The university has approved a new policy to provide protections for minors who participate in UO affiliated youth programs.

The protection of minors policy is part of the UO’s commitment to complying with legal obligations for mandatory reporting and providing a safe and positive experience for people under 18. The new policy and procedures are the result of an effort led by the Office of Risk Management, which sought input from a committee of representatives from a broad range of units serving youth in a variety of ways.

“Faculty, staff, students, student employees, graduate teaching fellows and volunteers are expected to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct when interacting with minors,” said Flo Hoskinson, risk manager in safety and risk services. “This policy holds program administrators and staff accountable and provides clear guidance for managing and operating youth programs.”

The policy establishes guidelines and standards for mandatory reporting, criminal background checks, conduct requirements, staff training and program registration.

Many of the procedures had already been in place prior to the policy being approved. Missy Matella, assistant general counsel, said the policy formalizes requirements, sets standards and meets best practices and requires that all programs meet these standards and requirements.

Risk management and human resources collaborated to develop the Youth Programs: Minors on Campus webpage as a centralized source for compliance resources. The webpage provides guidance on actions required by the new policy as well as tools and resources to assist and support the administration of youth programs on campus and compliance with the protection of minors policy.

Jen Mirabile, senior HR programs coordinator, said the policy requires actions related to designating a youth program administrator, hiring staff, registering a youth program and conducting mandatory training for staff, which includes a new online training module. 

“The new youth programs webpage gives a youth program administrator all the tools needed to successfully manage and administer a youth program,” Mirabile said.

Risk management and human resources representatives encourage all who work with youth through UO-affiliated programs to familiarize themselves with the new policy, procedures and guidelines.