Process Education
and Navigation
The Center’s Process Education Team helps enhance transparency and clarity in our investigative process, which we call the Response & Resolution (R&R) process.
This team is part of the Center’s Education and Research Department and includes Process Navigators who provide direct support to parties as they navigate our R&R process. Our Process Education team members have backgrounds in victim advocacy, social work, and education. They use a trauma-informed approach that focuses on helping each person find what they need.
We believe that when parties have access to clear, user-friendly information, it leads to stronger, more trauma-informed investigations. Below is a suite of educational resources that help people understand the process so they can make informed decisions. New topics are added regularly, so please check back or contact the Process Navigators if you have questions.
Process Education Resources
These documents are intended to supplement but not replace the SafeSport Code, Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies, and legal documents.
Process Navigators
Process Navigators are available to answer questions in both English and Spanish. You can reach us between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT. We will return all messages by the end of the next business day.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Process Navigators (formerly referred to as Resource & Process Advisors) are on the Center’s education team and have extensive experience providing trauma-informed care. A SafeSport investigation can be difficult or activate trauma for some people. Process Navigators lead with empathy and kindness using the CDC’s 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach:
- Safety
- Trustworthiness & transparency
- Peer support
- Collaboration & mutuality
- Empowerment & choice
- Cultural, historical & gender issues
Process Navigators are not involved in investigations. They do document communication with parties by adding a summary note to the case file. While Process Navigators will keep information private, they are not confidential. In some instances, they may be required to share information with the investigative team, such as disclosures, admissions, or diagnoses that may require accommodations in the investigative process. Additionally, all Center staff are mandated reporters and are required by federal law to report any suspected child abuse to law enforcement and/or child protective services.
- Provide legal advice
- Act in any advisory way in a response and resolution process
- Provide any direct therapeutic services
- Discuss investigation details, even with parties in a process
- Answer questions about policies or practices outside of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic organizations
Process
Including but not limited to:
- Questions about the SafeSport Code, the Centralized Disciplinary Database, and the Center’s authority and jurisdiction
- Case status updates for Claimants, Respondents, and their Advisors
- Information on how to make a report of abuse or misconduct, including retaliation
- Guidance for local affiliated organizations related to temporary measures and safety planning
Resources
Including but not limited to:
- Accessing mental health and emotional support resources, such as 24/7 helplines, therapy/counseling, and information about dealing with things like depression, anxiety, anger, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts
- Locating legal resources and advocacy services
- Educational resources related to sexual abuse, bullying, and positive coaching
You can find the answers to many common questions about our Response & Resolution process in our FAQs, Process Flowchart, Process Videos, and our Process Overview Fact Sheet.
Additional resources for support
Numerous national, state, and local organizations offer emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning assistance, and more via phone, chat, or text.
Hotlines & Crisis
Intervention
Including RAINN, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, and others offering trauma support
Parent
Resources
Including guidance on body safety, talking about sexual development, and setting healthy boundaries
Sexual Abuse
Resources
Including the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and sexual assault coalitions for each U.S. state and territory
Miscellaneous
Resources
On topics such as child advocacy centers, domestic violence, and mental health services