Protecting Minors
Boston University is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of the University community. The safety and well-being of minor children visiting University facilities and participating in University-sponsored programs/activities requires particular vigilance.
What to Do if You Have Concerns Regarding the Safety of a Minor
If you suspect that a minor participating in any BU-sponsored or affiliated program/activity has been abused or neglected, or you have any concerns regarding the safety of a child, take the following steps:
| 1. Contact Law Enforcement: |
Notify the Boston University Police Department (BUPD) immediately at 617-353-2121. Remain with the minor until help arrives.If you are off the main campus, call 911 or local law enforcement. Remain with the minor until help arrives. |
| 2. Complete the online Reporting Form |
The online Reporting Form should be filled out no later than four hours after initial BUPD contact.
The Report Form should always be completed when someone knows, suspects, or receives information that the health or safety of a minor participating in any BU-sponsored or affiliated program/activity may be at risk (including suspected abuse or neglect). Concerns may include a specific incident that occurred on/off campus, a suspicion of abuse or neglect, or a suspicion that a minor may be a threat to himself/herself or to others.
When you press send, the form will automatically be sent to the Boston University Police Department and the pom@bu.edu email address managed by Human Resources. |
| 3. Contact the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families |
Use the Child-at-Risk Hotline, any time of the day or night, at 800-792-5200. |
| 4. Notify a BU Employee with Authority |
Promptly notify your supervisor, program director/operator, or dean, when it is safe and appropriate to do so. |
BU Policies
Policies and procedures to guide the conduct of University students, faculty, staff, and volunteers working with minors are available on our Policies website.
Definition of a Minor
A minor is any person under the age of 18 who is not a matriculated Boston University student and is unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who should I contact if I want to start a program involving minors on campus?
A. If you wish to start a program involving minors, it is important that your program is in compliance with the Protection of Minors Policy. In order to ensure compliance, please contact the Minors Program Coordinator for your school or department, who will be able to assist you with registering your program with HR, as well as submitting background check and training requests. Click here for a list of Minors Program Coordinators by Department.
Q. How do I know if the Protection of Minors policy applies to my school/department's program?
A. The Protection of Minors policy applies to programs either on or off campus that includes direct contact with minors. Verify if your program involves minors as defined by the policy. For the purposes of the Protection of Minors policy, Boston University considers a minor to be any person under the age of 18 who is not a matriculated Boston University student and who is unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You may also reference the Which Policy Applies Flowchart for additional guidance.
Q. Who do I contact for questions about the Protection of Minors Policy and Procedures?
A. For questions regarding interpreting the Protection of Minors Policy, you may contact your HR Business Partner.
Q. Who do I contact for questions about conducting background checks for program staff, volunteers and students?
Q. When completing background check forms, how do I verify identification for remote individuals?
A. If an employer or governmental licensing agency is unable to verify a subject’s identity and signature in person, the subject may submit a completed CORI Acknowledgement Form acknowledged by the subject before a notary public.
Q. How do I access the Protection of Minors on-line training program for staff, volunteers and students access?
Q. I'm a Minors Program Coordinator for my school, college, or department. How do I access additional resources (like the SharePoint site, training, or list of other MPCs)?
A. The Minors Program Coordinator SharePoint site contains all of the additional resources for MPCs, including the MPC Toolkit, which can also be accessed here. To receive access to the MPC SharePoint or for any other questions, please email pom@bu.edu.
Legal & Educational Resources
