Regulation .35 Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting.

An operator shall ensure that:

Child abuse allegations or incidents are reported as prescribed in Family Law Article, §§5-704 and 5-705, Annotated Code of Maryland;

A written child abuse prevention and reporting program is prepared and implemented at the camp that includes procedures for:

(1)

Educating staff members and volunteers;

(2)

Reporting child abuse both internally and externally;

(3)

Screening staff members and volunteers prior to working at camp;

(4)

Reinforcing the camp’s policies and procedures during camp operation;

(5)

Evaluating the facilities and grounds;

(6)

Supervising campers;

(7)

Educating on appropriate touching;

(8)

Responding to inappropriate behaviors by staff, volunteers, parents, and campers;

(9)

Communicating with staff members, volunteers, parents, the Department, and the media;

(10)

Supporting an alleged victim; and

(11)

Interacting with an alleged perpetrator;

Not more than 30 calendar days before working at the camp, each staff member or volunteer:

(1)

Is trained in the child abuse prevention and reporting program required in §B of this regulation;

(2)

Demonstrates knowledge of the child abuse prevention and reporting procedures; and

(3)

Is provided with the opportunity to discuss the procedures and have any questions answered by a supervisor; and

Documentation is kept on file that each staff member or volunteer received the training required in §C of this regulation.