At Texas Alliance for Youth Success (TAFYS), we are committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and care for the children, youth, families, staff, volunteers, and partners we serve. The following policies outline our commitments, expectations, and responsibilities.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Texas Alliance for Youth Success (TAFYS) is committed to providing programs, services, and opportunities that are inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all.
TAFYS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, religion, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
- Program participation and service delivery
- Employment and volunteer opportunities
- Board membership and leadership
- Events, partnerships, and community engagement
TAFYS is dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone we serve, with particular care for children and youth impacted by foster care.
Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
TAFYS recognizes that young people involved in the foster care system often experience systemic barriers and inequities. We are committed to promoting fairness, dignity, and belonging in our programs, partnerships, and organizational practices, and to continually learning how to better serve our community.
Child & Youth Safety Policy
The safety and well-being of children and youth are central to our mission.
- Implementing appropriate supervision and safety practices
- Maintaining professional and appropriate boundaries
- Creating trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate experiences
- Responding promptly and responsibly to safety concerns
All staff, volunteers, board members, and partners are expected to prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of children and youth.
Child Protection & Mandatory Reporting Policy
TAFYS is committed to protecting children and youth from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.
Under Texas law, any person who suspects that a child has been abused or neglected is required to report it. This obligation applies regardless of role or position.
- Suspected abuse or neglect must be reported immediately
- Reports should be made to Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or local law enforcement
- Reporting responsibilities are individual and non-delegable
TAFYS does not tolerate retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports suspected abuse or neglect.
TAFYS will cooperate fully with authorities and respond to concerns with discretion, sensitivity, and a trauma-informed approach focused on the well-being of the child or youth.
If a child is believed to be in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
Code of Conduct
All staff, volunteers, board members, and partners are expected to act with professionalism, respect, and accountability when participating in or representing TAFYS.
Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or abusive behavior of any kind is not tolerated. Individuals may be removed from participation for behavior that compromises the safety or dignity of others.
Whistleblower Policy
TAFYS encourages the reporting of suspected misconduct, unethical behavior, misuse of funds, violations of law, or violations of organizational policy.
- Financial mismanagement or fraud
- Conflicts of interest or abuse of authority
- Violations of child safety or reporting requirements
- Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited. Reports will be handled as confidentially as possible.
Conflict of Interest Policy
All decisions at TAFYS must be made in the best interest of the organization and the community we serve.
Individuals must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest, including financial interests, family relationships, or outside affiliations that could influence decision-making.
Individuals with a conflict must recuse themselves from related discussions and decisions. TAFYS requires annual conflict-of-interest disclosures from board members and key leadership.
TAFYS respects your privacy. Personal information collected through our website or programs is used solely for organizational purposes and is not sold or shared except as required by law.
We take special care to protect the confidentiality and privacy of children and youth involved in our services.
Photography & Media Use
Photographs or videos may be taken at TAFYS events for educational, promotional, or fundraising purposes. Participation is voluntary, and identifying information is not shared without appropriate consent.
Accessibility
We are committed to making our website accessible to the widest possible audience and accommodating people with disabilities. Inaccessible technology interferes with an individual′s ability to obtain and use information quickly and easily.
If you are using assistive technologies and would like to report an accessibility problem with this website, please email IT@TAFYS.org. In your email, please specify the web page or file you are having problems with.
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Website Use Disclaimer
Information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not create a formal client or professional relationship.
