Will Rotary look after my son or daughter?
One of the aspects of a Rotary Exchange that parents of our students appreciate is the Rotary Certification process for all participating Rotary districts and clubs. Club and district certification is reviewed annually and exchanges are not permitted with any that are not certified.
The certification process means that each country has a RYE committee to administer the programme and ensures common standards and processes for exchanges and the care of students.
The certification process requires districts to draft specific policies which incorporate the requirements of the Rotary standard policy but which are specific to the laws and customs of the country where each District is located. For example, in New Zealand all host families and Volunteers are interviewed and police vetted. All Volunteers are briefed on their role and responsibilities and the reporting lines and processes for handling the day-to-day or more significant issues that might arise.
Rotary has adopted the following Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth:
“Rotary strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouse, and partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people they come into contact with and protect them from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.”
Adopted by the Rotary Board of Directors in November 2002; amended in November 2006
