Youth Protection And Program Support

Effective July 1, 2016 youth programs are required to adhere to University Policy 1-015 Safety of Minors Participating in University Programs or Programs Held on University Premises. 

This policy was created to provide for the safety and protection of Minors who are participating in University sponsored or co-sponsored programs, or programs operated by non-University entities on University Premises. The policy establishes minimum requirements for any University entity providing programming to minors, as well as minimum requirements for the adults that will be working with youth as part of these programs.

The policy applies to all members of the University community, including all employees, interns, and students, and also to all volunteers, contractors, vendors, Authorized Adults, and other individuals who use University Premises.

All requirements must be met prior to the start of the program and can be subject to audit from The Office of Equal Opportunity. The program is responsible for ensuring that all requirements of the policy are met prior to the start of the program and for the maintenance of all records related to their compliance.

Some important definitions as they relate to the policy:

Why the policy is important:

We understand the value in giving children early exposure to higher education and these programs have a great impact on the youth and communities that they serve.  But, its important to remember:

• Parents, children and the administrators alike expect that schools and other institutions of learning are safe havens and we need to meet and exceed that expectation.
• Keeping children safe should always be the number one concern for programs that serve minors.
• The University of Utah serves approximately 150,000 minors every year.
• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be abused sometime before they turn 18.
• Unintentional injuries and abuse can occur in even the safest of environments.

The impact that incidents of violent or sexual abuse has on the victim, the organization, and the community are so severe that it is important to do everything possible to try to prevent it.

It is NOT within the discretion of a program administrator to determine whether a program is covered under the policy; however, there are some things to consider when seeking determination of whether your programs is covered. See the chart below for general guidelines. Please contact YPPS with specific questions.

We request that all programs register, regardless of whether or not they are determined to be covered under the policy

Effective July 1, 2016 youth programs are required to adhere to University Policy 1-015 Safety of Minors Participating in University Programs or Programs Held on University Premises. 

Each of the requirements must be met prior to the start of the program and are subject to audit from The Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action. The program must ensure that all requirements of the policy are met prior to the start of the program and for the maintenance of all records related to their compliance.

Download a Printable Copy of the Checklist HERE.