Rationale for YouthSafe Outdoors

The need for YSO is based on a number of interacting factors, including:

• youth's need for programs involving activities they are interested in (i.e., outdoor activities, aquatics);
• the need to increase physical activity levels of youth to combat obesity;
• a record of injury incidents involving youth engaged in physical activities and travel;
• the great physical, social and economic toll of overweight, obesity and preventable injuries;
• the impact and costs of legal liability actions and public inquiries related to preventable injuries;
• a lack of current, well-articulated risk management policies, procedures and practices in the education and recreation sport and youth-development;
• the need to address occupational health and safety of staff and volunteers;
• recognition of the autonomy and values of organizations;
• youths’ need for age-appropriate safety and self-reliance training; and
• a need for appropriate home support resources for parents/guardians.

Objectives

The objectives of YouthSafe Outdoors are summarized by the intent to build the four Cs:

Capacity – consistent performance of risk management functions within and across youth-serving systems.

Competence – personnel with the knowledge, skills and judgment they need to understand and fulfill their risk management related obligations.

Confidence – positive, affirmative, systems-based action to enhance organization and community peace of mind that activities are sufficiently safe.

Culture – leadership, modeling and instruction of youth and families toward developing a strong culture of safety and security.

YouthSafe Outdoors strives to enhance the risk management related effectiveness, efficiency, economy of effort and peace of mind of all partners in the equation of the safe youth program.

Criteria for Successful Risk Management