1. University of Notre Dame
Protection of Children Policy
Training Resource Document

2. Introduction
The University’s Protection of Children Policy has been developed to reaffirm the University’s expectation of, and commitment to, the health and safety of Children in its care. The Policy establishes standards and protocol for those involved in Programs with Children. The University offers centralized health and life safety communication and information for children’s programming through the Risk Management and Safety Department; protectionofchildren.nd.edu

3. Scope
The Protection of Children Policy applies to all University Representatives when sponsoring, staffing, directing or permitting the use of facilities or resources for an ongoing or planned program, event or activity that is designed for children and places children in the care of the University.
University personnel who have Minors working or volunteering in laboratories are subject to the Protection of Children Policy, as well as laboratory safety compliance policy and protocol.
Exception: Registered, Full-Time Students under the age of 18 do not fall under the purview of this Policy.

4. Programming Involving Children
Those managing programs involving children shall be attentive to the health and safety of the children in their care. Issues which should be considered include:
The registration or application process
Registration or application approved by appropriate University administrator(s)
Logistical program information
Number of children
Ages of children
Adult to student ratio
Program venue
Employees, volunteers and independent contractors
Volunteers and independent contractors are subject to background checks and shall have contracts in place
Transportation
To and from the University
To and from program sites
Departmental policy in place (Most Departments do not allow students to transport minor children)
Pickup and Release of Children
Tracking of children while in the University’s care
Who is allowed to pick up child

5. Programming Involving Children
Parent/Legal Guardian contact information, waiver and release forms
Parents/Legal Guardians shall sign the waiver and release form
Medical information and care
Provided if food will be served or program involves an overnight stay
Be aware of food allergies, prescription medications and disabilities
Medications shall not be administered to minor children; children must be able to self-administer or a parent/guardian shall administer
University services required such as Food, Housing or Security/Police
University Departments should be contacted as needed or required
Appropriate building managers/department directors shall be contacted prior to the use of on-campus facilities or venues
Criminal and Sexual Offender Background checks
Required for non-University volunteers and independent contractors
University students shall sign an affidavit
Reporting requirements (all adults in Indiana are mandatory reporters)
Sexual abuse awareness

6. The Facts Regarding Sexual Abuse
While the care and safety of children in all aspects of programming is important, understanding the facts of sexual abuse raises awareness of this particular issue:
1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18
10% of school children will be sexually abused
There has been a 200% increase in child-to-child abuse in recent years
90% of abuse isn’t reported
Most victims know their abuser

7. The Offenders ~ The Effects of Abuse
Offenders generally fall into two categories:
Preferential offenders determine a way to put themselves in situations so that they can take advantage of a child. Most often, they groom the child and his/her family to earn their trust and friendship with the goal of spending one-on-one time with the child.
Situational offenders take advantage of circumstances and opportunity to abuse a victim.
Offenders operate in environments that offer access, privacy and control.
Effects of abuse are divided into five general categories:
Emotional
Withdrawal; Depression; Refusal to be left alone
Behavioral
Suicidal actions; Rebellion; Substance abuse; Fire setting
Educational
Failing grades; Change in behavior at school
Interpersonal
Overly compliant behavior; Running away; Preferring isolation
Sexual
Sexual behavior or language not appropriate for the child’s age

8. Health & Safety Issues
In addition to sexual abuse and misconduct issues, involvement in children’s programming creates a high duty of care and a heightened level of responsibility:
Assess the University building or venue(s) you will be using
Most buildings, including on-campus buildings, are not designed for children
General Safety issues (stairwells, handrails, etc.)
Laboratory Safety (bio hazards, chemicals, etc.)
Determine emergency, evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures
Weather
Intruder or Active Shooter
Student Illness or Injury
Maintain your privacy
Avoid discussing your private life
Do not pursue informal or purely social contact with the children (mentor/teacher)
Refrain from engaging in social media with minors
Professional Behavior
Be fair and consistent
Maintain boundaries
Perception and intention (what you intend may be perceived quite differently)

9. University Expectations
With an understanding of the issue of sexual abuse, and its concern for the general safety of children in its care, the University has developed the Protection of Children Policy which states its expectations:
Policy requirements including training, background check and audit provisions
Review of the University’s Core Values
Understanding of the University’s Behavioral Expectations
Reporting suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior
Program registration

10. Policy Requirements Training Background Checks Registration Audit
All adults working or volunteering in a Program involving Children shall review this Training Resource Document.
Background Checks
All non-University adults, including non-University students, working or volunteering in Programs involving Children must undergo Criminal and Sexual Offender Background Checks
University students volunteering in a Program must sign a Sworn Statement of Affirmation before working with Children
All adults, including faculty, staff and students, who will be staying overnight with a Child are required to undergo Background Checks
Registration
All Programs involving Children must be registered with Risk Management & Safety (RMS) in order to be supported by the University
Audit
Programs involving Children are subject to an audit process administered by Risk Management & Safety, in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel

11. University Core Values
As part of the University’s commitment to the well-being of Children in its care, the behavior of University faculty, staff, students, alumni, volunteers and others associated with the University is expected to align, at all times, with the University’s core values:
Integrity
Accountability
Teamwork
Leadership in Mission
Leadership in Excellence

12. University Behavioral Expectations
It is the expectation of the University that all adults involved with Programs for Children must serve as positive role models and act in a caring, honest, respectful and responsible manner. The guiding principles of behavioral expectations are found in the following “Do’s and Don’ts”.

13. University Behavioral Expectations: Do’s
Report any instance or suspect instance of abuse or neglect involving a minor to Notre Dame Security Police immediately ( ) If the Child is not on the Notre Dame campus, the best way to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency is to call 911 or the Department of Child Service at
Maintain the highest standards of personal behavior at all times when interacting with minors.
Whenever possible, try to have another adult present when you are working with minors in an unsupervised setting. Conduct necessary one-on-one interactions with minors in a public environment where you can be observed.
Treat all Minors in a group consistently and fairly, and with respect and dignity.
Be friendly with Minors within the context of the formal Program while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Maintain discipline and discourage inappropriate behavior by minors, consulting with your supervisors if you need help with misbehaving youth.
Be aware of how your actions and intention might be perceived and could be misinterpreted.
Consult with other adult supervisors or colleagues when you feel uncertain about a situation.

14. University Behavioral Expectations: Don’ts
Don’t spend significant time alone with one Minor away from the group or conduct private interactions with Minors in enclosed spaces or behind closed doors.
Don’t engage in inappropriate touching or have any physical contact with a minor in private locations.
Don’t use inappropriate language, tell inappropriate jokes, or make sexually suggestive comments around Minors, even if Minors themselves are doing so.
Don’t give personal gifts to, or do special favors for, a minor or do things that may be seen as favoring one Minor over others.
Don’t share information with Minors about your private life or have informal or purely social contact with minor program participants outside of Program activities.
Don’t strike or hit a Minor or use corporal punishment or other punishment involving physical pain or discomfort.
Don’t relate to Minors as if they were your peers, conduct private correspondence or take on the role of “confident” (outside of a professional counseling relationship.)
Don’t date or become romantically or sexually involved with a Minor. Don’t show pornography to minors or involve minors in pornographic activities.
Don’t provide alcohol or drugs to minors or use them in the presence of Minors.

15. Reporting Suspected Abuse or Inappropriate Behavior
Central to the Protection of Children Policy is the duty to report suspected abuse and/or inappropriate behavior:
Indiana law requires anyone who has reason to believe that a Child is a victim of child abuse or neglect to make an oral report immediately to the local child protection service or the local law enforcement agency. If the Child is on the Notre Dame campus, the appropriate law enforcement agency to contact is NDSP ( ). If the Child is not on the Notre Dame campus, the best way to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency is to call 911 or the Department of Child Service at
Apart from any legal duty, any member of the University community should contact NDSP ( ) or the Integrity Line ( ) to discuss any suspicious, inappropriate or unusual conduct involving a Child while the Child is on campus or is participating in a University-connected activity off campus that would lead a reasonable person to have concerns for the current or future well-being of that particular Child or other Children.

16. Program Registration
In addition to a review of the Core Values and Behavioral Expectations of the University, Departments or Units must register the Program with Risk Management & Safety (RMS) in order for the Program to be supported by the University.
Registration is available on-line under the Procedural Steps for Program Directors and Managers section of the Protection of Children website (protectionofchildren.nd.edu). Required information:
Age of children and number of participants
Number of adults
Completion of Background Checks, Student Sworn Statements, Waivers and other applicable forms
Additional logistical information and safety measures if the Program involves overnight stays with Children. More specifically:
The number of nights children will stay overnight
Where children will spend the night
Safety and security measures in place
Ratio of staff to children for overnight stays
Notification to University Departments which may be affected including Housing, Food Services, NDSP

17. Third-Party Use of Facilities for Programs Involving Children
Any University Unit permitting third-party use of University facilities for Programs involving children must appoint a Responsible Party within the Unit to function as a sponsor to the third party entity. The sponsor shall:
Facilitate the execution of a facility use agreement, as approved by the Office of General Counsel;
Obtain a Certificate of Insurance from the third-party user and have it reviewed and approved by Risk Management & Safety (RMS);
Contact Departments that may be affected by the facility use (e.g. NDSP);
Ensure any specified University or Facility requirements are met.

18. Conclusion
The Protection of Children Policy serves to raise awareness of the issues surrounding programs involving Children and offers all University constituents the opportunity to manage these programs in a safe environment. Answers to questions regarding the Protection of Children Policy are accessible on this website, the FAQ link or by contacting the Risk Management & Safety Department.