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Protecting Every Child, Every Day
Safety First
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia and Flagler Counties (BGCVFC), the safety and well-being of every young person entrusted to our care is our highest responsibility.
Each day, hundreds of youth walk through the doors of our Clubs across Volusia and Flagler counties. Families trust us to provide a place where their children can learn, grow, and build great futures in an environment that is safe, structured, and supportive.
Because of that trust, safety is embedded into every aspect of our organization — from how our facilities are designed to how we train, screen, and supervise the adults who serve our youth.
For many of the young people we serve, the Club is more than an after-school program. It is a place of stability, encouragement, and protection. Our commitment is to ensure that every child who enters our doors feels secure, respected, and valued.
Our Commitment to Youth Safety
Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties is committed to maintaining the highest standards of youth protection by providing:
- Safe, welcoming Club environments where youth can learn and grow
- Caring professionals trained in youth development and trauma-informed care
- Comprehensive safety policies aligned with Boys & Girls Clubs of America national standards
- Rigorous background screening and training for staff, volunteers, and board members
- Clear reporting procedures to ensure accountability and transparency
Safety is not simply a requirement for us. It is a core value that guides every decision we make.
Safe Club Environments
Our Clubs are designed and operated with youth safety as a priority.
Facilities across BGCVFC are maintained to support effective supervision and secure programming spaces. Our campuses are structured to allow staff clear visibility into activity areas and to eliminate blind spots wherever possible.
- Safety practices include:
- Secure entry procedures
- Supervised program areas
- Clearly posted emergency procedures
- Age-appropriate spaces for youth and teens
- Regular facility inspections and maintenance
In addition, every BGCVFC Club participates in annual national safety assessments required by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure that our environments meet the highest youth protection standards.
Staff Training and Professional Development
The adults who serve our youth are trained professionals dedicated to creating positive and safe experiences for young people.
BGCVFC staff receive ongoing training in:
- Mandated reporter responsibilities under Florida law
- Prevention and recognition of child abuse
- Trauma-informed youth engagement
- Social-emotional learning practices
- Emergency response procedures
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Safe supervision and youth protection standards
These trainings ensure that our team members are equipped not only to protect youth, but also to support their emotional and developmental needs.
Background Checks and Screening
Protecting young people begins with ensuring that every adult who enters our Clubs meets strict screening requirements.
BGCVFC requires:
- Level 2 criminal background checks with fingerprinting for all staff and volunteers
- Background screening before any adult has contact with youth members
- Annual background check renewals
- Reference verification for employees transferring between Clubs
- Screening procedures for board members involved in youth activities
No individual may interact with Club members until all background checks have been completed and approved.
Mandated Reporting & Accountability
All BGCVFC staff and volunteers are mandated reporters under Florida law.
Any suspected abuse, neglect, or safety concern must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.
In addition:
- Critical incidents are reported to Boys & Girls Clubs of America within 24 hours
- Reports may also be submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) when required
- Local law enforcement is contacted immediately if a child’s safety is at risk
BGCVFC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violations of youth safety procedures.
Club Safety Policies
Clear procedures help ensure that youth remain protected while participating in Club activities.
Key policies include:
• All visitors must sign in and out of the facility
• Visitors must be escorted while inside the Club
• Only approved individuals may pick up youth members
• Staff-to-youth supervision ratios are enforced at all times
• One-on-one unsupervised contact between adults and youth is prohibited
These procedures create a structured environment where young people can safely participate in programs and activities.
24-Hour Youth Safety Hotline
Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties partners with Praesidium, a nationally recognized leader in child abuse prevention.
Through this partnership, anyone — including staff, parents, volunteers, or community members — may report safety concerns confidentially.
Praesidium Safe Club Hotline
Phone: 1-866-607-SAFE (7233)
Email: SafeClub@Praesidiuminc.com
We encourage anyone who observes unsafe behavior or has concerns about youth safety to report it immediately.
Board Oversight and Safety Governance
The BGCVFC Board of Directors maintains active oversight of organizational safety practices through governance and policy review.
Working with executive leadership, the Board ensures that:
• Youth protection policies are regularly reviewed and updated
• Safety training requirements are maintained
• Club facilities meet national safety standards
• Incident reporting procedures are followed
• Safety assessments are conducted annually
Through this governance structure, safety remains a top organizational priority.
Substance Abuse Prevention Resources
BGCVFC works with community partners to educate youth and families about substance abuse prevention and healthy decision-making.
Helpful resources include:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association
- Local prevention and counseling services
Our goal is to equip young people with the knowledge and support they need to make healthy choices.
Questions or Safety Concerns
If you have questions or concerns regarding youth safety, please contact:
Dr. Camesha Whittaker-Samuel
Chief Executive Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia and Flagler Counties
(386) 734-0555
Our Promise to Families
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties, we believe every child deserves a place where they feel safe, supported, and inspired.
By maintaining rigorous safety standards, strong oversight, and a culture of accountability, we ensure that our Clubs remain trusted places where young people can grow, learn, and build great futures.
Give them a place to go as they grow.
Help us in our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens and leaders.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties
101 N Woodland Blvd., Suite 400, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 734-0555
M-F: 9am-5pm, S-S: Closed
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.