Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have parents or participants sign some kind of waiver in order to avoid having to register my program/ following University requirements?: No. When the University hosts a program or event and maintains custodial care of minors or children, or when the University hosts such an event or program elsewhere, baseline safety requirements must be followed in order to protect all involved.
This is a charitable event/ program. Do I still need to adhere to University safety requirements?: Yes. A program, event, or camp for minors or children conducted at the University, or conducted by the University elsewhere, must adhere to baseline safety requirements regardless of mission.
This is a one-time event. Do I still need to adhere to University safety requirements?: Yes. A program, event, or camp for minors or children conducted at the University, or conducted by the University elsewhere, must adhere to baseline safety requirements regardless of the length/duration of an event.
This event/ program is being run by University students. Do we still need to adhere to University safety requirements?: Yes. Anyone, including students, must adhere to baseline safety requirements outlined in the Protection of Minors policy while conducting a program, event, or camp for minors or children at the University.
When would I need to make a report of child abuse or neglect under the university policy?: If you are participating in a program or activity involving minors and you know, suspect, or receive information indicating that a minor has been abused or neglected or is otherwise unsafe, you must make a report.
Can a GW student employee serve as an authorized staff member to meet the required staff-to-minor ratios?: Yes. A GW student employee who has been designated as authorized personnel may serve in a staff capacity and count toward the required staff-to-minor ratios, provided they meet all applicable requirements for authorized personnel under the Protection of Minors Policy. Student employees serving in this capacity must fulfill the same applicable responsibilities and safety requirements as other authorized personnel.
I am volunteering at an off-campus program that serves minors, but the program is not hosted by GW. Does the program need to be registered with the University?: No. Volunteering independently at an off-campus program involving minors does not, by itself, constitute a GW youth program or a third-party program hosted by GW that must be registered under the Protection of Minors Policy. Registration requirements apply to programs conducted by GW or third-party programs hosted by the University. If you are volunteering independently with an unaffiliated organization, the activity does not require registration through GW.
Are GW student employees required to report suspected child abuse or neglect?: Yes. All GW faculty and staff, including student staff, who, in the course of their university business or volunteer activity knows, suspects, or receives information indicating that a minor is suffering from abuse, neglect, or sexual assault, must promptly report this information to the Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Risk. This responsibility applies regardless of the student's job title or whether they are working in a GW-sponsored program involving minors.