Behavior/Safety Policies
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In addition to Safety Activity Checkpoints, which you should consult before each troop activity, these policies explain some of the “do’s and don’ts” when it comes to behavior and safety related issues. This includes how to report an incident, accident, or suspected abuse.
Behavior 
Relationships
Relationships built through Girl Scout activities are intended to be platonic (i.e., friendly and not romantic or sexual). Public displays of affection (i.e., PDA or romantic touching) during GSNEO events are discouraged. This policy applies to all members of GSNEO, including Girl Scouts, volunteers, and employees.
Adult Behavior
Any adult, member or otherwise, whose behavior is not in keeping with the standards outlined in the Girl Scout Promise and Law, Volunteer Essentials, their respective position description, as well as those set forth by this council may be ineligible to volunteer, may be terminated from their position, may be barred from attending Girl Scout activities, and/or may be barred from GSNEO properties. All adults are compelled to comply with the guidelines set forth in the Parent/Caregiver Support Agreement and the spirit of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Reasons for immediate dismissal include but are not limited to:
- Violence or physical contact (including fights, pushing, physical intimidation); including direct or indirect threats;
- Sexual abuse or sexual harassment
- Physical neglect of girl members, including failure to provide adequate safety measures, care, and supervision in relation to Girl Scout activities
- Emotional maltreatment of members, including verbal abuse and/or verbal attacks.
Any witness to any such behaviors listed above is expected to report the behavior, including reports to local authorities if the situation is an immediate threat. Reporting to GSNEO is also required utilizing the Incident/Accident Report Form.
Youth Behavior
GSNEO encourages volunteers to use the Girl Scout Code of Conduct Agreement to set behavioral expectations and consequences within a troop setting. Volunteers must work with council staff to attempt to resolve behavior issues that negatively impact the troop environment. Council staff will make reasonable efforts to engage the parent/caregiver of the Girl Scout in question for assistance in resolving behavioral issues. GSNEO reserves the right to remove a Girl Scout from a troop or limit participation in any other capacity (e.g., service unit or council events) after reasonable efforts have been made to correct behavior not aligned with Girl Scout Code of Conduct Agreement or when there is a concern for safety.
See Safety Activity Checkpoints and GSNEO’s No Prob-Llamas: Conflict Resolution for Girls curriculum for additional guidelines and resources about youth violence and bullying.
No Prob-Llamas: Conflict Resolution for Girls
Anti-Harassment
The council is committed to an environment and climate in which relationships are characterized by dignity, respect, courtesy, and equitable treatment. It is the policy of the organization to provide all with an environment free from all forms of unlawful or unwelcomed harassment, hostility, and bullying; and therefore, it will not be tolerated.
This policy includes physical violence as well as intimidation, stalking, coercion, display of weapons, threats, and talking or joking about harassment or hostility, whether in person or through some other means of communications such as writing, phone, voice mail, email, or any form of social media.
Bullying/Cyberbullying
According to the US Department of Health and Human Resources, “bullying” is defined as aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength, typically repeated over time.
Cyberbullying is bullying that occurs online. Whether cyberbullying occurs in email, text message, an online game, or on a social networking site, it is prohibited. This includes rumors or images posted online where other people may see them. GSNEO will cooperate with police, schools, and other organizations that share our values who are attempting to enforce laws, regulations, and rules regarding cyberbullying regardless of the potential punishment.
Anyone, regardless of volunteer or member status, who violates this policy and/or refuses to abide by this policy, is prohibited from holding volunteer positions with GSNEO and from attending Girl Scout activities, events, and meetings. Any volunteer who engages in or encourages bullying is subject to release from their volunteer position.
Sexual Harassment
The council reserves the right to refuse membership or reappointment and to dismiss or suspend from affiliation with the council any volunteer who is guilty of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual acts or favors, abusing the dignity of another through insulting or degrading sexual remarks or conduct, and threats or suggestions that a volunteer’s status is conditioned upon toleration of or acquiescence to sexual advances. Some examples of sexual harassment that could create a hostile environment include telling of sexual jokes or stories, the presence of sexually explicit photographs or other materials, making sexual comments about another person’s body, making sexual comments or innuendoes, asking personal questions about another person’s social or sexual life, staring, leering, and making sexual gestures.
Child Abuse
The council supports and maintains environments that are free of child abuse and neglect as defined by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
The council reserves the right to refuse membership, endorsement or reappointment, and to dismiss or to exclude from affiliation with the council, any volunteer who in the judgment of the council poses a risk of injury to a minor or is believed to have abused or neglected any child or who has been convicted of any crime against a child. Child abuse and neglect are unlawful acts and it is against the council’s policy for any volunteer member to physically, sexually, or mentally abuse another member or neglect any child. The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has zero tolerance for abuse and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of members in its programs.
If any volunteer reasonably suspects or reasonably believes a Girl Scout member is being abused, that volunteer should immediately report these suspicions to the Department of Job and Family Services, by calling 855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453). Reports can be anonymous and should be made in the county in which the child lives or was abused. The volunteer must also complete and file a GSNEO Incident/Accident Report Form within 24 hours.
If a volunteer is uncomfortable reporting their suspicions, the Volunteer Relations team at GSNEO may assist by making the official report, as GSNEO staff are mandated reporters.
All adults who work with Girl Scout youth members are REQUIRED by GSNEO’s insurance carrier to complete virtual Youth Protection Training on gsLearn. This training covers GSNEO policies, warning signs of child abuse and neglect, as well as how to report suspected abuse, and prevention strategies for keeping Girl Scout members safe.
Whistle Blower
Retaliation against anyone who has reported an allegation of harassment, sexual harassment, or any violation of any council policy is expressly prohibited and, if it occurs, will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination of the person who has engaged in the retaliatory behavior.
Conflict of Interest
GSNEO relies on dedicated and trusted volunteers to promote the mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
A conflict of interest exists when the interests or concerns of any volunteer member, any member of their family, or any party, group, or organization in which the volunteer is actively involved may be seen as competing with the interests or concerns of GSNEO.
Volunteer members or any member of their family, acting individually, or on behalf of another entity to which they have allegiance or obligation, should not utilize their position with GSNEO for any personal advantage or for the advantage of another entity.
Volunteers should not use for personal advantage or for the advantage of another entity, confidential information or material acquired through their position at GSNEO (including but not limited to rosters, mailing lists, phone directories, branded materials, social media pages, and the like).
Animals
Animals may not be brought onto any GSNEO property without the written permission of the Chief Executive Officer or their designee. Volunteers must follow Safety Activity Checkpoints for Animal Interaction when engaging with animals in programs activities. In accordance with ADA law, exceptions will be made for registered service animals needed to assist persons with disabilities. Individuals with service animals are not required to disclose the medical reason, and privacy should be respected. Emotional support animals, trained or untrained, are not permitted.
Smoking/Vaping/Tobacco
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio will be a tobacco and smoke-free environment. Smoking, use of other tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and vaping are not permitted on Girl Scouts of North East Ohio properties, whether in or around buildings, grounds, or camp properties. This includes inside personal vehicles in any GSNEO property parking lot.
Anyone wishing to smoke or use other tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes or vaporizers, must do so outside the perimeter of the properties. Smoking, use of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and vaping are never acceptable in the presence of youth members during Girl Scout activities, regardless of your location.
Troops or groups will be assessed a $100 cleaning fee for infractions on Girl Scout properties.
Drugs/Alcohol
No person may purchase, consume, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol, illegal or recreational drugs/substances, prescription, or over-the-counter medications which impair performance or judgment on GSNEO property, in the presence of youth members, during any GSNEO-sanctioned activity (including volunteer meetings), while conducting council business, or in Girl Scout branded clothing.
Alcohol or any substance which may impair one’s judgment must never be used by volunteers, adult members, or any other adult in the presence of a youth member immediately prior to, or during a Girl Scout activity. Alcoholic beverages may be served to/consumed by adults of legal age at council events when youth members are not present only when previously approved by the council Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer.
Youth members may be permitted to attend functions at locations where alcohol is incidentally being purchased by adults and then taken away to be consumed elsewhere, away from youth members. For example, an event taking place at an arena, stadium, theme park, movie theater, or places where alcoholic beverages are sold at a concession stand and taken away to be consumed is permissible.
Firearms/Weapons
Firearms and/or weapons are prohibited at any Girl Scout activity and on council-owned or leased property except when in the possession of a sworn officer of the law, a certified instructor, licensed wildlife control personnel, and/or trained adult while conducting a council-approved Girl Scout program activity.
First Aid/CPR/AED Training
A general first-aider is an adult who has taken Girl Scout approved first-aid and CPR training that includes specific instructions for child CPR, as well as AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training through the American Red Cross, National Safety Council, EMP America, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), or Medic. The certificates from these organizations require all students to have an in-person training skills test. GSNEO does not accept online-only certifications. Activities that require a general first-aider are identified in Safety Activity Checkpoints such as camping, backpacking, water sports, travel & trips (not an exhaustive list). GSNEO strongly encourages all troops to have a general first-aider present at all times and makes certification accessible and affordable. Additionally, troops must always have a first aid kit on hand.
Emergencies
If an emergency occurs, Girl Scout volunteers must follow GSNEO Emergency Action Plan, found at gsneo.org/emergency. These guidelines ensure that safety is the number one concern in any emergency situation, and volunteers are guided to seek help and report the incident efficiently and effectively. Volunteers should not make statements of ANY KIND to the media. Do NOT give out any names or information. Ask the media to contact GSNEO. If you have an emergency after business hours, call the emergency phone line at 330-472-2389. Volunteers must also refrain from posting and/or sharing pictures or comments on social media related to the emergency situation.
Volunteers are required to submit the GSNEO Incident/Accident Report Form to GSNEO within 24 hours of an incident/accident.
If a volunteer is subpoenaed regarding an incident that occurred during Girl Scouts, the volunteer must notify council.
Health and Medical
GSNEO respects the privacy of its members. Personal Health and Medical Forms are to be completed upon registration and then reviewed annually for all Girl Scouts and adult volunteers. A new form should be completed every three (3) years, and the original form can be initialed by the parent/caregiver or adult member in subsequent years. One copy stays in the troop leader/event coordinator’s possession, and one goes with the adult driver/chaperone if applicable. Volunteers may store files digitally for convenience, but should be mindful of technology accessibility and security, in case of emergency, and may wish to keep forms in a sealed envelope. The information contained on these forms must remain confidential; see Confidentiality Policy for details.
It is important for you to be aware of any medications a girl or adult volunteer may take or allergies they may have. Keep in mind the following:
- Medication, including over-the-counter products, must never be dispensed without prior written permission from a Girl Scout’s parent/caregiver. Permission should be indicated on the Girl Scout’s Personal Health and Medical Form.
- Some Girl Scouts may need to carry and administer their own medications, such as bronchial inhalers, EpiPens, or diabetes medication. You must have documentation from the Girl Scout’s parent/caregiver that it is acceptable for the Girl Scout to self-administer these medications.
- Common food allergies include dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood. Before serving any food, ask whether anyone has food allergies and make any necessary accommodations.
- Depending on the level of care required and ability/comfort of volunteers, accommodations may need to be made for caregivers to attend and provide support. Volunteers and caregivers should mutually agree on a reasonable plan of care that accommodates the comfort of the volunteer and the needs of the child. For additional support, contact Volunteer Relations.
Staying Healthy – Preventing Communicable Diseases
Volunteers should take reasonable precautions to limit exposure and prevent transmission of communicable diseases (e.g., chicken pox, COVID-19, influenza, measles, pink eye)
- Remind potential participants to stay home if they are sick or showing signs of illness.
- Maintain good hygiene. Allow for and encourage handwashing.
- Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces, equipment, and shared supplies.
If known exposure of a communicable disease occurs at a Girl Scout meeting or event, follow guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC. Notify participants that they were exposed while maintaining confidentiality of the individual who is ill. If you don’t know the event coordinator (for example, attended a partner-led event or attended a council-sponsored program), please submit a GSNEO Incident/Accident Report Form. Council staff will make reasonable attempts to notify participants who were in close contact.
