Introduction to the Be Safe Program Climate Self-Assessment Observation Tool

BE SAFE Self-Evaluation for OST and Youth Development Program Staff

Researchers at NIOST along with BE SAFE developed the Program Climate Self-Assessment Observation Tool to assist out-of-school time (OST) and youth development program staff to examine the components of their program that support a positive program climate aligned with the BE SAFE topics of Healthy Relationships, Sexual Health; Sexual Violence; Mental Health; and Substance Use. These issues represent significant barriers to healthy adolescent development for many youth. Information about BE SAFE is also attached.

Using the Tool to Evaluate Your Program

This tool is meant to be helpful to programs as part of a program improvement process that examines program features, practices, and policies. Information on how best to use the Program Climate Self-Assessment Observation Tool is provided on the cover page of the tool. The tool can be completed online at

www.surveymonkey.com/s/niost

or by downloading, filling in and mailing or emailing this pdf document to NIOST.

Evaluating the Tool

Once you have completed the self-assessment, please complete this evaluation survey of the Be Safe Program Climate Self-Assessment Observation Tool and forward it as an e-mail attachment to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We would be very interested to review your results on the survey and encourage you to mail us a copy of your completed survey. Upon receipt of a completed self-assessment and evaluation, you will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. Your responses on the self-assessment and to the evaluation will be kept confidential and only used to examine the usefulness and dependability of the items within the tool. Online users will see instructions at the Survey Monkey link for completing the self-assessment and evaluation, in addition to obtaining a copy of the completed self-assessment.

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions when using the tool or to tell us about your experience with it.

Thank you for your interest in the piloting of the “BE SAFE Program Climate Self-Assessment Observation Tool.”

BE SAFE/NIOST contact: Diane Gruber, Research Associate

National Institute on Out-of-School Time

Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. phone: 781-283-2534        fax: 781-283-3657

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