Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Policy at University of Scranton
University of Scranton has a strict mandatory child abuse reporting policy to ensure the safety of minors on campus. The policy requires all members of the campus community to report any suspected incidents of child abuse. Reporting can be done through ChildLine, a State hotline, or by contacting University Police in case of emergencies. The policy covers minors under 18 and applies to all activities where minors are under the care of the University. There are specific guidelines in place to protect minors and regulate adult conduct on campus.
- Child abuse reporting
- University of Scranton
- Minors on campus
- Pennsylvania Child Protective Services
- Campus safety
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Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting
WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT? IF YOU SEE OR SUSPECT AN INCIDENT OF CHILD ABUSE, REPORT IT
First and foremost, the University wants minors to be safe on campus WHY? The campus community should be the eyes and ears to keep minors safe
Its the law, Pennsylvania Child Protective Services law WHY SPECIFICALLY It s University policy http://www.scranton.edu/hr/.documents/minors-on-campus/Institutional-Reporting-Policy-2015.pdf http://www.scranton.edu/hr/.documents/minors- on-campus/Institutional-Reporting-Policy- 2015.pdf http://www.scranton.edu/hr/.documents/minors-on-campus/Institutional-Reporting-Policy-2015.pdf http://www.scranton.edu/hr/.documents/minors-on-campus/Institutional-Reporting-Policy-2015.pdf
HOW TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT How do you report it? You call CHILDLINE, a State hotline run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services 1-800-932-0313, and Keep in mind, if the situation is an emergency, you may call Public Safety first to handle the emergency, then call CHILDLINE You call University Police: 7777
Minors on Campus Policy University of Scranton
Key Definitions University Campus: Any property owned or occupied by the University Minor: Anyone under 18-referred to as a child
Scope of Covered Programs and Activities Applies to all activities and programs which bring minors to campus where the minor is under the care, custody and control of the University, as opposed to a parent or guardian Applies on campus and off campus if the activity is under the direction of the University
General Restrictions The policy restricts the conduct of adults Any sleep-over Parents or guardians must be present or have provided consent in writing The adults in the program must meet the policy terms for background checks and training Any one-on-one contact: Should occur in full view of others In a room with the door open If closed, in a room where parties are otherwise observable by third parties
Must not engage in any abusive behavior of any kind toward or in the presence of a minor Must exercise good judgment about physical contact with minors Avoid all contact that may be misinterpreted General Restrictions, (conduct restrictions) In all cases, pay attention to the minor s reaction to the contact No person should touch a minor against his or her will University Students serving as assistants in programs involving minors should not take them into their rooms/apartments/or residence halls, or off campus apartments No person participating in any such activity covered by this policy may use alcohol or illegal drugs or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during such program activities
Any person covered by this policy should not have sustained, regular contact with minors via social media (for example, should not friend via any social networking website or any other form of online affiliation with a minor participating in a University program). This does not include online academic platforms. Any person participating in a program or activity under this policy may not make pornography available to minors participating in covered programs, in any form, or assist minors in any way in gaining access to pornography General Restrictions, (electronic communication) Any communication through this media must be through separate accounts which do not link to personal accounts to avoid access to non-program or otherwise adult content and communication. More than one organizer of the program or a related administrator, must have access to the site and communication through the site.
Registration Process for Programs with Minors Program head notifies the appropriate divisional vice president, or designee Notification should be given at least 30 days prior to the start of the program so that policy requirements can be met Person(s) in charge of the program and names of participating adults Number of participants, dates, and locations General nature of the program Information needed (at a minimum): Use the registration form available from Human Resources Programs may request an exception for good cause Requests for a waiver or exception should be directed to Human Resources, General Counsel, and appropriate divisional vice president
Pennsylvania law requires background checks for all school employees or volunteers who have regular and repeated contact with minors, which is integral to their employment or volunteer responsibilities. FBI Criminal Background Check (requires fingerprints) Background Checks Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check (E-Patch) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance Background checks must be renewed every five years