Protection of Minors

Policy Summary

The university is committed to the safety and well-being of all members of its community, including minors (individuals under 18 years of age) and children (defined under District of Columbia law as minors under the age of 16). The university offers programs and activities that minors attend and in which they participate.  The university also allows non-university organizations to use university facilities for programs and activities involving minors.

This policy establishes guidelines and procedures to promote the protection of minors and includes specific protections for children as required under District of Columbia law. The university expects all members of the university community to adhere to and act in accordance with this policy.

Who is Governed by this Policy

• Students
• Staff
• Faculty
• Non-university individuals and organizations that use university facilities for programs and activities involving minors or participate in GW-sponsored activities involving minors on or off campus. 

Policy

Responsibilities 

Members of the university community interact with minors in a variety of ways, including as prospective and enrolled students, employees, interns, visitors, and participants in programs, activities, or research.  These interactions may occur at any university location or during any university-sponsored program or activity off campus. Members of the university community who engage in these interactions with minors must be diligent in protecting their safety and must report any known or suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with this policy.  Members of the university community should review Best Practices for Interacting with Minors in Appendix A and Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect in Appendix B. 

Faculty and staff working with non-university individuals and organizations that use university facilities for programs and activities involving minors are responsible for making those individuals and organizations aware of this policy. Non-university individuals and organizations that use university facilities for programs and activities involving minors are required to comply with this policy. 

Reporting Abuse or Neglect of Minors 

Every member of the university community who knows, suspects, or receives information indicating that a minor has been or is being abused or neglected must report this information to the university.  In the case of an emergency or imminent threat, members of the university community must immediately call the George Washington University Police Department (GWPD) at (202) 994-6111 and may also call law enforcement at 911.  In non-emergency situations, members of the university community should promptly contact the GWPD at (202) 994-6110 or the university official responsible for the department or area in question. Reports may also be made to the Compliance and Privacy Office at (202) 994-3386 or confidentially through the university’s toll free, 24-hour Regulatory Compliance Help and Referral Line at (888) 508-5275.  The university official or office receiving such information must promptly notify the GWPD.  No one making a good faith report of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor will be retaliated against, in accordance with the Non-Retaliation Policy. 

Every member of the university community who has knowledge of sexual abuse of a minor (which includes children), or has reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor has occurred, must report such knowledge or belief to the university. Members of the university community may also report such knowledge or belief to law enforcement by calling 911 or the appropriate social services agency. Under District of Columbia law, every individual who has knowledge of sexual abuse of a child, or has reason to believe that sexual abuse of a child has occurred, must immediately report such knowledge or belief to law enforcement by calling 911 or the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency.   These reports should be made notwithstanding any belief that the child or minor has consented to conduct, because the law may not recognize consent as a defense.  

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency operates a confidential 24/7 hotline at (202) 671-SAFE or (202) 671-7233. The Virginia Department of Social Services operates a statewide 24/7 Child Protective Services hotline at (800) 552-7096 (for Virginia) or (804) 786-8536 (for outside of Virginia). Contact information for Maryland’s local departments of Child Protective Services is available at the general information number at (800) 332-6347. 

Additionally, applicable state and local laws require individuals working in certain designated occupations and professions (“mandatory reporters”) to report abuse or neglect.  Mandatory reporters have a legal duty to report known or suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to law enforcement, social services agencies, and/or their institutions. Depending on applicable state and local laws, designated occupations may include certain health care providers, child care providers, teachers, counselors, social workers, and athletic coaches.  University employees are responsible for knowing whether they are mandatory reporters and for complying with their legal obligations.  If employees are uncertain whether they are mandatory reporters, they may consult with the Office of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel. 

Background Checks 

The university has a Background Screening and Professional Reference Checks Policy that requires background screening for certain university employees and contractors.  The university may require additional background screenings or additional information it deems appropriate. 

Enforcement 

The university may take corrective actions for violations of this policy, including but not limited to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with university policies and procedures, termination of contracts, and prohibiting an organization or individual from using university facilities. The university may also take interim actions to protect the safety of any involved minors. 

Definitions

Abuse or Neglect of Minors: means any act or failure to act that results in physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act that presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a minor. 

Physical abuse: is non-accidental physical harm or injury. 

Emotional abuse: is a pattern of behavior that impairs a minor’s psychological or intellectual functioning or emotional development. 

Sexual abuse of a child: is (i) conduct by an individual at least four (4) years older than a child to engage in or attempt to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact with that child, cause or attempt to cause that child to engage in sexually explicit conduct, or expose that child to sexually explicit conduct; or (ii) conduct by an individual of any age to engage in sexual contact with a child without the child’s consent. 

Sexual abuse of a minor: is (i) conduct by an individual in a position of trust with or authority over a minor to engage in or attempt to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact with that minor; or (ii) conduct by any individual to engage in sexual contact with a minor without the minor’s consent.   

Neglect: is the failure of a parent, caregiver, or other person who has responsibility for a minor to provide for the basic physical, medical, educational, or emotional needs of the minor. 

Child means any person under the age of 16.  

Minor means any person under the age of 18. 

Related Information

• Background Screening 
• Non-Retaliation Policy 
• District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency Mandated Reporter Training
• Maryland Department of Human Services – Child Protective Services Mandated Reporting Information and Resources
• Virginia Department of Social Services – Child Protective Services Training and Resources for Reporting
• Title IX Sexual Harassment and Related Conduct Policy 
• Identifying Abuse
• Appendix A & B
• Reporting Requirements Infographic

Contacts