What is the policy regarding one-on-one conversations with youth in a program?

• A. should never happen
• B. should happen in private spaces
• C. be encouraged to build trust
• D. should happen with parental permission

Answer: (A)

Safeguarding and professional boundaries guide how staff interact with youth. The policy emphasizes that one-on-one conversations should not occur in private spaces. Keeping interactions in open or publicly visible areas, or with another staff member present, protects youth and staff by maintaining accountability and reducing opportunities for boundary issues or misinterpretation. It also helps families feel confident that interactions are transparent and safe. While parental permission or private settings might seem reasonable in some contexts, they do not address the fundamental safety risk: private one-on-one conversations can create opportunities for boundary violations or harm. Therefore, the preferred approach is to avoid private one-on-one conversations altogether and use structure that ensures visibility and safety.