Bigfoot Wilderness School LLC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all participants. We take proactive steps to prevent abuse, including sexual abuse and misconduct, and to respond appropriately when concerns arise. This policy outlines our prevention practices, staff expectations, and reporting procedures.

Staff Screening and Training

• All adult staff and volunteers (ages 18 and older) must pass a background check before working with children.
• Interns under age 18 are supervised at all times and are never left alone with students.
• All staff receive annual training on:

   

  • Recognizing signs of abuse and grooming
  • Maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Responding to disclosures or suspicions of abuse

     

• Abuse prevention is included in our staff orientation and ongoing development.

Supervision and Behavior Guidelines

• One-on-one interactions between adults and minors are minimized and avoided when possible.
• All activities must be conducted in areas that are visible and interruptible.
• Staff and volunteers may not have private communication with minors outside of the program.
• Physical contact must be appropriate, non-sexual, and based on the needs and comfort of the child.
• Staff may not share sleeping arrangements with minors unless the adult is a parent/guardian and the setting is open and supervised.

Prohibited Conduct

The following actions are strictly prohibited and result in immediate dismissal and reporting:

• Sexual contact, communication, or misconduct with a minor
• Use of sexually explicit language or materials around children
• Private or secret relationships with minors
• Sharing personal photos, gifts, or engaging in favoritism
• Taking photos or videos without a program-related purpose and parental consent

Mandatory Reporting

In accordance with Texas Family Code § 261.101, anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is required to report it.

• Reports must be made as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after becoming aware of the concern.
• All staff are trained on their legal obligation to report and understand that failure to do so is a criminal offense.

To report suspected abuse in Texas:
Phone: 1-800-252-5400
Online: www.txabusehotline.org

Response to Allegations

• All reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially and with urgency.
• The Program Director will act immediately to ensure the safety of all students and notify appropriate parties, including families and authorities.
• Any staff member involved in a report will be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.

Our Commitment to Families

We are committed to building a culture of safety, accountability, and trust. Parents are encouraged to ask questions, raise concerns, and work with us to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for every child.