The Twelve35 Teen Center is free to all registered teens ages 11-18 who are currently enrolled in a K-12 school. To be successfully registered, all teens and a parent/guardian must complete the required forms acknowledging that all information regarding the Twelve35 Teen Center have been read, understood, and that they will be held responsible for any noncompliance.

Staff will review each registration packet for completion and contact parent/guardian to verify and then sign. Upon turning in their completed registration forms, all teens will have their picture taken and issued a membership ID card.

For the safety of all teens and to ensure that accurate identification and emergency information is quickly and easily available, all teens are required to have their membership ID for entrance into the Teen Center. No exceptions will be made.

Information in the registration packet is subject to change and will be updated as necessary.

Registration forms are available at the Twelve35 Teen Center and online here.

With each visit to the teen center, teens will be required to sign-in by swiping their card at the sign-in station. Staff is not responsible for teens when they leave the Teen Center.

Parent/Guardians: Please make arrangements with your teen as to when it is appropriate to leave the facility and with whom.

The following rules have been established to ensure the safety and well-being of all teens. Cooperation is essential for the program to be successful. If a teen is disrespectful to staff, peers, or equipment, their parent/guardian(s) will be contacted and the teen will be asked to leave the facility.

Since this is a teen-oriented facility, younger children and adults will not be permitted access to the facility beyond picking up their teen. However, periodic open house days may be planned.

TEEN CENTER PHONE USE

Phone use is only available for contacting a parent or guardian.

• Teens must ask a Staff member before using the Teen Center phone.

• A staff member will always accompany a teen while using the phone.

• No incoming calls are permitted to a teen unless it is a parent or guardian

• Calls are not to exceed 3 minutes unless it is an actual emergency.

KITCHEN USE

The microwave/refrigerator is off limits to teens. All food and drink are to be consumed at the kitchen bar only unless otherwise specified.

COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT:

• Personal information will remain confidential, unless legally required to share.

• Parents, please call the Teen Center regarding any concerns, suggestions for improvement or general feedback.

• Teens are encouraged to speak with a staff member in any situation best handled by an adult or if they have any questions or concerns.

INTERNET

The Internet is available for Teen Center participants when it is open.

• Internet surfing is limited to 30 minutes at a time

• All computers are equipped with Filtering Software for the safety of users

• Priority use goes to those participants using computer time for academics

• Changing the background of the desktop is not allowed

• Please save any personal work on your flash drive (Twelve35 PAL staff will provide one if needed)

• Close all programs when finished

• No food or drink are allowed near the Computers

• Always ask a staff member for assistance if you come across something you do not know

• No horseplay or any type of physical exertion is allowed.

• Failure to abide by these rules may lead to suspension of computer use, or removal from the Teen Center after several violations.

MOVIES/VIDEOS/VIDEO GAMES/CDʼS/DVDʼS

Occasional, appropriate videos or DVD’s may be shown. Any G, PG or PG-13 rated feature is approved for viewing, however, R videos will have parental approval.

Several video game systems are available for use during Teen Center hours. Video game titles with an ‘M’ rated title are prohibited although at times some games such as Halo will be allowed upon approval. All ‘T’ and ‘E’ rated games are pre-approved for playing.

We strongly discourage bringing video games or movies from home for liability purposes. These materials may be brought at your own risk with prior permission from the Program Director.

TEEN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teens shall be courteous and respectful of staff and their peers at all times.

• Teens shall follow general rules of the facility.

• Teens shall show respect for Teen Center property and the personal property of others.

LOITERING/OUTSIDE TEEN CENTER

Hanging out is not allowed in front, side or rear of Twelve35 Teen Center. Waiting for transportation or to get into PAL is only permitted in the front of the Center. All other areas are off limits. We ask that teens be respectful to surrounding businesses.

SUSPENSION

• There is good cause to suspend participants who exhibit continued and willful disobedience.

• Discipline at the Teen Center will be administered with firmness, fairness and consistency.

• If a participant becomes aware of any potentially dangerous and or illegal situations regarding weapons, drugs, alcohol, fights, property damage, theft, etc. or has information regarding such, he/she is encouraged to report it to a staff member.

Teen Volunteers:
We do allow teen volunteers at the Teen Center but must be approved by Program Director as someone who is reliable, trustworthy and honest. These volunteers must be at least 15 years old and have a valid high school ID.

Adult Volunteers:
All adult volunteers must apply in person at Twelve35 Teen Center in order to be considered for volunteering at the Twelve35 Teen Center.

• All volunteers will fill out a Volunteer Application form to allow us to complete a full (criminal) background check.

• A Live Scan Fingerprint will also be required at the volunteer’s expense.

• When necessary a motor vehicle background check may be obtained.

• Volunteers are not allowed to have contact with Twelve35 Teen Center teens outside of the center through any social media outlet, or through texting, unless they have received permission from a parent.

• Teens will however be invited to join the Twelve35 Teen Center fan page in which they will get updates about the events going on at Twelve35 Teen Center. This fan page is administered to by the Twelve35 Teen Center Program Director.

• Volunteers (and staff) are not allowed to give rides home unless they are in the Police Activities League Youth Bus and have permission from parents.  

Failure to abide by these guideline by any volunteer will be subject to dismissal.

Please make your teen aware of these rules. Violation of any guidelines will result in disciplinary action ranging from verbal warnings to suspension or permanent expulsion from the Twelve35 Teen Center. The disciplinary action will be more severe if the violation is deemed more serious. Our staff will make an attempt to notify parents of behavior problems. The behavior guidelines are to ensure the Twelve35 Teen Center is a place for teens to feel comfortable, respected, and safe.

The behavior guidelines are as follows:

ASSAULT & BATTERY
Battery: The act of making offensive physical contact with someone. Ex. Hitting/touching
Assault: The threat of a battery, or an attempted battery, without actual physical contact.

It is not permissible to commit assault or battery upon others while at the Teen Center. The Program Officer will be notified and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced.

ASSAULT, SEXUAL/BATTERY
It is not permissible to commit sexual assault or battery upon others while at Twelve35 Teen Center. The Program Officer will be notified and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Appropriate personal relationships are encouraged. The Teen Center policy is one of “hands off.” Sitting on lap, kissing and any other inappropriate behavior are not acceptable while at the Teen Center. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

Participants are expected to follow the instruction of PAL staff. If a participant disobeys any PAL employee either by action or word, he/she will be considered defiant. Severe defiance will result in suspension.

DRESS
The teen center managers may exclude any student, when in his/her judgment, the apparel is inappropriate. Teens will be permitted to wear apparel considered appropriate, reflecting ideals consistent with and promoting positive impact on the world. What is appropriate or inappropriate is a personal decision of the Santa Barbara Police Activities League Program Director that hopefully reflects community feelings, values, and attitudes.

To facilitate a consistent pattern of application of this policy, the following standards shall be applied:

• Shirts and tops should be able to meet pants in front and back. Sheer or see-through clothing is not acceptable.  Clothing should be modest and not revealing. Shirt and shoes must be worn at all times.

• No offensive or disrespectful slogans, symbols, pictures or words on shirt or any clothing. Example: racism, nudity, profanity, alcohol, drugs, overt sexual gestures or references.

• Teens out of compliance with the Dress Code will not be allowed on the premises.

HARASSMENT, SEXUAL/HATE CRIMES
It is not permissible to harass others while at Twelve35 Teen Center. Any complaint will be investigated by the Program Director. The Program Officer will be notified and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced.

HAZING
It is not acceptable for a participant to engage in any hazing activity or threatens to engage in any activity that causes or is likely to cause harm or personal degradation to another participant. Threats or other forms of hazing should be immediately reported to the PAL staff.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE, DRUG AND ALCOHOL
Use of or possession of any illegal substance at Twelve35 Teen Center, or at any Police Activities League sponsored activity is grounds for immediate suspension. The Program Officer will be notified and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced.

SERIOUS INJURY, ATTEMPTING TO CAUSE
If a participant attempts to cause serious injury to another person, except in the case of self-defense, it will be recommended they be expelled from Twelve35 Teen Center. The Program Officer will be notified and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced.

SUBSTANCES
Aerosol spray cans of any type, glue and white out are not to be brought to the Teen Center.

SWEARING, PROFANITY
Participants are not to use profanity or vulgar language. Swearing will not be tolerated.

Participants will be counseled to be aware of their language. The circumstances will determine if more severe consequences are needed.

THEFT
Participants have the responsibility for taking care of their own possessions. Theft is a serious violation of the law and will be dealt with in a swift and often severe manner. Participants are discouraged from bringing large amounts of money or valuable items to the Teen Center. The PAL Twelve35 Teen Center is not responsible for any lost or stolen items brought by a participant into the facility.

Any participant who has stolen any equipment from the Twelve35 Teen Center will be permanently suspended from participating in the Teen Center and any Police Activities League activities.

THREATS
Threats of personal injury upon other participants are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with in a swift and severe manner.

SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES, ROLLER BLADES, SCOOTERS & MOPEDS
Skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, scooters, and mopeds are not to be ridden around Twelve35 Teen Center property. This rule applies especially within the facility.

TOBACCO, POSSESSION OF TOBACCO, VAPOR CIGARETTES AND SMOKING
If a participant of the Teen Center has in his/her possession, tobacco or cigarettes (vapor cigarettes), cigarette lighter, or matches, this may be grounds for suspension. There is absolutely no smoking on Twelve35 Teen Center Property.

VANDALISM
Damaging Teen Center property or the property of others will not be tolerated. Depending upon the circumstances and severity of the situation. All incidents will be documented by the PAL staff to keep a record of such behavior. Parents may be liable to pay for damages.

If the damage is deemed as excessive the Program Officer will be called to investigate and fill out a police report.

WEAPONS
State law requires it to be recommended that a participant be expelled for possession of any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object at Twelve35 Teen Center or other Police Activities League sponsored activity. Program Officer & Police Department will be notified immediately.

The Santa Barbara Police Activities League staff is legally required to report known or suspected instances of child abuse of a child under 18 to a child protective services agency immediately by telephone and in a written report within 36 hours of receiving information concerning the incident.

If non-compliance is exhibited to any of the above mentioned rules and guidelines, the following actions will be followed by staff. Certain actions may result in immediate suspension or expulsion depending on severity. Compliance with these rules is mandatory.

1st Infraction - A warning will be issued in the form of a verbal reprimand.

2nd Infraction - Behavior will be documented and parent/guardian will be notified.  Depending on severity, participant may be asked to leave.

3rd Infraction - Behavior will be documented and parent/guardian will be notified.  Suspension or expulsion from the Teen Center will be applicable. Legal action will be taken if necessary and the proper authorities will be contacted.