“We consider it a sacred calling to be in the lives of young people and seek to be models of integrity and professional in our care for those involved in our ministry”

— Newt Crenshaw

Young Life's Standard Practices for

Caring for Kids

As an organization committed to the very best in life for young people, Young Life takes seriously the work of screening, selecting, training and supervising staff and volunteers. We hold those in positions of trust and influence in the lives of participants in our programs to the highest standards of personal conduct.

We also take great care to provide training, resources and oversight to ensure that program activities – ranging from weekly gatherings during the school year to summer camping – are safe, positive experiences for all participants.

Young Life has developed missionwide policies and procedures to ensure that kids are protected when they are with Young Life staff and/or leaders as well as when kids are part of Young Life-sponsored activities. All Young Life staff and volunteer leaders go through a careful screening process that consists of an application, interview(s) and character references. Criminal background checks are completed on all staff and volunteers. All staff and volunteer leaders agree to support the Statement of Faith and Mission Purpose Statement and agree to abide by Young Life's Faith and Conduct Policies.

If you have questions about the practices and policies behind Young Life’s commitment to ensure the best possible experience for every kid, please contact us.

Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance

At a time when bullying among middle school, high school and college students is a growing concern among parents and educators, Young Life seeks to have a positive impact in the communities of which we are a part. Young Life leaders model acceptance and love for all kids, and we encourage students involved in our programs to do the same.

The vast majority of youth suicides could be prevented if more young people developed trusting relationships with adults and sought help for themselves or for their suicidal friends. I have been a supporter of Young Life for more than thirty years and have seen the preventative benefits of the positive relationships that are formed between students and Young Life leaders. A very key element to youth suicide prevention is having a sense of belonging and Young Life provides that!​

Dr. Scott Poland, Licensed Psychologist & Suicide Prevention Expert​

When Kids Need Help

As Young Life leaders enter the world of kids, they witness firsthand the reality of adolescent struggles. Young Life leaders support kids who struggle with risky behaviors, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and even death by suicide. ​

We take our work in caring for kids’ wellbeing through their struggles seriously. Our staff and volunteers receive training in the signs and symptoms associated with child abuse, teen suicide, self-harm, and other crisis situations. Staff and volunteers receive training related to appropriate crisis intervention steps. Additionally, there is training in the support they can offer to families under these stressful circumstances.

More specifically:​

​​We have a 24/7 crisis line that Young Life leaders can call to speak with a licensed professional with concerns about the safety of any student and advice toward the steps they can take to keep them safe.

When warranted, those calls lead to a direct intervention with a call to 911 and/or a call to involve parents to support and keep their kids safe.

When involving parents, we recommend that they seek professional help and offer referrals to support kids and families under stressful circumstances.