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Children & Elderly

This information is essential for protecting children involved in University programs and events. Western is committed to the prevention of child/elder abuse, harassment, and bullying.

Risks of Non-Compliance

  • Failure to report suspected child abuse can perpetuate a serious criminal situation involving a child
  • Failure to adhere to program standards can put a child’s health/safety at risk
  • University liability and risk of law suits (including possible individual civil suits)
  • Institutional reputational harm

Primary Compliance Requirements

  • When a University employee (including student employees) observes, learns about, or has reasonable cause to believe a child or vulnerable adult has been abused during a University sponsored program, that employee must report in accordance with written procedures.
  • Any University department head that has a program, event, or activity involving children or vulnerable adults must ensure it is registered with the University and conduct a risk assessment to be reviewed by the Risk Manager.
  • Employees and students must comply with University policy regarding bringing their child to the classroom or workspace.

Compliance Resources

Policies, Standards, and Procedures

Policies:
POL-U5315.20        Bringing Children to Campus
POL-U5315.21        Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults and Reporting Concerns of Safety or Welfare

Procedures:
PRO-U5315.21A    Registering a Child-Related Program
PRO-U5315.21B    Reporting Concerns of Child or Vulnerable Adult Abuse or Neglect
PRO-U5315.21C    Reporting Concerns of Child or Vulnerable Adult Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying

Forms:
FRM-U5315.21A   Registration Form for Child-Related Programs

Internal Control Tools and Training
>Risk Assessment for University Child Related Programs
Overview of University Training Requirements for Child-Related Programs

Training Video (3 min)

Contacts for Assistance

Paul Mueller, Director of Risk, Compliance, and Policy Services
Phone: 360.650.3065
paul.mueller@wwu.edu

Nicole Goodman, Compliance Manager
Phone: 360.650.2477
nicole.goodman@wwu.edu

Compliance Owners and Partners

Compliance Owners:

Directors of departments responsible for a specific program involving children.

Compliance Partners:

Paul Mueller, Director of Risk, Compliance, and Policy Services
Phone: 360.650.3065
paul.mueller@wwu.edu

Regulatory Authorities

State Law:

RCW 26.44    Abuse of Children

Children (category), Policy (category)