Regular membership with the Vermont Coalition of Teen Centers requires centers to adhere to the following common standards of operation:
  1. Nonprofit Status: Teen centers must be nonprofit. Although centers are not required to have 501(c)(3) status, to be a member, most funding requires centers, or their fiscal agents, to be 501(c)(3).
  2. Drop-In Hours: At least 3 hours per week of unstructured "drop-in" time at no cost to youth.
  3. Paid Staff: At least one trained paid adult (at least part time) in charge of daily operations.
  4. Board of Directors (including youth): Governing board or council with adequate representation of adults and youth.
  5. Positive Adult Supervision: Trained adults present for all center activities. Maintain standard of training and professional development for adults who work with youth.
  6. Yearly Financial Statements: Maintain clear financial records according to generally accepted accounting practices that will result in yearly financial statements.
  7. Youth Developed Guidelines: Rules and procedures for daily operation of center developed by youth and adults
  8. Free Information Available: Information on issues pertinent to youth available at no cost.
  9. Emergency Procedures/Equipment: A clear written emergency system including medical forms, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and posted evacuation routes.
  10. Referrals: A clear referral system in place including agencies such as school system, mental health, substance abuse counselors, state family services and other care providers.
  11. Community Involvement: Established relationship with community through outreach, community service, and community participation in center.
  12. Range of Activities: Offer organized activities i.e. educational, recreational, social as well as unstructured time for youth.
  13. Teen Issues Addressed: Address issues such as alcohol and drug use through organized activities or planned discussions.
  14. Insurance: Maintain adequate insurance to meet the needs of the center's activities.
  15. Training and Professional Development: Ensure properly trained adults staffing the center. Knowledge of how to handle/refer issues such as suicide, alcohol and other drug use, teen pregnancy, STD's and other related family and social situations. Adult staff are mandated reporters and must be adequately trained.
  16. Age of Participants: Teen center programs primarily serve youth 12 through 19 years of age.