YCC Reference Manual Chapter 7: Ethics and Conduct

Ethics and Conduct

All participants and staff involved with YCC programs should conduct themselves in accordance with the guidelines found in the Ethics Handbook. To obtain a copy of the handbook, please contact your human resources office.

Program Identification

YCC members are required to wear apparel that clearly identifies them as YCC participants. Items bearing the YCC insignia, such as hats, t-shirts, jackets, and patches, should be made available to the participants by the site. Such materials provide YCC program group identification and promote the safety and well-being of YCC members. These materials may be purchased with federal appropriations or other host site funds. The items must be an accurate reproduction of the official YCC insignia. YCC apparel and products can be procured through the YCC webstore on the National Service Gear site. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has access to purchasing items from here. YCC members must not wear an NPS volunteer uniform or any piece of the official NPS uniform.

Termination

A parent or legal guardian should be contacted prior to the disciplinary discharge of YCC members under 18 years of age. Termination must be accomplished by sending a memorandum and supporting documentation to the site with a notification to the Regional Youth Programs Coordinator and the WASO YCC Program Manager. Documentation must include the YCC member’s name, termination date, host site name, and reason for termination (e.g., end of program, fighting, drug or alcohol use, foul language, sexual misconduct, voluntary separation) as soon as the termination date is known. If it is necessary to discharge a YCC member for disciplinary reasons, the YCC supervisor must ensure the action has been fair and unbiased. The following reasons may lead to termination, though efforts to address the issues should be documented in writing first and demonstrate appropriate levels of concern:

1. Repeated tardiness or absenteeism.
2. Continued harmful behavior to oneself and/or others.
3. Failure to perform satisfactorily, or to perform safely.
4. Violation of any federal, state, or local law or regulation, including, but not limited to, drugs, alcohol, or firearms.

A YCC supervisor must obtain approval from the second line supervisor in writing before taking any disciplinary action against a YCC member, as such actions should not be taken lightly. Both the YCC member and the supervisor’s superior must be notified prior to an action being taken. The Regional Youth Programs Coordinator must also be notified and kept informed of potential developments.

View Chapter 8 or go back to the YCC RM landing page.