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Youth Protection Resources and Training

Required Trainings

Adults (defined as those 18 years of age or older) are required to undergo a vetting process to be a volunteer at any WVU Sponsored Program. If a volunteer has Direct Contact with a youth participant, this process will require:

  • Youth Protection Training
    • Youth Protection training is required every 3 years. This training can be completed either in-person or online and takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete for both individuals and large groups. These sessions provide education on how to minimize the threat of child abuse and to respond promptly and effectively should abuse be observed, suspected or disclosed.
      In-Person Training Request Form

      Questions regarding Children On Campus requirements, scheduling online or in-person training should contact our Youth Protection Program Specialist, Mason Arbogast, at mason.arbogast@mail.wvu.edu or by phone at 304-293-5600

  • Title IX Training
    • Title IX training is required every 3 years. This training can be completed either in-person or online and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete for both individuals and large groups.
  • Federal Background Check
    • A federal background check is required every 3 years and is free-of-charge to the volunteer. This process can take anywhere from 24 hours up to a month, so we encourage program units to submit their volunteers to Shared Services at least 30 days prior to the start of the event. If a background check reveals a criminal record history, the applicant will be notified and their application will be reviewed for evaluation consistent with university policy.
      Request a Background Check Through Shared Services
    • Any adult responsible for Transporting youth are required to also have a Yearly DMV Check. This request can be submitted at the same time as the Background Check through the same form.

Youth Program Documents and Resources

Keeping children and youth safe during camp and education experiences can present unique challenges to hosting units on campus. Our team has put together a collection of resources and documents for you to use and reference as we build a safer campus community.

WVU University Police and Office of Emergency Management

The University Police Department was created in 1961 by an act of the WV Legislature to maintain law and order on the West Virginia University campuses by working to prevent crime and by apprehending perpetrators when crimes do occur. This department is now one of the larger police departments in the state and serves a diverse community with a focus on service and protection. We look forward to serving your needs while visiting, studying, living or working at our campus

WVU Record Retention Program Sponsors are required to retain program-related documentation per WVU Record Retention Schedule and the Office of General Counsel.

West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources Bureau for Children and Families

The Bureau for Children and Families provides an accessible, integrated, comprehensive quality service system for West Virginia's children, families, and adults to help them achieve maximum potential and improve their quality of life.

WVDHHR Camp Safety Resources for Parents

One of the most exciting days for a child is getting ready for summer camp. But, as a parent, you are also thinking about health and safety.

West Virginia Center for Children's Justice

A statewide trauma informed response to child maltreatment and children’s exposure to violence.

SHIELDTask Force

At SHIELD Task Force, we believe this can be done by mobilizing a statewide coalition of law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, professionals, and volunteers to educate the public, empower victims, stop predators, and support survivors.

American Camp Association

The mission of the American Camp Association is enriching the lives of children, youth and adults through the camp experience.

Zero Abuse Project

Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to transforming institutions in order to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.

Our programs are designed to provide cross-disciplinary education and training, advocacy for systemic legal change, guidance for survivor support, and emerging technologies. We take a holistic approach by also recognizing and addressing the intersecting forms of child maltreatment in connection with child sexual abuse.

Zero Abuse Project is working to eliminate child sexual abuse in all of its forms.

Clery Center for Security on Campus
Clery Center works with colleges sand universities to create safer campuses. Training and information is available on the Jeanne Clery Act and related laws.

Managing Camp Liability (2017)
This article outlines risk considerations for planning and executing a camp (or other youth program).

National Center for Campus Public Safety Planning for the Safety of Minors – Routine and Emergency Situations (2016)
National expert in Safety of Minors issues, Ann Franke, offers a handbook of resources addressing safety of minors on campus.

University Risk Management & Insurance Association – Nine Steps for Preventing the Sexual Abuse of Minors on Campus (2012)
Richard, Dangel, CEO of Praesidium Inc. offers a 9-step strategy for prevention of risk of sexual abuse occurrences on campus.

CDC Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Within Youth-Serving Organizations
This publication of the Centers for Disease Control offers strategies to guide hiring, training and supervision of staff and volunteers who would work with youth, as well as creating safe environments and responding to suspected abuse.

Darkness to Light

Through the combination of research, education, and community advocacy, Darkness to Light uses a social behavior change approach to pioneer new training initiatives that bring child sexual abuse to the attention of the broader cultural conversation.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Resources

This link includes several useful educational resources for organizations, schools and communities to explore to increase child abuse prevention efforts.

CommonSense.org

Media and technology information tailored to parents, educators, and advocates.

ConnectSafely.org

Research-based safety tips, parents’ guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on tech use and policy.

Cyberbullying Prevention

Guidance on recognizing and preventing cyberbullying from stopbullying.gov.

NetSmartz

It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline.

Protecting kids online

Parental Control Guide for Online Safety

Strategies to talk to kids about online safety and employ parental controls for supervision.

Whether your child or teen is participating in summer camps held on campus or attending an offsite workshop sponsored by West Virginia University, rest assured we are committed to providing your child with the best experience possible.  As professionals, we know we are entrusted with your children, and we take this responsibility to protect your children very seriously. 

Camp can last from just a few days or stretch to all summer long. It's well worth the trouble to investigate camp programs before your camper packs a backpack. These questions help you explore the options.

  • What is your child's age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.
  • How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp and camp activities on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?
  • Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?
  • What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.
  • Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.

Once you have selected the best program for your child:

  • Completely and accurately fill out all registration forms.
  • Discuss appropriate behaviors with your child or teen before the program begins.
  • Inform program staff of any concerns or special needs of your child or teen.
  • Inform program staff about any medical information and/or prescriptions change between the time of registration and the beginning of the program. It’s critical for parents to review their child’s special medical needs with program staff at least three weeks in advance to ensure all information is accurate.
  • Make transportation arrangements. IF someone other than you (child’s parent or legal guardian) is picking up your child, complete the mandatory Pick-Up Authorization form. 
  • Report any concerns promptly to the program staff or to childrenoncampus@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-5600.

Each individual involved in children’s programming agrees to follow the established university code of conduct. In addition, our program faculty, staff, students and volunteers undergo a background screening and complete training focused on identifying the warning signs of child abuse or neglect, including physical or sexual abuse and how to report.

WVDDHR Camp Safety Resources for Parents