Youth Protection Policy (HR 100-004)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and protection of youth participating in programs and events, whether in-person or virtual, offered by or at Baker College. This policy examines the responsibilities of all Baker College employees in safeguarding youth involved in college-sponsored events or programs, emphasizing the importance of a secure environment for all participants.

2.0 Definitions

Authorized Adult - Individuals, age 18 and older, who interact with or supervise youth in program activities. This includes faculty, staff, and students.

Program Administrators - Any person responsible for the organization of the events.

Youth - A person under the age of 18.

Youth Program - Any Baker College sponsored program or activity involving youth participation, whether in-person or virtual, or a non-sponsored event held at a Baker College facility.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all units and programs of Baker College that involve youth, including all academic programs, camps, pre-college programs, tutoring, and similar activities, whether they occur in-person or virtually, on or off-campus.

4.0 Policy Statement

All Baker College employees are responsible for the protection of youth participating in college-sponsored events or programs. Failure to comply with this policy may lead to disciplinary action and/or revocation of the opportunity to use college facilities or represent the college.

Standards of Behavior

Authorized Adults must:

• Avoid any sexual activity, comments, or sharing of sexually explicit material with youth.
• Not be alone with a youth; if one-on-one contact is required, it must occur in an open, well-lit space observable by others.
• Not meet with youth outside of established program times without written authorization.
• Not invite youth to their home without proper authorization.
• Not engage in romantic or sexual conversations with youth.
• Only communicate with youth through approved channels for educational or programmatic purposes.
• Avoid inappropriate physical contact with youth.
• Refrain from abusive conduct towards youth.
• Not use or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while responsible for youth.
• Not possess weapons or explosive devices.

5.0 Procedures

Background Checks

All Authorized Adults must undergo a criminal background check before interacting with youth. Background checks are completed upon hire for employees. Program Administrators are to request a background check with hr@baker.edu for any students working with youth. The background checks are conducted at the college's expense through an approved vendor.

Reporting Inappropriate Behavior

Any suspicion or knowledge of abuse or inappropriate behavior involving youth must be reported immediately to Human Resources either by emailing hr@baker.edu or calling 989-729-3951.

6.0 Responsibilities

Authorized Adults

Adhere to the standards of behavior.

Consent to and complete background checks.

Complete mandatory youth protection training.

Report any suspicion or knowledge of abuse or inappropriate behavior involving youth to hr@baker.edu or by calling 989-729-3951.

Human Resources and Program Administrators

Request background checks for non-employees participants.

Ensure all background checks and training are completed.

Enforce standards of behavior.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

Document A: Employee Handbook