Guidelines for Volunteers Relating to Romantic/Sexual Relationships

The following guidelines have been developed by “Supporting Our Youth (SOY): Mentoring and Housing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Transgender Youth”. They are shared here with their permission. For information about SOY see www.soytoronto.org.

Romantic and/or Sexual Relationships:

Any romantic or sexual relationship between volunteers and participants matched with them are expressly prohibited, and will result in an immediate termination of the match and an immediate termination of participation in the volunteer program. By participating in the program, volunteers are deemed to be in a position of trust and/or authority in relation to participants matched with them and are therefore deemed to be responsible for any romantic or sexual relationships that occur with these participants.

Volunteers are also responsible for informing their families and friends of their volunteer arrangement, as appropriate, and explaining that friends and family members are also expected to refrain from romantic or sexual relationships with participants matched with volunteers.

Because volunteers are in a position of trust, they should avoid being involved in any situations with the participant matched with them, that may be interpreted as sexual or romantic. Therefore, volunteers should avoid becoming involved in any behaviours with the participant which may be interpreted as having sexual or romantic overtones, or which increase the potential for sexual relationships including but not limited to, sharing pornographic materials, flirting, harassment, sexual innuendos, sexual touch, or sleeping in the same bed together. Because of the vulnerability of participants to abuse and the vulnerability of volunteers to charges of abuse, volunteers should err on the side of caution in questionable circumstances.

Events in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans community as well as gay bars, dances, clubs, parties, and businesses are not considered to be sexual situations and volunteers and participants are free to attend such events if requested by the participant.

Volunteers and participants are required to report any romantic or sexual relationships between them, or any concerns about potential romantic or sexual relationship between them to the volunteer coordinator immediately.

(Adapted from SOY, Policy and Procedure Manual 2001)