Out-of-school time (OST) programs play a critical role in fostering safe, developmentally rich environments for young people. Yet organizations often find themselves navigating the continuum of youth protection—moving from complacency, to compliance, to a culture of commitment. This collaborative session, hosted by the Higher Education Protection Network (HEPNet) and presented in partnership with the Forum for Youth Investment’s Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality and Praesidium, will explore how each organization supports OST programs in progressing along this continuum. 

Together, we will examine practical strategies, tools, and capacity-building approaches that strengthen youth protection systems, elevate staff readiness, and embed a shared responsibility for safety across program environments. Participants will gain insights into aligning risk management, quality improvement, and organizational culture efforts to create safer, more supportive spaces where young people can thrive.