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NGS and US Club Soccer would like to call attention to the “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017,” which is new federal legislation signed into law effective Feb. 14, 2018.
Below is related information from the U.S. Soccer Federation that was shared with us. This policy applies to all NGS Volunteers.
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On Feb. 14, 2018, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 was signed into law and became effective immediately. The legislation is available for download here. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has released a fact sheet about the legislation, and here is a video PSA about the Center.
In addition to the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s fact sheet, which provides information regarding the entire law, here is additional detail on the specific mandatory reporting of child abuse requirements included in the new legislation:
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As stated above, all NGS volunteers are required to report suspected child abuse to the local law enforcement agency or local child protective services agency that has jurisdiction to investigate reports of child abuse or to protect child abuse victims or to the FBI.
Additionally, please also communicate the report to the U.S. Soccer integrity hotline at https://www.ussoccer.com/integrity-hotline or (312) 528-7004 and the U.S. Center for SafeSport at https://safesport.org/report-a-concern. Reporting to the U.S. Soccer integrity hotline and the U.S. Center for SafeSport is not a substitute for reporting to law enforcement, child protective services, and/or the FBI.
Here are some other resources you’re encouraged to browse:
SafeSport.org is not only a medium to make a child abuse report, but it also has numerous fact sheets, articles, downloadable graphics, and resources.
US Club Soccer member conduct recommendations, which provides guidance on appropriate physical contact, supervision and overnight trips, among other situations.
Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a variety of tools, training resources and programs to raise awareness and reduce risk.
“Safer, Smarter Kids” – of Lauren’s Kids – creates abuse prevention education for elementary-aged children. Here is a parent toolkit that encourages conversations between parents and children by leading families through sample scenarios.
ChildHelp.org operates a 24-hour national child abuse hotline, as well as programs for prevention, intervention and treatment.