The Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestras (“KJSOs”) have adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of participating members (“Members”). In the course of activities of the KJSOs, parents, guardians, Adult Leaders, and Members are to abide by these policies.
Guiding Principles
All Adult Leaders of the KJSOs shall be required to undergo an annual criminal background check. For purposes of these policies, an “Adult Leader” shall be anyone falling into one of the following categories:
All adult staff members of the KJSOs;
Any contractors or subcontractors of the KJSOs who are in regular and direct contact with Members in conjunction with KJSO activities;
All members of the Board of Directors of the KJSOs (“Board Member”) and any committees or subcommittees of the Board,
whether formally appointed or ad hoc in nature;
All volunteers for any tours, day trips, camps, or other situations whereby extended and individualized contact with
Members may be involved.
2. In situations requiring a personal conference, the meeting is to be conducted with the knowledge or in view of other adults or Members, or both.
Responsibilities
1. Parents and Guardians are solely responsible:
for travel arrangements to and from activities of the KJSOs and who may be providing that transportation;
and for providing sufficient contact information so that communications with Members can be monitored.
2. Adult Leaders and Members share responsibility for the well-being of all participants in activities of the KJSOs.
Adult Leaders are responsible for actively monitoring behavior of Members and intervening when necessary. However, Adult Leaders and Members must respect each other’s privacy, especially in situations such as changing clothes, restrooms, and accommodations.
Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, unauthorized weapons, hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography may result in removal of Members and/or the imposition of sanctions and/or remedial measures for Members and others.
Additional Considerations:
Restrooms and Accommodations
Separate restroom facilities should be provided for males and females. If separate facilities are not available, then facilities with locks must be provided or separate times scheduled. However, anyone who is uncomfortable using a shared gender-segregated facility, regardless of the reason, shall, upon request, be provided with a safe and non-stigmatizing alternative.
Except for married couples and parents or guardians with their children, separate sleeping arrangements (e.g. on tours and overnight camps) must be provided for male and female Adult Leaders as well as for male and female Members.
Reporting Requirements
Adult Leaders and Members have a responsibility to recognize, respond to, and report violations of these policies. Depending on the particular circumstances, concerns should be brought to the attention of the Executive Director, any staff member of the KJSOs, any Board Member, or the attorney for the Board, Stuart H. Deming at (202) 409-8208. Confidential and anonymous disclosures will be respected. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911.
Special Requirements for the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
All persons involved in activities of the KJSOs shall report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any Member is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. This reporting responsibility cannot be delegated to any other person.
Steps to Reporting Child Abuse
Ensure the Member is in a safe environment;
Kalamazoo Child Protective Services at (269) 337-5046 must be contacted. If one cannot get through to Kalamazoo Child Protective Services, call 911 to report the abuse. Within 72 hours after making the oral report, the reporting person shall file a written report. Failure to report by those required can result not only in civil liability, but also criminal misdemeanor charges; and
Notify the Executive Director of the KJSOs, a Board Member, or the attorney for the Board, Stuart H. Deming at (202) 409-8208.