Orlando Math Circle is committed to the safety and protection of minors. Under Florida law, a minor refers to an individual who is under the age of 18. This Code of Conduct applies to all faculty volunteers, staff, volunteers and students representing Orlando Math Circle who interact with minors.

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct, please contact: Margarita Azbel of Orlando Math Circle at m.azbel@orlandomathcircle.org

Statement of Acknowledgement and Understanding

I will:

I promise to follow the rules and guidelines in this Code of Conduct while interacting with minors who participate in Orlando Math Circle Programs or any programs that are put on by other organizations in collaboration or partnership with Orlando Math Circle.

I understand that as a person who interacts with minors under the auspices of Orlando Math Circle, I may be required to undergo a criminal history background check. The results must be acceptable to Orlando Math Circle for the purposes of interacting with minors.

I understand that if I am currently enrolled as a student at any college or university and will be interacting with minors, I may be asked to consent to a review of my disciplinary history at college or university of attendance, as well. The results of the review of student disciplinary records must be acceptable to Orlando Math Circle for purposes of working with minors.

If I am required to be alone with a minor in a qualifying Youth Program/Camp or event, I will undergo a background check prior to doing so, or will ask another adult who has already undergone a recent background check and is an Authorized Adult to join me.

I will utilize buddy systems and pursue safety in numbers, e.g. a child who needs to leave the group activity will be accompanied by another child of the same sex.

I will maintain appropriate physical boundaries at all times. I will touch children only in ways that are appropriate, public, and non-sexual.

I will treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy and dignity.

I will use positive reinforcement rather than criticism or comparison when working with minors.

I will not:

I will not engage in private communications with minors via written communication, text messaging, email, or social media or any other means except when related to activities involving Orlando Math Circle business.

I will not touch or speak to a minor (or minors) in a sexual or other inappropriate manner.

I will not inflict any physical or emotional abuse such as striking, humiliating, ridiculing, or degrading minors.

I will not use, possess, or be under the influence of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs at any time while working with minors.

I will not provide transportation to a minor (or minors) unless doing so is an acknowledged component of a program and within the scope of my responsibilities within that program.

I will not accept or give gifts to minors without the knowledge of their parents or guardians.

I will not use profanity in the presence of children and/or youth at any time.

Obligation to Report Possible Abuse or Neglect of a Minor:

I understand every person, including me, has an obligation to report suspected child abuse under Florida law.

Florida law requires that ANY person in Florida who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver or other person responsible for the child’s welfare MUST immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline of the Department of Children and Families. The penalty for failing to report is a felony of the third degree. There are also financial penalties for failing to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect.

If you know or suspect that a child under the age of 18 is being abused or neglected, or is at risk of being abused or neglected, you are required to report that to the Florida Abuse Hotline.

Remember, it is not your job to know whether abuse has occurred or not, IT IS YOUR JOB report your concerns!!

How to Make A Report:

Telephone: 1-(800) 96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). This toll free number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with counselors waiting to help you.
TDD: 1-(800) 453-5145
Fax: 1-(800) 914-0004
Online: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/.
For immediate emergencies call 911.

I will comply with the mandatory reporting regulations of the State of Florida. I understand that failure to report suspected child abuse to Florida authorities is against the law.

My signature confirms that I have read this Code of Conduct and that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.