassment often feel powerless, so its
important to give them the opportunity to make choices,
when possible.
Teach others that victims of abuse and harassment often

resort to antisocial behavior because of their trauma and
should be given support services rather than punishment
or criticism.
Dont allow anyone to punish the student for reporting

the incident.

If the student chooses to return to his or her home
country, consult with law enforcement before making
travel arrangements. It may be unlawful for a witness
or a victim of a crime to leave the country.
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 10
(parts 2 and 3)
OPTIONAL HANDOUTS
REFER TO HANDOUTS 11 AND 12
Role of the Rotarian Counselor
Role of the Club and District Youth Exchange Ofcer

37
NOTES
REVIEW
(5 MINUTES)
Key points
Every allegation of sexual abuse or harassment must be

taken seriously and handled according to district requirements.
Youth Exchange ofcers serve the critical role of coordinating abuse and harassment prevention and responding to an allegation.
Rotarian counselors are often the rst people to whom a

report is made.

Thank participants.
Adjourn

38
TO
NOTES
SESSION 3
Developing a Support System for

Youth Exchange Students
(60 minutes)
Learning Objectives
1. Explain to all adult volunteers the need to safeguard Rotary Youth Exchange students
2. Understand RI and district policy on abuse and harassment prevention
3. Develop and implement prevention and management techniques to safeguard participants
Materials
Target Audience
Slide
5. Youth Exchange Support System
All adult Youth Exchange program participants,

including:
District Youth Exchange committee
members
Rotarian counselors
and contacts
Handouts
11. Role of the Rotarian Counselor
12. Role of the Club and District Youth
Exchange Ofcer
Optional Handout
13. Developing a Support System for
Students
Prerequisites
Sessions 1 and 2

39
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
(5 MINUTES)
Key points
The Rotary Youth Exchange program has the highest

participation rates among RI Structured Programs (96
percent of all districts participate).
An effective abuse and harassment prevention and management plan is critical to the continued success of this
program.
REFER TO HANDOUTS 11 AND 12

Role of the Club and District Youth Exchange Ofcer
As a Youth Exchange ofcer or

counselor, what is your role in the
program?
Sample responses
Provide support for students to ensure success in the
program.
Coordinate participation in Youth Exchange.
Communicate with international contacts and students.
Coordinate selection and orientation.
Assist clubs in carrying out responsibilities, including
selection and training of host families and club-level
volunteers.
Ensure that all participants understand expectations
and responsibilities.
Meet with students regularly (at least once a month for
counselors).

40
TO
NOTES
Key points
District Youth Exchange ofcers serve the critical role of

coordinating the activity of all program participants.
Club Youth Exchange ofcers act as the primary link between host families, students, and the district.
Rotarian counselors serve as the most important link between students and Rotary club and district support.
DEVELOPING A SUPPORT SYSTEM
(50 MINUTES)
How does a support system for

students augment a districts abuse and
harassment prevention system?
Sample responses
Ensures that the student has contact with many trustworthy people
Gives the student information about abuse and harassment, local conditions, safe habits, and places to
go for help
Assigns adults responsible for monitoring the students
progress and, if necessary, providing early support
before a problem escalates

41
TO
NOTES
How can you ensure that students are

informed?
Sample responses
Talk openly about sexual abuse and harassment prevention.
Talk to students about your countrys culture so that
they will be able to tell the difference between normal
behavior and inappropriate sexual conduct.
Give the student a list of phone numbers and other
contact information for support services in your community, including health-care providers, emotional support
services, crisis hotlines, law enforcement authorities,
and any other relevant resource.
Talk to the student about special risks posed by his or
her new environment for example, neighborhoods
to avoid, time of night when it becomes unsafe to
travel alone or in small groups, local attitudes toward
foreigners.
What suggestions do you have for

establishing a positive support system
for Youth Exchange students hosted in
your club or district?
Sample responses
Ensure that the student regularly attends Rotary club
meetings and activities and is introduced to individual
Rotarians.
Make a special effort to introduce the student to adults
of the same gender as the student, and encourage
the student and the adult to establish an independent
communication routine.
Encourage the student to participate in school and
community activities. Before the exchange, learn about
the students interests and plan to introduce the student
to groups involved in related activities.

42
NOTES
Invite one or more students to share a meal with your
family at your home.
Set up a schedule for meeting with or calling each
student. Give the student phone numbers where you
can be reached at any time.
Get to know the students guidance counselor and
teachers, and talk to them regularly about the students
progress.
Meet with the students host families in their homes
throughout the exchange. Help them to understand
their role as hosts, and look for any conditions in the
host family that might put the student at risk.
Establish an emergency plan for each student, with
many different ways of contacting someone for assistance (phone, e-mail, in person, postcard).
What are the benets of providing

consistent sexual abuse and harassment
prevention and reporting services for
Rotary Youth Exchange programs in all
districts?
Sample responses
Rotarians can be condent that international exchange
partners are applying protection measures that meet
the same minimum standards as their own program.
Proper response can help to prevent abuse or mitigate
its effects.
Potential students, their parents, and host families
may nd the program more attractive if they know that
prevention of sexual abuse and harassment is taken
seriously.

43
NOTES
Who is responsible for safeguarding

Youth Exchange students?
Key point
Everyone all Rotarians and adults involved in the program and the students themselves shares a responsibility for contributing to a safe environment.
Which individuals make up the support

system for Youth Exchange students?
Key point
A support system for students includes almost everyone

Sample responses
District governor (ultimately responsible for oversight
of program; appoints district chair)
District Youth Exchange ofcers (coordinate program
operations and club participation)
Club president (supports club participation; appoints
club Youth Exchange ofcer)
Club Youth Exchange ofcer (plans for and carries out
the sponsoring and hosting of students)
Rotarian counselor (acts as liaison between club and
each student)
Host families (provide room, board, and supportive
environment for student)
Parents (cover necessary costs airfare, insurance,
spending money; communicate with student throughout
exchange)
Student (serves as ambassador of his or her country
and sponsoring Rotary club/district; abides by program
rules; brings problems to attention of Rotarian counselor
or other appropriate adult)

44
NOTES
SHOW SLIDE 5
Youth Exchange Support System
How do each of these individuals

contribute to an effective support
system for students?
District governor
District Youth Exchange officers
Club president
Club Youth Exchange officer
Rotarian counselor
Host families
Parents
Students
Slide 5
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 13
Developing a Support System for Students
What special barriers separate

exchange students from their host
communities?
Sample responses
Language
Cultural misunderstanding
Reluctance to talk about sensitive matters with people
they dont know well
Shame or feeling that they have done something wrong
or disappointed family members or their Rotary club

45
NOTES
How will you overcome these barriers

to provide an effective support system?
Sample responses
Provide an emergency contact who speaks the students
language.
Train student and volunteers to talk through situations
nonjudgmentally.
Provide many adult contacts so students can speak
with whomever they feel most comfortable.
Conduct inbound orientation programs with club counselors and others in the support system.
You may have the special challenge of

recognizing problems even if you dont
have personal contact with students
in your district. How will you know
when to suspect abuse and harassment
without actually seeing the student?
What kinds of reports from clubs should
put you on alert?
What kind of warning signs might you
see in an e-mail from an outbound
student sponsored by your district?
How do you distinguish between a
challenging host family situation and
abuse?

46
NOTES
Between cultural miscommunications

and abuse?
Between the reaction of a concerned
parent whose child is abroad for the
rst time and abuse?
Ask an experienced Youth Exchange ofcer or counselor
in the group to share an example of a time when abuse
or harassment was suspected even though there was
no personal contact with a student.

47
NOTES
REVIEW
(5 MINUTES)
Key points
Sexual abuse and harassment are real problems that any

young person may face.
Every student should have a strong support system

throughout his or her exchange.
Effective support systems that include a focus on sexual

abuse and harassment prevention and response are critical to the protection of Youth Exchange students.

Thank participants.
Adjourn

48
TO
NOTES
SESSION 4
Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience:

Parents of Youth Exchange Students
(60 minutes)
Learning Objectives
1. Identify potential risks associated with study abroad experiences
2. Recognize the necessary skills for a safe exchange and the importance of reporting any
incident of abuse or harassment
3. Understand the steps that Rotary districts take to help to protect students participating in
Youth Exchange
Materials
Target Audience
Slides
5. Youth Exchange Support System
Youth
Parents of outbound Youth Exchange students
Prerequisites
None
Handout
14. Preparing for a Safe Exchange
Experience: Parents
Optional Handout
15. Case Study: Parents of Exchange
Students
District Handouts
May include handouts on district program
rules, emergency procedures, contact
information, and other student support
system information
Session 4: Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Parents of Youth Exchange Students
49
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
(15 MINUTES)

Previous orientation sessions for parents should have focused on the structure of your districts Youth Exchange
program, the nancial and insurance responsibilities of
parents, the exchange experience, and other details.
This session focuses on student safety, especially what
Rotary districts, parents, and participating students can
do.
Specic information about your districts policies and
the policies of your partner district should be included
in this session.
If your district has speci c insurance requirements,
consider adding that information to this session.
Key points
The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides young

people ages 15-19 with the opportunity to experience
other cultures and develop a broader view of the world.
Youth Exchange involves more than 7,000 students and

represents more than 80 different countries or regions
annually.
Traveling the world, either as an individual or as a Youth

Exchange ambassador, involves some risk.
What risks might a student face while

participating in Youth Exchange?

50
TO
NOTES
Sample responses
Theft
Illness or injury
Accident
Travel difculties
Harassment
Natural disaster
Political unrest
Drug/alcohol abuse
Physical/sexual/emotional abuse
What risks are you most concerned

about while your son or daughter is
away?
How are these risks different from risks
at home?
Key points
Parents should understand that all of these risks are present, in various degrees, when the student is at home.
As foreigners, Youth Exchange students may look very

different from the local population, making them a possible target for theft or violence.
Youth Exchange students are usually very condent and

may get involved in riskier situations because they think
they can handle it.
Youth Exchange students usually place a high value on

success and, in an effort to succeed on their exchange,
may hide problems such as illness or abuse.
51
NOTES
PREPARING FOR A SAFE EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE
(40 MINUTES)
TO
Who shares the responsibility for

keeping Youth Exchange students safe?
Sample responses
Rotarian and non-Rotarian volunteers
Host families
Counselors
Students
Parents
Teachers and others in the host community
Key points
Youth Exchange is a district-run program, meaning that

each Rotary district develops its own policies based on
guidelines established by Rotary International.
Rotary clubs and districts assume a degree of responsibility for the well-being of the students they host and
have many safeguards in place.
Each Rotary district has a Youth Exchange support system led by a district chair.
REFER TO HANDOUT 14
Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Parents
SHOW SLIDE 5
District governor
Club president
Rotarian counselor
Host families
Parents
Students
Slide 5

52
NOTES
Because most parents wont be familiar with Rotary
International and district policies on youth protection,
conduct this segment of the session as a lecture, rather
than a discussion.
Ask participants to save their questions until the end
of the presentation.
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 15
Case Study: Parents of Exchange Students
SHOW SLIDE 6
Key points
Participating Rotary clubs and districts are committed to

safeguarding Youth Exchange students.
Adults who have contact with students in the Youth

Exchange program are thoroughly screened through
applications, background and reference checks, and
interviews.
Host families are volunteers with an interest in learning

about other cultures and a desire to host a student. Host
families are both Rotarians and non-Rotarians.
No family is required to host as a condition of their childs

exchange. Host families are not paid.
Rotary volunteers visit and interview host families before

a student is placed.
Host counselors serve as liaisons between students and

their host Rotary clubs. They help students adjust to
their new environment and provide support during the
exchange.

Working with Youth
Slide 6
53
NOTES
Rotary clubs and districts provide guidance and support

to all Youth Exchange students before, during, and after
their exchange to help ensure a positive exchange experience.
Students and parents receive contact information for several Rotarians at the club and district levels to ensure that
someone is always available to help in an emergency.
Each district provides incoming students with a list of

local support services.
The support system for students includes a set of program rules for student behavior.
These program rules are designed to protect students

by helping them adjust to their host family and country,
providing guidelines for appropriate behavior, and protecting students from potentially risky activities.
Although program rules often called the four Ds (no

dating, driving, drinking, drugs) may vary slightly from
district to district, they always prohibit drug and alcohol
use, driving, unauthorized travel, and dating.

Ask participants if they have any questions about district
policies or program rules for students.
Distribute a copy of your districts program rules for
exchange students as well as any other district-specic
information. Explain the differences between the district in their home country and host district program
rules.
Designate one Rotarian on the contact sheet as the
contact person if parents have any questions about
material covered during the orientation session.

District program rules, emergency procedures,
contact information, other student support system
information

54
NOTES
Why do Youth Exchange programs

incorporate youth protection
procedures into their program
guidelines?
Key points
Any program that works with youth is vulnerable for incidents of sexual abuse and harassment.
As parents of teenagers, participants are probably aware

of similar youth protection programs put in place by
schools, sports organizations, churches, and other youthserving organizations.
Abuse and harassment prevention is based on awareness, which is why the topic is included in training sessions for all Youth Exchange participants.
As a parent, what can you do now

to ensure the safety of your son or
daughter while he or she is away?
Sample responses
Talk about the perils of drug and alcohol use. Make sure he
or she understands district policy on drug and alcohol
use.
Anticipate differences in cultural norms between your
country and the host country. Discuss methods for adjusting to these differences.
Encourage the child to develop his or her own network
through social connections with other students, young
people, and adults in positions of trust.
Talk about the risk of sexual abuse and harassment.
Provide a strong, open support system at home.
Reinforce Rotary district rules prohibiting dating, drinking, driving, and drugs.
Notify the district-designated Rotary contact immediately of any questions or concerns.
55
NOTES
REVIEW
(5 MINUTES)
Key point
The safety of Youth Exchange students is a shared responsibility of Rotarian and non-Rotarian volunteers,
members of the host community, parents, and students.

Thank participants.
Adjourn

56
TO
NOTES
SESSION 5
Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience:

Inbound and Outbound Youth Exchange Students
(60 minutes)
Learning Objectives
1. Identify potential risks associated with study abroad experiences
2. Recognize the necessary skills for a safe exchange and the importance of reporting any
incident of abuse or harassment
3. Understand the steps that Rotary districts take to help to protect students participating in
Youth Exchange
Materials
Target Audience
Slides
5 Youth Exchange Support System
Youth
Inbound and outbound Youth Exchange

students
Handout
16. Preparing for a Safe Exchange
Experience: Students
Optional Handout
17. Cultural Considerations
District Handouts
May include district program rules,
emergency procedures, contact information,
and other student support system information
Although this session can be adapted for both

inbound and outbound students, it is preferable
not to mix the two groups of students for this
session because each group will have different
needs. For example, inbound students might
have language or cultural challenges that
would inhibit them from asking questions in a
group setting; provide additional opportunities
for students to meet individually with an
appropriate Rotarian.
Prerequisites
None
Session 5: Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Inbound and Outbound Youth Exchange Students
57
NOTES
INTRODUCTION
(10 MINUTES)

Previous orientation sessions for students should
have focused on the structure of your districts Youth
Exchange program, the responsibilities of students
as cultural ambassadors, the exchange experience,
program rules, expectations, educational experience,
and other details.
This session focuses on student safety, especially what
Rotary districts and participating students can do.
Specic information about your districts policies and
the policies of your partner district should be included
in this session.
Key points
The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides young

people ages 15-19 with the opportunity to experience
other cultures and develop a broader view of the world.
Youth Exchange involves more than 7,000 students annually and represents more than 80 different countries or
regions.
Traveling the world, either as an individual or as a Youth

Exchange ambassador, involves some risk.
What risks might you face while

studying abroad?

58
TO
NOTES
Sample responses
Theft
Illness or injury
Accident
Travel difculties
Harassment
Natural disaster
Political unrest
Drug/alcohol abuse
Physical/sexual/emotional abuse
How are these risks different from risks

at home?
Key points
These risks are present, in various degrees, when you are

at home.
As foreigners, Youth Exchange students may look very

different from the local population, making them a possible target for theft or violence.
Because they are less familiar with the environment in

their new country, Youth Exchange students may have
more difculty assessing risks and obtaining help when
necessary.
Youth Exchange students are usually very condent and

may get involved in riskier situations because they think
they can handle it.
Typically, Youth Exchange students are successful young

people who may experience feelings of failure if they
need to seek help for problems such as illness or abuse.
59
NOTES
PREPARING FOR YOUR EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE
(25 MINUTES)
TO
Who shares the responsibility for

keeping Youth Exchange students safe?
Sample responses
Rotarian and non-Rotarian volunteers
Host families
Counselors
Students
Parents
Teachers and others in the host community
Key points
Youth Exchange is a district-run program, meaning that

each Rotary district develops its own policies based on
guidelines established by Rotary International.
Rotary clubs and districts assume a signicant degree of

responsibility for the well-being of the students they host
and have many safeguards in place.
Each Rotary district has a Youth Exchange support system led by a district chair.
SHOW SLIDE 5
Because most students wont be familiar with Rotary
policies on youth protection, conduct this segment of
the session as a lecture, rather than a discussion.
District governor
Club president
Rotarian counselor
Host families
Parents
Students
Slide 5
Ask participants to save their questions until the end

of the presentation.

60
NOTES
SHOW SLIDE 6
Key points
Participating Rotary clubs and districts are committed to

helping safeguard Youth Exchange students.
Adults involved in the Youth Exchange program are thoroughly screened through applications, background and
reference checks, and interviews.
Host families are volunteers with an interest in learning

about other cultures and a desire to host a student.
No family is required to host as a condition of their sons

or daughters participation as a Youth Exchange student.
Host families are not paid.
Rotary volunteers visit and interview host families before

a student is placed.
Host counselors serve as liaisons between students and

their host Rotary clubs. They help students adjust to
their new environment and provide support during the
exchange.
Rotary clubs and districts provide guidance and support

to all Youth Exchange students before, during, and after
their exchange to help ensure a positive exchange experience.
Students and parents receive contact information for several Rotarians at the club and district levels to ensure that
someone is always available to help in an emergency.
Each district provides incoming students with a list of

local support services.

Working with Youth
Slide 6
61
NOTES
How can you contribute to your safety

while studying abroad?
Sample responses
Behave more cautiously than at home.
Be aware of surroundings.
Learn about the host culture to better understand how
young people are expected to behave.
Ask questions and discuss any troubles with a trusted
adult, even if youre embarrassed.
Recognize that adjusting to life in a new country has
its ups and downs.
Make an effort to learn the language of the host
country.
Choose friends who enjoy safe, positive activities.
Join school or community groups.
Meet regularly with Rotary counselors to discuss all
concerns.
Make sure someone responsible knows where you are
at all times.
Key points
The support system for students includes a set of program rules for student behavior.
These program rules are designed to protect students

by helping them adjust to their host family and country,
providing guidelines for appropriate behavior, and protecting them from potentially risky activities.
Although program rules often called the four Ds (no

dating, driving, drinking, drugs) may vary slightly from
district to district, they always prohibit drug and alcohol
use, driving, unauthorized travel, and dating.
REFER TO HANDOUT 16
Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Students

62
NOTES
How do program rules protect your

safety?
For outbound students, provide examples of rules that
inbound students are expected to follow which may
seem stricter than what theyre used to.
For inbound students, provide copies of the district
rules for Youth Exchange students, and highlight the
rules focused on student protection.

District program rules, emergency procedures,
contact information, other student support system
information
Ask participants if they have any questions about the
district policies or program rules for Youth Exchange
students, and allow time to answer them.
63
NOTES
ABUSE, HARASSMENT, AND REPORTING
(20 MINUTES)
Why do Youth Exchange students

need specialized training in abuse and
harassment prevention?
Key points
Whether theyre at home or abroad, young people are at

risk for incidents of abuse and harassment.
Abuse and harassment prevention is based on awareness, which is why the topic is included in training sessions for all Youth Exchange participants.

For both inbound and outbound students, provide
examples of the district guidelines on abuse and harassment, including physical contact rules if applicable.
For inbound students, provide detailed information
on culturally acceptable behavior between boys and
girls and adults and young people, as well as cultural
norms for dating and related issues.
For outbound students, provide information on your
cultural norms and how they may be misinterpreted in
other cultures.

64
TO
NOTES
What types of behavior do you consider

harassment?
Do any of the actions weve discussed
seem related to cultural differences?
Can you think of an example of a
behavior in your culture that could
be misinterpreted as harassment by
someone from another culture?
OPTIONAL EXERCISE
REFER TO HANDOUT 17
Cultural Considerations
What should you do if you or someone

you know experiences abuse or
harassment?
Sample responses
Report it to a trusted adult: Rotarian host counselor,
host family, club or district Youth Exchange ofcer, a
teacher, your parents.
Encourage a friend who tells you about a situation of
abuse or harassment to report it to a responsible adult,
and offer to help.
Tell someone who can help you.
Trust your instincts.
65
NOTES
Key points
Abuse is unlikely to stop unless it is reported.
Even if you feel uncomfortable talking about the situation, it is better to be safe than polite.
If you arent comfortable with the adults response, tell

someone else.
If it doesnt feel right, it probably isnt.
The Youth Exchange program is committed to protecting all participants.
To ensure the safety of all participants, students are

encouraged to report any incident of abuse or harassment.

For outbound students, identify a Rotarian from your
district for students to contact if theyre uncomfortable discussing the incident with anyone in the host
district or if the host district is unable to resolve the
situation satisfactorily. This can be especially important
in the early stages of an exchange when the students
language skills may not be as strong.
For inbound students, provide several contact people
along with complete district guidelines for reporting
an incident.

66
NOTES
REVIEW
(5 MINUTES)
TO
Key points
The safety of Youth Exchange students is a shared responsibility of Rotarian and non-Rotarian volunteers,
members of the host community, parents, and students.
Students are encouraged to report incidents of abuse or

harassment.

Thank participants.
Adjourn
67
HANDOUT 1
Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all
participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians spouses, partners, and other
volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical, sexual, or
emotional abuse of children and young people with whom they come into contact.
What specic actions can you take in support of this code of conduct?
69
HANDOUT 2
Abuse and Harassment Facts
Rate your agreement with the following statements.
Strongly
Agree
Strongly
Disagree
1. Most sexual abuse and harassment is committed by strangers.
2. Teenagers often make up charges of sexual abuse or harassment to get

attention or to get what they want from adults.
3. If a teacher brushes up against a student, only an oversensitive teenager

will suffer signicant emotional harm.
4. If an adult gets along well with young people, its very unlikely that he or
she is a sexual offender.
5. A teenager who drinks alcohol, takes drugs, or stays out late at dance clubs
is asking to be a victim of sexual abuse or harassment.
6. Teenage victims of sexual abuse and harassment often try to keep it a secret
because they may feel responsible for whats happening.
7. An adult volunteer gossiping about a female students gure is sexual

harassment.
8. Males can be sexually abused by females.
9. An adult host brother leaving pornographic magazines in an exchange

students room is sexual abuse.
70
HANDOUT 3
Sexual abuse. Engaging in implicit or explicit sexual acts with a student or forcing or encouraging a
student to engage in implicit or explicit sexual acts alone or with another person of any age, of the same
sex or the opposite sex. Sexual abuse also includes nontouching offenses, such as indecent exposure and
exposing a child to sexual or pornographic material.
Sexual harassment. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature. In some cases, sexual harassment precedes sexual abuse and is used by sexual predators to desensitize or groom their victims.
Sexual epithets, jokes, written or spoken references to sexual conduct, speaking about ones sex life
in the presence of a young person, comments about an individuals sexual activity, deciencies, or
prowess
Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or drawings
Sexual leering or whistling, any inappropriate physical contact such as brushing or touching, obscene
language or gestures, and suggestive or insulting comments
Abuse or Harassment?
Whether the alleged conduct amounts to sexual abuse or sexual harassment is not to be determined by
the adult to whom allegations are made. Treat all allegations seriously.
After discussing the facts and reading the denitions of abuse and harassment, what three things
surprised you most?
71
HANDOUT 4A
Prevention Methods and Participants
Abuse and harassment prevention requires committed program participants who act carefully in four key
areas: selection, training/orientation, communication and support, and other policy elements.
In each of the boxes below, write in the people, policies, and tasks that create an effective prevention
system for youth programs.
Selection
People
Training/Orientation
People
Policies
Policies
Tasks
Tasks
Communication and Support

People
Other Policy Elements

People
Policies
Policies
Tasks
Tasks
What other areas are important to consider in an effective prevention program?
How can you assist in creating an environment that supports abuse and harassment prevention?
72
HANDOUT 4B
Prevention Methods and Participants: Youth Exchange
Abuse and harassment prevention requires committed program participants who act carefully in four key
areas: selection, training/orientation, communication and support, and other policy elements.
How can you work with the following people and program elements to maximize the protection of participants? What standards do applicable policies require? Place each item in the prevention tool kit into the
appropriate boxes (each letter may appear in more than one box); add ideas of your own.
Prevention Tool Kit

A. Youth Volunteer Afdavit
K. List of emergency contacts
B. Background check
L. Limit access to youth program participants
C. Reference check
D. Written application
M. No hosting requirement for parents of outbound

students
E. Personal interviews
N. Rotarian counselor for each student
F. Home visits
O. Counselor role lled by non-host family member
G. Multiple host families
P. Zero tolerance for abuse or harassment
H. Training and orientation

I. Information on local laws and customs
J. Written agreement on program requirements
Selection
Training/
Orientation
Students and
parents
District ofcers
and volunteers
Club ofcers and

volunteers
Host families
73
Communication
and Support
Other Policy
Elements
HANDOUT 5
Case Study: Abuse or Harassment?
Read these scenarios and answer the questions that follow.
Scenario 1: Juan
At the district conference you see Juan, a Youth Exchange student, talking with his friend. Juan is visibly
upset. You overhear him tell his friend that several Rotarians talk about their sexual activities in detail
at club meetings. When Juan did not join the conversation, they started making comments about him
being homosexual and having inferior sexual organs. When the behavior continued, Juan told his host
father, who was also his club counselor. But his host father simply laughed and said, Thats just the way
men talk! Juan tells his friend that he is never going to Rotary club meetings again and that he is glad
to be moving from his host family soon.
Scenario 2: Amy
The district Youth Exchange chair shares a story about an incident involving a Youth Exchange student,
Amy, and her older host brothers friend Malick. One day, when Malick was alone with Amy, he asked
her on a date. Amy turned him down because she was not interested in dating him. But even after that,
Malick asked her out several more times. Amy felt uncomfortable and told her host mother about it. Her
host mother told her in their culture, a woman turns down a man four or ve times if she is interested in
him.
Scenario 3: Lao
You receive a phone call from a volunteer seeking your advice on a situation involving Lao, a Youth
Exchange student. Lao reported that her host father showers with the door open and then walks around
the house with no clothes on. A week ago, Laos host father left two pornographic magazines next to
her bed. The volunteer believed Lao, but he had no idea what to do. He sent the girl home to her host
family and called you.
1. What happened to the exchange student in each scenario? Was it sexual abuse? Was it harassment?
Who should determine this?
2. To whom did the exchange student disclose the incident? How did that person react?
3. In each situation, what did the person who received the report do right? What should have been done
differently?
74
HANDOUT 6
Role of the Host Family
Provide a safe, nonthreatening, respectful, and appropriate environment in which trust and friendship
between you and the student can develop.
Support the student and make the student feel part of your family. Listen to the student.
Maintain close contact with the host Rotary club so that any problems may be addressed and resolved
quickly.
Participate in training and orientation offered by the Rotary club or district for host families.
Be informed of any special needs your student may have, such as dietary restrictions or medical
concerns.
Ensure the student knows how to contact the people in his or her support network, and do not feel
threatened if the student feels unable to discuss problems with you.
Voice any questions or concerns you may have about your student even seemingly insignicant
ones to the students counselor or host Rotary club president or district Youth Exchange chair.
Know how to contact Rotary representatives and community services quickly in case of emergency.
Establish communication with your student before he or she comes to live with your family; if possible,
communicate with students family at home.
Provide room and board for your student. The student must have his or her own bed. If the student
must share a room, it should be with a child of the same gender and similar age, if possible.
Celebrate your students birthday and other special occasions.
Exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure your students well-being.
Strive to understand the challenges your student is facing as he or she experiences life in a new country.
Help your student become involved in community life by introducing him or her to neighbors, friends,
and community groups.
Teach your student about your culture and learn about the culture in your students home country.
Understand the program rules applicable to the student and to your family.
Throughout the exchange, advise your student about matters such as school, family, community functions, and choosing friends.
75
HANDOUT 7
Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse and harassment may include:
Extreme activity or withdrawal
Displays of low self-esteem
Expressing general feelings of shame
Fear, particularly toward certain individuals
Declining school performance
Eating disorder
Insomnia
Irritability or angry outbursts
Difculty concentrating
Avoidance of people, places, and things that might remind him or her of the incident
Anxiety or depression
Nightmares
Headache, gastrointestinal distress, or abdominal, back, or pelvic pain
Suicidal thoughts
Involvement with drugs or alcohol
Aggressive/risk-taking behavior or antisocial behavior
Source: American Medical Association, Strategies for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Assault
(www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/386/sexualassault.pdf)
76
HANDOUT 8
1. Listen attentively and stay calm. Acknowledge that it takes a lot of courage to report abuse. It is appropriate to listen and be encouraging. Do not express shock, horror, or disbelief.
2. Assure privacy but not condentiality. Explain that you will have to tell someone about the abuse/
harassment to make it stop and to ensure that it doesnt happen to others.
3. Get the facts, but dont interrogate. Ask questions that establish what was done and who did it.
Reassure the young person that he or she did the right thing in telling you. Avoid asking why questions. Remember your responsibility is to present the story to the proper authorities.
4. Be nonjudgmental and reassure the youth participant. Do not be critical of anything that has happened or anyone who may be involved. It is especially important not to blame or criticize the young
person. Assure the young person that the situation was not his or her fault and that he or she was brave
and mature to come to you.
5. Record. Keep a written record of the conversation as soon after the report as you can, including the
date and time of the conversation. Use the young persons words, and record only what has been told
to you.
6. Contact youth protection or legal authorities. Rotarians and other adults involved in youth programs
are not trained professionals with expertise in determining the seriousness or legal implications of an
allegation; therefore, they should not decide whether an allegation constitutes abuse or harassment
unless the decision is made in close consultation with youth protection service agencies, law enforcement, or a district youth protection ofcer trained in handling allegations of abuse or harassment
toward young people.
7. Report to Rotary contact. Inform your Rotary contact either the district youth protection ofcer,
district youth programs chair, or district governor who will then contact RI within 72 hours.
77
HANDOUT 9
Because youth participants may sometimes be uncomfortable bringing their concerns to a Rotarian, adult
volunteers should watch for signs and step in to support them when necessary.
Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow.
Rita, 17, is an outgoing, trusting, and intelligent girl who was eager to begin her year abroad to experience living in another country. When Rita arrived, she found a Rotary club excited to host her and a
district dedicated to making her feel that she is part of a strong group. She has made friends both in
school and among the other exchange students. She is very popular with adults and students alike.
Now, halfway through her exchange, a progress report from Ritas host club indicates that she has
missed the past three Rotary meetings, which she was required to attend. In the report, Ritas new host
family notes that Rita wont participate in family activities or even clean up her room and she refuses to
eat the food her host mother prepares.
1. What kinds of problems do you think Rita might be experiencing?
2. How can you tell whether these are signs that Rita is experiencing sexual abuse or harassment or that
she is having some other kind of problem?
3. What additional information do you need if you havent seen Rita in person lately?
4. What do you think is the best way to approach Rita to nd out what is going on?
78
HANDOUT 10
Part 1: A Student Reports
Jacob, 16, has been on exchange for six months. A week ago, Jacobs host mother called his counselor.
She told the counselor that Jacob snuck out of the house again the previous night and returned home
drunk. He refused to tell her where he had been and locked himself in his room. Jacobs host mother is
tired of dealing with him, and she wants the Rotary district to send him home.
Jacobs counselor sets up a meeting with Jacob. At the meeting, Jacob refuses to talk about his behavior, saying only that his host mother doesnt know whats going on. The club Youth Exchange ofcer
is out of town until next week, so the counselor writes up a report and arranges to meet with the ofcer
when he returns. In the meantime, the counselor calls the district Youth Exchange committee and
explains the situation because Jacob will be attending the district conference that weekend under the
supervision of several club members and will participate in activities arranged by the district committee.
The rst night of the conference, the district Youth Exchange chair is awakened at 0215 by pounding on
the hotel room door. The district ofcer opens the door to nd Jacob pacing back and forth in the hall.
Jacob immediately storms past the ofcer into the room and blurts out, My club is threatening to send
me home! A Rotarian is telling lies about me.
Jacob tells you that he has gotten into a relationship with the host club youth programs chair, a 45-yearold-woman, and that it has gone too far. Jacob says he cant tell anyone from his host club because they
are all friends with her.
1. How would you continue the conversation with Jacob?
2. What did you do to make Jacob feel like he could talk to you about this?
3. How will you learn what was going on without pushing Jacob too far?
4. What would you avoid doing or saying?
79
Part 2: Creating a Response Plan

After speaking with Jacob and taking his initial report, several actions must be taken in order to be in
compliance with RI and district policy. Create a four-step action plan for an immediate response.
1.
2.
3.
4.
What immediate action will you take with respect to Jacob?
Which other individuals will you notify of the situation?
Who should be involved in investigating the allegation? What additional factors will you need to know in
order to determine who else to involve?
At this time, what course of action should be taken with the club youth programs chair against whom the
allegation has been made?
80
Part 3: Stay or Go Home

Youth Exchange students who experience abuse or harassment may not report it because of fear that
they will be sent home. Youth Exchange ofcers share responsibility for supporting a culture in which
students reporting an incident of abuse or harassment will be sent home only if the students parents wish
the student to return home, the student wishes to return home, or the students safety requires returning
home. Protecting a Rotarians reputation is not a reason to send a student home early.
Scenario
Jacob has reported to the district Youth Exchange chair that he was in a relationship with the club
youth programs chair. The incident has been reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency,
which is investigating the allegation as sexual abuse because Jacob is a minor. The club ofcer has
been removed from her position and barred from all contact with youth in Rotary programs, and her
club president has asked her to take a leave of absence from the club. A committee has been formed
to decide what to do next.
The club youth programs chair says her relationship with Jacob has been misconstrued. Several other
club members have submitted a signed letter to the committee saying they saw Jacob out late drinking
with members of the high school track team, and the host club Youth Exchange ofcer says that most
club members believe Jacob has made up the claims to hide his rule breaking. The evidence that Jacob
has consumed alcohol during his exchange is strong, and at least half of the committee believes Jacob
should be sent home as a result. They argue it would be better for him to be with his family for emotional support anyway. Most of the committee thinks that if Jacob goes home, the police will probably
give up their investigation of the matter.
Jacob doesnt want to go home. He says that he only started drinking because the club youth programs
chair bought him souvenirs and expensive alcohol when she took him on weekend trips and he felt
he couldnt say no to the gifts. He tells the district Youth Exchange chair that the threats to send him
home make him feel like no one believes him and that the club is punishing him for harming the youth
programs chairs reputation. He is very worried that everyone will nd out what happened if he gets
sent home early.
1. If you were the district Youth Exchange chair, what would you say to the Rotarians who are deciding
what should happen with Jacobs exchange?
2. What are your responsibilities to Jacob, to his family, and to Rotary?
3. How can you build a culture that prevents students from being sent home early for the wrong reasons?
81
HANDOUT 11
Be an advocate for student.
Support student and make student feel part of the Rotary family.
Be the liaison between student and Rotary club, host family, school, and community at large.
Provide guidance and counseling to student in matters such as choosing classes, friends, and activities.
Assist student in adapting to culture and language.
Maintain and document regular contact (at least once a month) with student.
Listen attentively to students comments and concerns.
Provide student with general information about host club and area, including a list of contact information for people and organizations student can contact if he or she needs help.
Establish contact with student before arrival and explain expectations of club and district.
Work with community and students school to ensure that student is involved in positive activities and
community life.
Help inform student about sexual abuse and harassment and create a supportive atmosphere in which
student feels comfortable to discuss his or her concerns.
Know district and RI policy on abuse and harassment prevention.
Be aware of signs and symptoms of sexual abuse and harassment and appropriate actions to take.
82
HANDOUT 12
Role of the District and Club Youth Exchange Ofcer
Both District and Club Youth Exchange Ofcers
Develop an effective support system for Youth Exchange students.
Comply with all district and RI youth protection policies.
Coordinate participation in Youth Exchange, and work closely with club or district Youth Exchange
committee to complete all club or district Youth Exchange responsibilities.
Know all RI and district policies and procedures and ensure that they are followed in the administration
of the Youth Exchange program.
Carefully screen, interview, and select all students your club will sponsor on an exchange.
Carefully screen, interview, and select all adult volunteers in the program.
Ensure that all participants understand expectations and responsibilities.
Maintain regular communication with inbound and outbound students throughout exchange (this
includes maintaining a list of all students, with contact information).
Coordinate travel plans and visa arrangements.
Create or review club or district Youth Exchange policies.
Respond immediately and thoroughly to any allegation.
District Youth Exchange Ofcers

Communicate continually with international contacts when placing or receiving students and throughout every exchange.
Serve as liaison between districts outside country and clubs within district.
Keep district governor informed of all Youth Exchange activity in district.
Club Youth Exchange Ofcers

Ensure that host families, parents, students, and counselors participate in training and orientation on
abuse and harassment prevention.
Keep club president informed of all Youth Exchange activity in club.
Coordinate students placement with host families and schools.
83
HANDOUT 13
Developing a Support System
Young people are especially vulnerable to abuse and harassment when they are socially isolated or uncomfortable with their environment. District Youth Exchange ofcers can help build a support system for
students, connecting them to a network of resources in their new countries.
Write at least one way you can help connect students to each resource in the diagram. If your community
offers other resources, include those in the empty spaces.
Host Rotary club

and district
Friends in host
community
Sponsor Rotary
club and district
Family and
friends at
home
Sports clubs
and other youth
activities
School
Local support services

(teen hotlines, medical
care providers,
emergency services)
Host family
Rotarian counselor
Community groups
(civic, service, religious)
What special barriers separate exchange students from their communities, and how will you overcome
them?
84
HANDOUT 14
Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Parents
participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians partners, and any volunteers to
safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
of children and young people with whom they come into contact.
Parents Guide to Preparing Students for Study Abroad

Young people have many self-protection skills. Your job now is to help reinforce and support those skills
in a positive way to better prepare your student for study abroad. Students who exude condence, have
clear support systems, and are willing to tell people when they feel at risk or uncomfortable are far less
likely to be victims of theft, abuse, harassment, or other criminal acts.
Get to know the people who will be taking care of your son or daughter.
Encourage your child to talk about his or her fears or concerns and dont belittle them.
Keep the lines of communication open.
Let your student know you have the resources to help.
List four things you can do between now and your sons or daughters departure to prepare him or her for
a safe exchange experience:
85
HANDOUT 15
Case Study: Parents of Exchange Students
Parents of Youth Exchange students share responsibility for students safety by encouraging students to
talk about their fears and concerns, keeping communication open, and letting students know you have
the resources to help.
Scenario 1: Michael
Michaels parents are worried that Michael, 15, isnt ready to be an exchange student. Hes never been
out of the country or spent more than a week away from his parents. On the car ride home from orientation, his parents talk to each other while Michael listens to his music. They think this is a good time to
talk about Michaels exchange and what they want him to know before he leaves. They try to engage
him in a conversation, hoping it might lead to a discussion about how to avoid risky situations and who
to talk to if something happens.
Scenario 2: Sasha
Sasha gets along well with her parents, other adults, and her peers. She is very enthusiastic and wants
to talk about every aspect of her trip, but she also tends to think she knows it all and doesnt really
need her parents guidance. Usually, when they try to give her advice, she says, Yeah, Yeah, I know,
just to move on to a more interesting topic. Sasha and her parents are talking, and her parents want to
reinforce some of the risk-avoidance skills Sasha already has and discuss some of the risks that will be
present while Sasha is abroad.
Scenario 3: Mai
Mai, 16, is very excited about being a Youth Exchange student and becomes defensive every time her
parents bring up their concerns for her safety. She thinks theyre being too protective and wishes theyd
get off her back. Mai and her parents have just heard a heard a story on the radio about a teacher arrested for sexually abusing a student. Mais parents think this is a good, natural conversation starter for
talking to Mai about protecting herself from abuse and harassment while she is living abroad.
1. What are some techniques to start a conversation on safety abroad?
2. What topics would you like to cover?
3. What are some of the difcult subjects that you may want to avoid talking about? How will you plan to
address them?
4. What can you do to make your son or daughter feel like he or she can talk to you about safety issues or
concerns about studying abroad?
86
HANDOUT 16
Preparing for a Safe Exchange Experience: Students
Rotary Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth
participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians partners, and any volunteers to
safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
of children and young people with whom they come into contact.
Students Guide to Preparing for Study Abroad

Throughout your life, youve learned many self-protection skills. Your job now is to learn how to apply those skills in a new environment and to develop new skills that will help you keep safe during your
exchange. Students who exude condence, know where to go for support, and are willing to tell people
when they feel at risk or uncomfortable are less likely to be victims of theft, abuse, harassment, or other
criminal acts.
Get to know your Rotarian counselor, your host families, your club and district ofcers, and other adults
who are there to support you. Before you leave home, begin corresponding with the members of your
support system abroad.
Talk with your parents about concerns you or they may have. Learn to be comfortable talking about
your worries.
Keep the lines of communication open.
Study the language, culture, and community of your destination so youll be prepared to avoid risks
and seek assistance when you arrive.
List four things you can do between now and your departure date to prepare for a safe exchange
experience:
87
HANDOUT 17
Cultural Considerations
Relative Values
Living in another country gives you an opportunity to learn what is different from what you know. As a
Youth Exchange student, youll discover many differences between the values and norms in your home
and host countries, including different ways of dressing to differences in relationships between males
and females.
In your home or host country . . .
Do young people address adults by their rst names or last names?
How do family members greet one another? What are the customary greetings among friends? schoolmates? business associates? men? women?
How common is kissing or hugging among nonfamily members? holding hands?
Is the style of dress modest? casual? formal?
What gestures are considered obscene, offensive, or rude?
How close do people usually stand to one another when talking?
Behaviors that are considered rude in some places may be considered normal or even complimentary in
others places. For instance:
Whistling
Pointing
Winking
Keeping your hands in your pockets while talking
Making direct eye contact
Chewing gum
Slurping while eating soup
Crossing your legs while sitting
Gesturing with your hands while speaking
88
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Abuse and Harassment Prevention

Abuse and Harassment Prevention

Awareness and Prevention

Rotary International has a long and successful history of providing service

Rotary International takes youth protection very seriously. As the subject of

Awareness and Prevention

Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Only about 1 percent to 4 percent of sexual abuse allegations prove to be

Definitions of Abuse and Harassment

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Signs of Abuse and Harassment

could also be considered typical teen behavior. A normally outgoing and

Exchange students who are making cultural adjustments to the host

Developing Youth Protection Policies

To be certied by RI, districts participating in Youth Exchange must

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Privacy for youth participants (especially protection of personal information;

Key Policy Elements

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Other Youth Protection Policies

Volunteer Selection and Screening

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Background Checks and Criminal Record Checks

The Youth Exchange program requires all adults (Rotarians and

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Abuse and harassment prevention training is required for all adult

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Reporting and Follow-through

Protecting the safety and well-being of young people participating in Rotary

Report all allegations and other serious incidents accidents,

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

When Law Enforcement Is Not Involved

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

District Youth Protection Officer

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

District Review Committee

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Sample District Youth Exchange

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Sexual harassment. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or

3. Incorporation of District Youth Exchange Program and Liability

4. Volunteer Selection and Screening

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

5. Student Selection and Screening

Complete a written application and be interviewed to determine suitability

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

7. Allegation Reporting Guidelines

8. Follow-through and Review Guidelines

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Establish procedures for reporting, investigating, and handling noncriminal

10. Club Compliance

Participating clubs must agree to carry out the following:

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual

Additional recommendations: Although not required, districts may wish to

Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth

Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual