Risk Management Policy for Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act 

Pikes Peak Library District (“PPLD”) is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of minors (individuals 17 years of age and younger) who participate in Library-sponsored events and activities (“Events”). PPLD will take proactive steps to prevent sexual misconduct, create a safe environment, and respond appropriately to any allegations of abuse. 

This Risk Management Policy (“Policy”) is designed to comply with applicable Colorado state laws, including the requirements of C.R.S. §13-20-1201 et. seq, the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act. 

1. Scope 

All PPLD Personnel, as defined below, are required to adhere to the guidelines and procedures outlined in this Policy. 

PPLD does not assume the role of in loco parentis. Parents, caregivers, and legal guardians are responsible for the supervision and behavior of their children at all times while using library services or attending programs.

2. Definitions 
   
   1. “Abuse” includes: 
      
      1. Physical Abuse: Any intentional act or threat of physical force that results in or is likely to result in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. 
         
         1. Examples: striking, kicking, burning, biting, using an object or weapon to inflict injury, unreasonable physical restraint or confinement
      2. Verbal Abuse: The use of language to demean, threaten, intimidate, or emotionally harm another person. It includes any spoken or written communication that is intended to control, belittle, or cause psychological distress.
         
         1. Examples: use of derogatory terms, mocking, raising one’s voice in anger or aggression to intimidate or control, making someone feel ashamed or embarrassed
      3. Sexual Abuse: An inappropriate touch or exchange, engaged in for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification. 
         
         1. Example: sexual assault or harassment, exposing oneself, sexual comments or jokes
      4. Emotional/Psychological Abuse: A pattern of behavior that a person uses to control, isolate, and undermine another’s sense of self-worth, causing emotional and psychological harm.
         
         1. Example: threats, hostile behavior to instill fear, isolating, excessive criticism, manipulation
   2. “Minor” or “Minors” means any individual(s), including volunteers (“Teen Volunteers”), 17 years of age and younger. 
   3. “Staff Members” includes all persons employed with PPLD. 
   4. “Volunteers” include volunteers 18 years of age or older (“Adult Volunteers”) and Teen Volunteers that are not employed with PPLD but who volunteer their time with PPLD (collectively “Volunteers”). 
   5. “Personnel” as referred to herein, includes all staff members and volunteers. 
3. Screening & Training of Personnel 
   
   1. Comprehensive Background Checks: All staff members and adult volunteers must undergo a thorough background check that includes a review of criminal history and sexual offender registries. 
   2. Adult Permission for Teen Volunteers: Teen volunteers are not required to undergo a background check. However, all teen volunteers must receive approval from their parent or legal guardian, evidenced through a signature on the prospective teen volunteer’s application. 
   3. Mandatory Training: PPLD will provide recurring training to all personnel. The training will include: 
      
      1. Appropriate and inappropriate behaviors with minors. 
      2. Teen volunteers shall receive training that models appropriate adult behavior and expectations while volunteering with PPLD. 

4. Prohibited Conduct 

   To ensure the safety and will-being of minors, the following conduct is strictly prohibited: 

   1. Inappropriate Conduct 
      
      1. For all personnel:
         
         1. Engaging in physical displays of affection with minors beyond brief, non-invasive gestures such as fist bumps, elbow bumps, or high fives
         2. Any form of abuse, or other unwanted contact.
   2. Isolation with Minors 
      
      1. For all personnel:
         
         1. Being alone with a single minor, including teen volunteers, in any location where visibility or audibility by others is not possible. 
         2. Transporting minors in a personal vehicle, except in cases where they are related to the minor or the minor is their legal dependent. 
         3. Entering staff-only areas with minors or allowing minors to enter such areas. 
      2. Teen Volunteers: 
         
         1. Being present in staff areas unless accompanied by at least (1) two staff members and/or adult volunteers, or (2) one staff member and/or adult volunteer and one additional teen volunteer. 
   3. Unapproved Communication 
      
      1. For staff members and volunteers: 
         
         1. Sharing intimate personal details or asking minors for personal or intimate information.
         2. Text messaging, phone calls, or direct emails with minors without including another designated staff member.
         3. Accepting or sending friend requests to minors on social media platforms.
   4. Harassment & Disrespect 
      
      1. For all personnel:
         
         1. Use of profanity, inappropriate jokes, or any form of harassment.
         2. Discriminatory or disrespectful behavior toward minors based on ability, age, culture, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
         3. Allowing or failing to intervene in peer-to-peer Abuse among minors. 
5. Protocols 
   
   1. Communication
      
      1. Personnel must use positive techniques of guidance when interacting with minors, including redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement.
      2. Personnel will respond to minors with respect and consideration.
      3. Volunteers may not contact minors about volunteer program changes or other matters. 
   2. Supervision & Program Operations 
      
      1. At least one staff Member or adult volunteer must be present during all events involving minors. 
      2. Security and staff members must actively observe and roam Library spaces when minors are present. 
      3. All events and interactions with PPLD patrons and/or minors must take place in a visible setting that is open to the public. 
      4. If any personnel finds themselves alone at a Library location with a minor, they should always remain in the public area in view of security cameras (when possible). 
      5. If a minor is left unattended at closing time, a volunteer must immediately report the situation to a staff member. 
   3. Computer Areas 
      
      1. PPLD’s Computer and Internet Safety Policy limits the computers in its children’s areas to minors age 12 and under; computers in the teen area are limited to minors between the ages of 13 and 17. 
   4. Responsibilities of Volunteer Liaisons 
      
      1. Ensure teen volunteers are never alone with minors other than other teen volunteers. 
      2. Ensure that guest program presenters are never alone with minors. 
6. Reporting & Response 

Personnels’ failure to act on known or suspected risks of sexual abuse or misconduct may result in disciplinary action, dismissal, and legal liability. 

1. Reporting Channels: Concerns or complaints about Personnel, presenters, or patrons should be reported immediately to PPLD’s Security team designated to the location and the Person in Charge (PIC). Security Operations Center (SOC) must be notified immediately. 
   
   1. Timely Investigation. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with minors or allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and shall be promptly and thoroughly investigated by qualified individuals. Parents and legal guardians will be kept informed throughout the investigation and resolution process. 
   2. Following a concern/complaint or investigation, the SOC must notify Chief Human Resource Officer (719) 531-6333 ext. 6993. 
2. Prompt Response. Any act by Personnel, presenters, guests or other adults or minors that could be considered physical or sexual Abuse or unwanted contact will be addressed immediately by PPLD staff. No form of abuse will be tolerated and confirmed acts of abuse will result in immediate dismissal from PPLD. 
3. Protection Against Retaliation. Retaliation in any form is prohibited against anyone who reports an incident or participates in an investigation.
4. Cooperation with Law Enforcement. PPLD will fully cooperate with authorities if allegations or abuse are made that require investigation.

Adopted on May 6, 2026