Wilkes University is dedicated to the welfare and safety of all minors who visit our campuses to participate in University-related programs or activities or any other event involving minors on the University campus. To that end, in October of 2014, the University adopted a Minors on Campus policy. The objective of this policy is to promote a safe environment for minors by fostering a University culture that is committed to preventing, recognizing, reporting, and addressing child and child sexual abuse.
All Wilkes University employees, students, independent contractors and volunteers (collectively "Mandated Reporters") have a personal responsibility to report any instances of known or suspected abuse, molestation or neglect relating to children. If a minor is in imminent danger, the discoverer must:
- Make all reasonable efforts to remove the minor from dangerous or potentially dangerous situations, irrespective of any other limitation or requirement
- Contact the police at 911 to obtain immediate protection for the child.
- Contact the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's ChildLine (800-932-0313)
If you manage, participate in, or oversee programs or activities involving minors, please review the University's Minors on Campus policy (.pdf) (3-1-2017). Additional information and forms are below:
Pennsylvania Act 153 external website and the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (.pdf) (23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 63) defines employees at the University as mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse. Mandated reporters are required to make a report if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse. As an employee of Wilkes University, you are a mandatory reporter at work and outside of work.
Mandated reporters must make an immediate and direct report of suspected child abuse to ChildLine either via the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information Solution website external website or by calling 1-800-932-0313.
The law requires that the mandated reporter identify themselves and where they can be reached. This information is helpful so that if clarification on the situation or additional information is needed, the children and youth caseworker can contact the mandated reporter.
The identity of the person making the report is kept confidential with the exception of being released to law enforcement officials or the district attorney's office.
All programs and activities involving minors at Wilkes University must be approved and registered using the Program Registration/Approval Form (.pdf). Once registration is complete, training is required by all program staff.
Program Directors, supervisors, and individuals who are regularly in contact with minors must complete the United Educators Online Training Module (How Teachers and Other Educators Can Protect Our Children). The program is designed specifically for Higher Education and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Upon completion of training module, you will receive a certification form for signature. Completed certifications must be submitted to your Program Director.
All University employees and volunteers, including employees or volunteers of an external vendor or a campus group who are engaged to provide services during camps, campus events, rental events, and conferences on the University campus in occupations/assignments must complete background screenings as required by the University's Minors on Campus policy (.pdf).
Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Act (Act 153 of 2014) requires all school employees and volunteers who have direct contact with minors be background screened every five (5) years. Effective December 31, 2014, all new employees are required to obtain three Pennsylvania clearances listed as follows:
Wilkes University supports activities and programs involving volunteers. Volunteers allow the university to broaden and enhance its services to the campus community. These activities benefit the participants and the university. It is recognized that these programs may pose additional responsibilities and increased exposure of risk to participants, as well as to the university. The information below
Non-University organizations that wish to operate programs or activities involving minors on the Wilkes campus must ensure their programs are run consistent with the policy and guidelines of the University's Minors on Campus policy (.pdf). All contracts for the use of University facilities by outside parties for programs involving minors must reference and provide a link to this Policy. The policy includes requirements relating to reporting suspected abuse or neglect of minors, completing all relevant training and undergoing background checks.
Third Party Programs must complete ALL requirements of the Minors on campus policy. Additional required forms include: