Youth Protection Program in Texas
FIRST in Texas takes the safety of our students, coaches, volunteers and staff seriously. Our priority is always to protect our young Texans participating in this program. The purpose of the Youth Protection Program is to give everyone involved information, guidelines and procedures to create a safe environment.
To help safeguard our kids:
- Require all adults on your teams (that are not licensed educators) to be background checked.
- Require all adults working with a team to complete Youth Protection Training as a group.
- Require all adults working with the team to complete Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training.
- Actively discuss safety and youth protection techniques and warning signs with your team members.
- Discourage direct messaging between coaches/ mentors and students via social media or unofficial communication platforms. Always use official systems.
- Report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior to law enforcement immediately!
FIRST in Texas / FIRST Core Values:
We express the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through our Core Values:
Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Quick Links:
- Youth Protection Guide
- Youth Protection Training Videos
- When and How to Report Child Abuse
- Report a Concern
- Texas – Safety Pledge (Poster)
- Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Training & Resources
Youth Protection Program Guide:
Anyone participating in FIRST should be knowledgeable about our Youth Protection policies and training. The Youth Protection Guide/ training covers the fundamental guidelines and requirements for all our participants.
Report Child Abuse and Neglect
Texas law requires anyone with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect to report it to the appropriate authorities. This mandatory reporting applies to all individuals and is not limited to teachers or health care professionals. The law even extends to individuals whose personal communications may be otherwise privileged, such as attorneys, clergy members, and health care professionals. You can find when and how to report child abuse here: When and How to Report Child Abuse
Report a Concern
We encourage anyone participating in FIRST or in attendance of our events to leave feedback using our portal. Feedback – FIRST in Texas Please do not use this feedback portal to report an incident involving a child if there is an immediate danger to a child or if a crime has occurred.
To report a concern to Law Enforcement: Community Reporting System
If it is an emergency, please call 911
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Training & Resources
FIRST in Texas is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all our participants. https://firstintexas.org/dei is core to its operation and its programs. Here are some things you can do to self-evaluate:
Does your team leadership reflect your community
Does your volunteers / mentors reflect your community
Does your team roster reflect your community
https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/training-equity-diversity-inclusion
Mental Health
Mental health struggles go beyond just feeling blue. It can impact so many areas in their lives and that’s why prioritizing mental health and wellness is incredibly important.
You are not alone. All participants and volunteers are part of our FIRST in Texas family. If you need to talk, please take the time to reach out to a friend, loved one or your coach.
If it is something you are not comfortable talking about with them, you can call / text 988 from any phone in Texas to speak with a professional confidentially.
Together, we are FIRST in Texas… reach out and talk to someone!