ChildWatch is offered to all members with a YMCA Family Membership. Our program serves ages 8 weeks to 11 years of age. Free registration and current immunization records (NO EXEMPTIONS) must be provided before the child attends ChildWatch. Members may not bring their children into ChildWatch prior to opening. Each child is allowed a 3-hour limit regardless of whether they are in the building or out of the building.

Out of Building care may be provided for $5 an hour per child while parent/guardian is out of the facility. Members must have an out of building form and payment method on file prior to using out of building care. Members will be billed monthly for any out of building fees. 

Along with a registration form, parents must provide up-to-date immunization records prior to starting ChildWatch. NO EXEMPTIONS. Immunization records may be emailed/faxed/or brought in.

Protecting children is a priority at the Billings Family YMCA. Therefore, our ChildWatch policy is that all participating children must be vaccinated. We will not accept any exemptions for immunizations (this includes medical/religious exemptions and immunization delays). The policy is in place due to the nature of our ChildWatch program being a drop-in center, with a wide age range of children and having hundreds of children circulate through this program weekly.

Parents must send items their child(ren) may need while at ChildWatch: diapers, wipes, change of clothes, snacks (NO PEANUT PRODUCTS), drinks, and weather appropriate clothing. If proper provisions are not provided ChildWatch staff will call parent/guardian, or child may be sent home. For the safety of our children and staff, parents are not allowed behind the ChildWatch desk.

Infant Side: Children 8 weeks to 17 months old must remain in the gated area designated for this age group. Children older than 17 months may also be in this area depending on their physical and social capabilities. Children must come in with a fresh diaper change and fed. ChildWatch staff will change your child’s diaper every 30 minutes if necessary but may ask you to change your child if they are being checked in with a soiled diaper. ChildWatch staff will bottle feed your child and give them snacks if provided. Please do not bring them in hungry. Make sure all your child’s food/bottles/wipes and directions are clearly labeled.

Toddler Side: Children 18 months to 2 years of age must remain in the gated area designated for this age group. Children older than 2 years of age may also be in this area depending on their walking ability and social capabilities. ChildWatch staff will adhere to the same diaper and feeding rules as infant area. 

Kid Side: Children 3 years of age and older. A curriculum of games, activities, stories, arts and crafts, music, fitness, and other development programs will be followed. Other amenities of the YMCA may also be incorporated into this program. If you would like your child to participate in snack time, please bring a snack for your child that is clearly labeled with their name on it. Please do not bring in items that need refrigeration and cooked Snacks must be ready to go. ChildWatch is a peanut free environment. 

As a parent of a child enrolled in the YMCA ChildWatch, if you have a suggestion, question, concern or complaint about the program, the conduct of the staff or the policies, the best course of action to take is:
1.    Talk to the staff when you pick your child up.
2.    Talk to the Program Coordinator.
3.    If the concern or problem is not resolved in steps 1 or 2, please contact the Youth Development Director.
Data Privacy Provision
YMCA ChildWatch programs comply with State and Federal data privacy laws. Information gathered from the registration and medical forms is shared only with the ChildWatch staff in order to serve your child properly. Information regarding families who are funded through financial assistance is shared only with the Administrative Staff.

In the interest of your child’s health and safety, as well as the wellbeing of the children in our care and the staff who attend to the children, we require that sick children will not be allowed in ChildWatch. Any child, who feels ill, is infectious, contagious, or unusually sleepy shall not attend ChildWatch. Services will be denied if your child shows symptoms of illness during check-in. Parent cooperation is essential to the overall restriction of contagious diseases/viruses in our center. If a child becomes ill in ChildWatch, staff will take appropriate steps to care for the child. The child will be removed from the other children while the parent is notified to pick their child up from the center. Members will be notified via a posted sign of any contagious infections that are observed by ChildWatch staff. An additional deep clean will take place at this time. The YMCA follows the Yellowstone City-County Health Guidelines for all childcare programs. 

City County Health Department Childcare Illness Policy
A designated person must check each child’s health status upon entry to care and exclude any child with the following symptoms. Children who come with any of these symptoms cannot stay in the program.
1.    Fever of 100 degree or greater – child must be fever free without medications for at least 24 hours before they can return to ChildWatch.
2.    Vomiting and diarrhea – children must be without vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours before they can return. Vomiting includes two or more episodes in the previous 24-hour period. Diarrhea is defined as an increased number of stools, increased water in the stool, and/or decreased form to the stool that cannot be contained by a diaper or clothing.
3.    Bacterial infections – children with bacterial infections must have antibiotic treatment for 24 hours before returning to childcare for: strep throat, scarlet fever, conjunctivitis (pink eye), impetigo, skin infections – such as draining burns/wounds
4.    Chickenpox – children with chickenpox cannot attend childcare until the sores dry up (usually 5-7 days). Children cannot be exposed to chickenpox, even with the parent’s permission.
5.    Symptoms of severe illness or COVID symptoms, whether or not they would otherwise be excluded. Examples: uncontrolled coughing, breathing difficulties or wheezing, stiff neck, irritability, poor food or fluid intake, or a seizure. Such children must be evaluated by a healthcare provider before they may return to childcare. 
6.    A child need not be excluded for a nasal discharge unless the discharge is green and accompanied by a fever. Such symptoms may indicate an infection. Children with such discharge must be evaluated by a physician and authorized to return. 
7.    If a child develops symptoms of illness after the parent or guardian has lef, the childcare center must do the following:
•    Isolate child immediately, while following our child abuse prevention policies.
•    Contact and inform parent/guardian, as soon as possible and request him or her to pick up the child.
•    Report each case of suspected communicable diseases the same day by telephone to the local health department (i.e., salmonella, shigella, giardia, campylobacter, ect.).
The YMCA reserves the right to require a medical release for the child to be able to return to ChildWatch.

Severe Medical Emergency
If immediate care of a physician or paramedic is required, staff will:
1.    Call 911 immediately. Parents will be contacted immediately after 911 has been called.
2.    If a parent cannot be reached, staff will attempt to contact an authorized person found on the Registration Form.
3.    In the event that a child is to be transported to the medical facility, the paramedics will determine if the child will be transported by an emergency vehicle.
4.    Families will be responsible for any expenses incurred due to a child’s injury.
Because accidents can happen, it is important that the YMCA has current phone numbers where parent/guardians can be reached, as well as the numbers for the authorized persons listed on the registration form. ChildWatch staff must also be informed of where the parent will be with in the building so in the case of an emergency, the parent may be found.

Insurance Liability
Medical coverage for children will be the responsibility of the parents.

Child Abuse and Neglect 
Under Montana State Law, all professional staff that work in childcare are required to report all suspected physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect of children to Child Protective Services.

•Who should talk to children about Safety?  
A parent is the best person to teach a youth about personal safety.  However, the staff at the YMCA will also be communicating similar messages.

•When should I speak with my child about safety?
While age and maturity matter and will impact the information you provide, as well as the way it is provided, much of the content will be repeated for years to come.  Start teaching very young children the correct names for their body parts.

•What else can I do to help keep my child safe?
Listen to your child:
•    Know your child’s daily activities and habits.
•    Listen to what they like and what they don’t like.
•    Encourage open communication. Let your child know they can talk to you about any situation.
•    Reassure your child that their safety is your number one concern.
Teach your child: 
•    Set boundaries about places they may go, people they may see, and things they may do.
•    Reinforce the importance of the buddy system.
•    Tel your child to trust their instincts – its ok to say no.

What personal safety skills should my child have? 
•    Knows his or her full name, address, telephone number and parent’s names.
•    Always checks first with parents or person in charge before going anywhere or getting into a car even with someone he or she knows.
•    Always checks first with parents or trusted adult before accepting anything from anyone, even from sone known to the.
•    Always take a friend when going places or playing outside without parents.
•    Says NO if someone tries to inappropriately touch them.
•    Leaves the area if someone behaves in a manner that makes him or her feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.

Parent Role in the Partnership to Prevent Child Abuse 
•    Familiarize yourself with the YMCA’s policies.
•    Learn the basics of child physical and sexual abuse.
•    Talk to your child about sexual abuse.
•    Participate in your child’s programs.
•    Do not hesitate to contact the YMCA with any concerns.

Research shows that only 11% of incidents of sexual abuse are committed by a stranger.  The remaining 89% are committed by a family member or by someone known to the child or the family.  Some molesters use the organizations where they work to volunteer and gain access to child. 

 
When and where can child abuse happen? 
Away from the YMCA:  Molesters do whatever they can to spend time with students away from the YMCA ex: field trips, sporting events, phone calls, and online chats.
During unstructured times: Unstructured times such as before school childcare, sports programs, or directly after lunch in a full day program are potentially dangerous because children may be unaccounted for while others are distracted by the events.  Staff may be busy tending to one child while another wanders off. 
In isolated or infrequently used locations: Child molesters love privacy.  Areas such as empty rooms, stairwells, storage closets, etc.  Provide privacy and allow the child molester to be alone with the child. 
When age groups are mixed: Children may be at risk of abuse by another child that is older, stronger, or larger.
When programs are short staffed: :  When programs run short staffed, supervision may become lax.  Or an employee or volunteer may be alone with a lone child or avoid scrutiny by others.
In activities involving water: Activities that involve partial or full nudity abuse increases.

Steps for Safety: 
•WATCH for interactions or behaviors that are not normal for your YMCA.
•INTERRUPT an employee, volunteer or member that is spending too much time with a child.  Ex: favoritism, sitting on lap.
•REPORT any concerns that you have about suspicious or inappropriate behavior immediately to your department head, Volunteer Coordinator or to the Cause Driven Leader on Duty.
•CHECK BACK after you report a suspicious incident be prepared to share specifics and check back to see if the problem has or was corrected.

Protecting Yourself: 
•    Keep your boundaries with kids clear.  As the adult you must set limits in your relationships with children.  They have less judgment and maturity.  They are not your friends or your equals.
•    Your responsibility is to supervise and care for them.
•    Avoid situations where you are alone with a child.  In most programs you will NEVER be required to be alone with a lone child.  In some programs, however, or under unusual circumstances, you may need to be alone with a child.

Managing the Risk When One Staff is Alone with one Youth 
In those situations where one-on-one interactions are approved, staff should observe the following additional guidelines to manage the risk of abuse or false allegations of abuse: 
•    When meeting one-on-one with a youth, always do so in a public place where you are in full view of others.
•    Avoid physical affection that can be misinterpreted.  Limit affection to pats on the shoulder, high-fives, and handshakes.
•    If meeting in a room or office, leave the door open or move to an area that can be easily observed by others passing by.
•    Inform other staff and volunteers that you are alone with a youth and ask them to randomly drop in.
•    Document and immediately report any unusual incidents, including disclosures of abuse or maltreatment, behavior problems and how they were handled, injuries, or any interactions that might be misinterpreted.

The policies of the YMCA state that there is no outside contact from work such as babysitting, tutoring, social media, etc.  If you know a child prior to starting at the YMCA, you must disclose this information prior to starting.  

Appropriate and Inappropriate Physical Contact 
Our organization’s physical contact policy promotes a positive, nurturing environment while protecting youth, staff, and volunteers.  Our organization encourages appropriate physical contact with youth and prohibits inappropriate displays of physical contact.  Any inappropriate physical contact by staff or volunteers towards youth in the organization’s programs will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteering. 
Appropriate Physical Interactions
•    Side hugs
•    Shoulder-to-shoulder or “temple” hugs
•    Pats on the shoulder or back
•    Handshakes
•    High-fives and hand slapping
•    Verbal praise
•    Pats on the head when culturally appropriate
•    Touching hands, shoulders and arms or volunteer’s leg
•    Arms around shoulders
•    Holding hands (with young children in escorting situations)

Inappropriate Physical Interactions
•    Full-frontal hugs
•    Kisses
•    Showing affection in isolated areas
•    Lap sitting
•    Wrestling
•    Piggyback rides
•    Tickling 
•    Allowing a youth to cling to an employee
•    Any type of massage given by or to a child
•    Any form of affection that is unwanted by youth or the staff or volunteer
•    Compliments relating to physique or body development
•    Touching bottom, chest, or genital areas

Appropriate and Inappropriate Verbal Interactions 
Staff and volunteers are prohibited from speaking to youth in a way that is, or could be construed by any observer, as harsh, coercive, threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, demeaning or humiliating. 
Staff and volunteers must not initiate sexually oriented conversations with youth.  Staff and volunteers are not permitted to discuss their own sexual activities with youth. 
Appropriate Verbal Interactions
•    Positive reinforcement
•    Appropriate jokes
•    Encouragement involving youth in personal problems
•    Praise issues of staff and volunteers

Inappropriate Verbal Interactions
•    Name-calling
•    Discussing sexual encounters 
•    Secrets
•    Curing
•    Off-color of sexual jokes
•    Shaming
•    Belitting
•    Derogatory remarks
•    Harsh language that may frighten, threaten or humiliate youth 
•    Derogatory remarks about the youth or his/her family

Bathrooms/Locker rooms. 
Molesters need privacy.  Kids are more likely to act out sexually in bathrooms.  Guidelines for managing bathrooms should be ALWAYS followed:
•    Take children in small groups.  Even if only one child needs to go to the bathroom never go alone, always take at least 2 other children with.
•    Examine areas:  check the bathroom before allowing the child to go in.  This includes each stall to ensure that someone is not hiding.
•    Only one child can be in the bathroom at a time.  If a restroom has more than one stall, more than one child can go in at a time if you stand in the doorway to ensure that the children are not going into each other’s stalls.  Also remember that if you only have three children with you and two go into a stall you have now left yourself one on one with a child.  
•    Stand nearby:  after you have checked the bathroom and it is all clear, you must stand outside the door and do not allow anyone else to go in the restroom until the child is finished and out.

Moving Groups of Children 
When moving large groups of children from one destination to the next, a head count must be done before moving.  There is to always be a staff/volunteer leading the line and one at the end of the line (sandwich effect).  Do not allow large gaps in the line, if there does become a gap, stop, head count, and wait until you can see the staff at the end of the line again.  When getting to the destination make sure that a head count is done again to ensure that all children have made it.

What to discuss with your child about Sexual Abuse 
•    Parents should provide their child with an age-appropriate definition of abuse.
•    Parents should tell their child that if someone tries to touch them or abuse them in any way, they should get away from that person as soon as possible.
•    Parents should encourage their child to tell them immediately if they have a problem or someone makes them feel uncomfortable.
•    Parents should assure their child that they will not get in trouble if they talk about abuse.

Warning Signs that your child feels uncomfortable 
•    Increased seeking of affection from adults.
•    Reluctance to spend time with a previously favored adult.
•    Reluctance to attend activities that were previously enjoyed.
•    An uncharacteristic decrease in bathing and grooming.
•    Preoccupation with sexual matters.
•    Increased aggressiveness.
•    Nightmares and sleep disturbances.

How to respond if your child discloses abuse 
•    Listen.
•    Be sensitive to vague disclosures.
•    Avoid expressing shock or outrage.
•    Don’t threaten or condemn the alleged perpetrator.
•    Let your child know you believe him or her.
•    Tell your child he or she was right to disclose.
•    Assure the abuse was not your child’s fault.
•    Reassure them that they will be safe.
•    Avoid questions that could make your child feel responsible.
•    Get as many details as your child is comfortable disclosing.
•    Write down exactly what your child discloses and contact authorities.
 

Please contact The Youth Development Director or any member of senior management at the YMCA with any concerns of this nature. 
 

Registration and Immunization records
Registration forms and immunization records are required for the use of ChildWatch. It is extremely important to keep the information on these forms up to date. The YMCA must be notified of any changes immediately and immunization records need to be updated each time your child receives updated shots.
Along with a registration form, parents must provide up-to-date immunization records prior to starting ChildWatch. NO EXEMPTIONS. Immunization records may be emailed/faxed/or brought in.
Protecting children is a priority at the Billings Family YMCA. Therefore, our ChildWatch policy is that all participating children must be vaccinated. We will not accept any exemptions for immunizations (this includes medical/religious exemptions and immunization delays). The policy is in place due to the nature of our ChildWatch program being a drop-in center, with a wide age range of children and having hundreds of children circulate through this program weekly.

Sign In and Out policies
A parent or an authorized adult must accompany each child in and out of ChildWatch each day. You and your child(ren) will be given wrist bands at drop off. You must bring in your wristband at the time of pick up. Wrist bands are matched up and then the child will be released. Children will not be released to an unauthorized person. Parents must fill out an authorized pick up/drop off form and inform staff if someone other than themselves are picking up their child from ChildWatch. ChildWatch staff will ask for identification from the person picking up the child. A photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and the wristband (or picture of) given to parent will be required from that person to pick up your child.

Intoxication Policy  
If a parent or authorized adult comes to pick up a child and appears to be intoxicated, the child will be released to this individual; and as required by state law. The YMCA staff will immediately call local law enforcement with a description and license plate # of vehicle.  

Late Pick-up Fees
The YMCA ChildWatch provides program services from 8:30am – 1:30pm & 3:45pm – 7:30pm Monday through Thursday. Friday 8:30am -1:30pm and Saturday from 8:00am – Noon. Parents may not bring their children into ChildWatch prior to opening. Parents are required to pick-up and sign out their child no later than the 3 - hour limit. Unless prior arrangements have been made for the late pick up, a late pick up fee of $1 for every minute will be charged to the member’s account. Charges will be billed monthly. After 15 minutes, if parents have not contacted ChildWatch or picked up the child, emergency authorized persons will be contacted to pick up the child. Attempts will be made by staff to reach the parent. If the child remains at the program one hour after the 3-hour limit and staff have not succeeded in contacting the parent or an emergency contact, YMCA staff will call local law enforcement for child abandonment and law enforcement will handle the situation. Excessive late pick-ups can result in your child being suspended from the program.

Administration of Medications 
The YMCA afterschool program will not give medication to any child in our care. This includes medications such as prescription medications, Tylenol, Benadryl, and other common over the counter medications.  All medications, whether prescription or over the counter, are prohibited at the YMCA Afterschool Program. 

ChildWatch Crying Rule
Staff will make every effort to calm and comfort a child that is crying. If a child continues to cry for 15 minutes continually the child’s parent will be asked to pick up their child. This circumstance would include when a child is requiring one on one care for 15 minutes continually in order to stop crying.

Child Guidance and Discipline
The goals of the YMCA ChildWatch are to guide children to develop respect for themselves and each other. When conflicts arise over the rights of other people or property, the staff will attempt to work with each child individually and in small groups to solve and resolve problems and concerns.
1.    Parents will be notified of any problems that may arise.
2.     If a child continues to experience difficulty with their behavior, a parent/staff conference will be held with the ChildWatch Coordinator.
3.    If conflicts continue to exist without solution, a child may be suspended from the program.
4.    If a problem with a child is deemed excessive, dangerous or puts the ChildWatch staff at risk of neglecting the other children in the program, a behavior report will be written up on the child and they may be suspended. If a child has been written up with a discipline action three times, the child may be indefinitely suspended from the YMCA program.
5.    The YMCA ChildWatch program has a NO Tolerance Policy for the following:
•    Drugs
•    Tobacco
•    Alcohol
•    Weapons, anything that looks like a weapon, or can be sued as a weapon
•    Inappropriate language (cussing)
•    Fighting or extreme hands-on behavior
In any of these cases, parents will immediately be notified to come and pick up their child. Length of suspension may range from the rest of that day to indefinitely, depending on the severity of the offense.

Potty Training Policy
Children 3 or older: Due to our child abuse prevention policies child watch staff will not wipe or change soiled cloth underwear when assisting with potty training. If accidents occur in cloth underwear parents will be called to change their child. If no extra clothing is available, the child will be sent home. (we suggest sending potty training children in a pull up).
Children 2 and under: Child watch staff will assist with potty training and will change out accidents. Parents need to provide extra clothing. If accidents occur on a regular basis parents will be asked to bring the child in a pull up. If a change of clothes is not provided parents will be called and the child will be sent home. 

Sunscreen Policy 
Sunscreen lotions or any sort of body tattooing, hair brushing or applying make-up of any sort is not allowed. Medications, lips balms or sunscreens are not to be given or applied by staff/volunteers or other participants at any time.  
Children of 8 years and older will be responsible for applying sunscreen to themselves as needed throughout the day.  Staff will assist children under the age of 8 in applying sunscreen. 

YMCA Policy for Recording and Reporting Accidents 
In the event of a medical emergency, staff will take the necessary steps to obtain care for the child.  
These steps include: 
•    Administer first-aid deemed appropriate by staff.
•    Completion of an accident/incident report that is kept in HR files.
•    Informing parents of accident/incident and what type of first aid was administered. If appropriate, the parent may be asked to pick the child up from the program.

Emergency Closing Policy 
If the YMCA program needs to close due to an emergency because of weather or building problems, announcements will be made on our Remind and Daxko Apps. If parents are in doubt, please call the YMCA.  Staff will make every effort to contact parents and remain open until every child is picked up. 

Evacuation Policy 
In the case of an emergency evacuation all children in our youth programs will be quickly evacuated to the Q2 building across the street from the YMCA.

The YMCA strives to maintain a positive environment for all children in programs. All program participants have the right to feel welcome, safe, and nurtured. As a result, the Billings Family YMCA has established a Code of Conduct to govern the actions and behaviors of all YMCA school age program participants.

PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO: 
•    Uphold the YMCA core values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, HONESTY and CARING. 
•    Be respectful of all by not initiating or participating in derogatory or unwelcome comments, conduct or actions of a sexual nature or actions based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
•    Follow the Billings Family YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policies as outlined in the parent handbook.
•    Comply with all adult requests and redirection.
•    Willingly remain in the program area within sight and sound supervision.
•    Follow the group plan.
•    Follow school rules when the program is located on school property. 

NO TOLERANCE POLICY  
We ask for parent and guardian support in maintaining a fun, safe place for both children and Y staff to learn, grow and thrive. Ideally, we want to work with children and families to prevent these behaviors from occurring. Please talk to your child about the importance of not exhibiting the behaviors listed but not limited to the following below: 
Bullying/Harassment of any kind (see specifics below)  
•    Action deemed physically or verbally aggressive towards Y staff and other participants including spitting and foul language.
•    Purposely leaving program area without permission
•    Hiding anywhere outside of visual and auditory supervision of staff
•    Damaging YMCA or SCHOOL property
•    Causing or displaying inappropriate exposure
•    Rough play (headlocks, tackling, etc. with the intent to harm)
•    Deliberately or repeatedly throwing objects in a manner that could be harmful.
•    Creating artwork depicting inappropriate images
•    Using YMCA technology inappropriately (taking & using YMCA issued electronics & related applications; etc.)
•    Drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any kind.

BULLYING/HARASSMENT  
A person is being bullied when they experience repeated exposure to the negative actions of others. Negative actions can include an imbalance of power due to age, physical strength or information that can be used against another person. These negative actions may include but are not limited to:  
•    Physical (hitting, shoving, grabbing, spitting, tripping, inappropriate hand gestures)
•    Verbal (teasing, name-calling, racial or sexual comments or slurs, threatening to cause harm, taunting)
•    Social (spreading rumors, shunning, or excluding, telling other children not to be friends with someone, embarrassing someone in public)
Failure to follow this code of conduct will result in disciplinary action which may include being sent home early, and/or suspension or removal from the program. These actions will be documented with a behavioral report and signed by parents/guardians.  The overall integrity and quality of Y programs is of utmost importance, and we will take the steps necessary to ensure both.  

Due to the wide variety of behaviors that children display, the YMCA reserves the right to make the decision to suspend or expel a child based on the physical or emotional safety of the child, other children in the program and the staff.

PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT  
To ensure that Y Programs provide a positive and healthy atmosphere, this Code of Conduct sets forth conditions that parents/guardians are expected to follow and promote. If parents/guardians cannot or will not uphold these conditions, those parents could face suspension from programs.  
•    Parents/Guardians will conduct themselves in a manner that represents the four core values of the Y: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
•    Parents/Guardians must always refrain from foul language, while at a Y program location.
•    Parents/Guardians will not show or exhibit derogatory conduct toward any Y staff, participants, or other parents/guardians.
•    The misuse of drugs or alcohol at a Y location will be prohibited.
•    Parents/Guardians will not be allowed to take pictures/video of other participants or Y Programs.
•    Parents/Guardians will comply with requests from staff for Photo ID. 
****At any time, the YMCA may choose to terminate your child’s involvement with the YMCA. 

SNAP and FDPIR State or local agencies, and their sub recipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race,
color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: 
How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.