Where Safety Meets Opportunity

Safety is Our Priority

At the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City (BGCAC), the safety and well-being of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Our comprehensive safety framework aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) national standards, New Jersey regulations, and best practices in youth development.

At the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, child safety is foundational to everything we do. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse or misconduct and enforce clear, comprehensive safety policies for all staff, volunteers, and visitors. Every adult in our organization is a mandated reporter, required to act immediately if there is any concern regarding a child’s well-being.

Safety at BGCAC is not static—it is reinforced through ongoing training, accountability, and continuous review. We work in close partnership with families to ensure transparency, trust, and shared responsibility in keeping every child safe.

Child Abuse Prevention

We take proactive steps to prevent abuse before it can occur. Private one-on-one interactions between adults and youth are strictly prohibited, and all staff and volunteers follow clearly defined guidelines for appropriate physical and verbal interactions.

All team members complete BGCA-approved training annually in child abuse prevention, grooming prevention, and mandated reporting. These trainings ensure staff can recognize early warning signs and respond appropriately.

Any alleged violation of our safety policies results in immediate suspension pending investigation. Any suspicion of abuse is reported without delay to Club leadership and the appropriate authorities, in full compliance with state and federal law.

Safe Supervision & Club Environments

BGCAC maintains safe, well-supervised environments at all times. Youth are continuously supervised by trained adult staff, and staff-to-youth ratios are carefully defined based on age and program type.

Our program spaces are designed with clear lines of sight, and access to non-program areas is restricted and secured. Building entry and exit points are monitored, and restroom use is supervised using best-practice safety protocols to protect privacy while ensuring accountability.

Staff & Volunteer Screening

Every adult who works with our members is thoroughly screened before being allowed to engage with youth. This includes comprehensive criminal background checks at the national, state, and local levels, as well as checks of national and state sex offender registries.

Candidates also complete behavioral-based interviews and reference checks. Once selected, staff and volunteers participate in formal onboarding and safety orientation, acknowledge all safety policies annually, and are re-screened on a regular basis to ensure continued compliance.

Transportation Safety

When youth are transported as part of BGCAC programming, safety remains paramount. Only Club-approved vehicles are used, and youth are never transported alone with a single staff member.

Transportation procedures require multiple individuals to be present at all times, and all vehicles meet state inspection, maintenance, and safety requirements. Drivers receive specialized screening and training to ensure the safe transport of our members.

Technology & Digital Safety

We promote responsible, age-appropriate use of technology to support learning while protecting youth online. Technology use is limited to approved educational purposes, and all internet access is content-filtered and monitored.

Strict rules prohibit cyberbullying, harassment, or inappropriate content. Devices are never permitted in restrooms or private spaces, and staff follow clear communication guidelines when interacting with youth and families. Parent or guardian consent is required before members use Club technology.

Incident Reporting & Emergency Preparedness

BGCAC is prepared to respond swiftly and responsibly to any safety concern. Clear internal and external incident reporting procedures are in place, and all critical incidents are immediately reported to Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the appropriate authorities.

Our Emergency Operations Plan is reviewed annually, and staff participate in regular drills for fire, severe weather, lockdowns, and other emergencies. At least one CPR- or First Aid–certified staff member is on site during all operating hours.