Youth Protection Reporting
Adults that work with children are mandatory reporters.
Adults that work with children are mandatory reporters. You must report real or suspected abuse. Failure to report can be a crime (Penalties for Failure to Report). You may also be liable in a civil lawsuit brought by or in behalf of a child.
If you suspect inappropriate behavior with a child or teen, come forward:
- In cases of imminent risk, call 911 or the Utah State University Police Department at 435-797-1939 (if the emergency is on university premises).
- To report known or suspected abuse of a Minor, contact the Utah Department of Human Services, Child and Family Services Hotline at: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237) or the police department that would have jurisdiction over the location of abuse.
- In addition to one of the reporting options above, report to the Program Administrator and/or Sponsoring Department Administrator.
If you are less sure:
- Call Utah Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- Talk with the Program Administrator and/or Sponsoring Department Administrator.
- When in doubt—REPORT. You cannot get in trouble for making a report in good faith.
Another reason to report—you may not know the whole picture. Officials do not disclose reports they receive on individuals. They can compare reported behavior with past or future reports and determine if there is a pattern of behavior that needs to be addressed.
Guidelines for Reporting
- Type of information to provide: Answer the basic questions of who, what, when, and where. Which students and adults were involved? What happened and where? How old was the student or students involved? What did you observe, and how did you learn about it?
- Time limit: Some states require suspected abuse to be reported immediately, and others provide time limits of up to 72 hours. It is always best to report as soon as possible.
- Confidentiality: Officials will try to keep your identity protected; however, it may be necessary to disclose your name and the nature of your report to the child’s parents, the police, or others in the course of the investigation or prosecution of the perpetrator.
- Anonymous reporting: Although anonymous reports can be made in most states, reports are deemed as more credible when you identify who you are and how you obtained the information. You would also be able to answer any follow-up questions. Anonymous reporting is better than not reporting at all.
- Reporting to your institution: Typically, institutions designate more than one person who may receive a report such as a title IX coordinator, a child protection officer, or a resource officer. At a minimum, incidents should be reported to your supervisor, who can provide guidance on what to do next.
- The University prohibits retaliation against any person who in good faith makes a report of abuse or participates in an investigation or complaint process under this Policy. The University also prohibits the intentional filing of false reports.
CDC Definitions and Possible Signs of Abuse and Neglect
What is Child Abuse?
Words or overt actions that cause harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to a child. The following types of maltreatment involve acts of abuse: words or overt acts of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse causing injury to a child, and/or failure to prevent such injury. Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
What is Neglect?
The failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, emotional, or educational needs or to protect a child from harm or potential harm. The following types of maltreatment involve acts of neglect: failure to provide (e.g., physical, emotional, medical/dental, educational needs) and failure to supervise (e.g., inadequate supervision and exposure to violent environments). Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Possible signs of physical abuse include
Physical
- Visible and severe injuries
- Distinctive shape
- Bruises, burns or scalds, bite marks, scarring, fractures or broken bones
- Frequency, timing, and history of injuries (frequent, after weekends, vacations, school absences)
- Aggression toward peers, pets, other animals
- Seems afraid of parents or other adults
- Fear, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, nightmares, insomnia
- Immaturity, acting out, emotional and behavior extremes
- Self-destructive behavior or attitudes
Possible signs of sexual abuse include
Physical
- Difficulty sitting, walking, bowel problems
- Torn, stained, bloody undergarments
- Bleeding, bruises, pain, swelling, itching of genital area
- Any sexually transmitted disease or related symptoms
- Withdrawn, depressed, anxious, aggression
- Eating disorders, preoccupation with body
- Poor peer relationships, poor self-image, poor self-care, lack of confidence
- Sexual acting out, excessive masturbation, sexual behavior or knowledge that is advanced or unusual
- Reports sexual abuse
Possible signs of psychological abuse include
Physical
- Developmental delays
- Wetting bed, pants
- Speech disorders
- Health problems (e.g., ulcers, skin disorders, obesity, weight fluctuation)
- Overly compliant or defensive
- Extremely emotional, aggressive, withdrawn, anxieties, phobias, sleep disorders
- Destructive or anti-social behaviors (e.g., violence, cruelty, vandalism, stealing, cheating, lying)
- Inappropriate behavior for age (too adult, too infantile)
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Possible signs of neglect include
- Often hungry, stockpiles or seeks food
- May show signs of malnutrition
- Very low body weight/height for age
- Often tired, sleepy, listless
- Hygiene problems, body odor
- Untreated medical and dental problems
Red Flag Adult Behavior
While the University Code of Conduct provides guidelines for what is allowable in interactions between adults and Minors as part of a University program, there are behaviors that may not reach the level of a violation of the Code of Conduct, but can be a sign of potentially predatory behavior. These are referred to as Red Flag Behavior and should be taken seriously by any program supervisors or administrators. Any staff member or volunteer engaging in this behavior should be corrected immediately. Child predators consistently test boundaries in their interactions with Minors in a process called “grooming.” The following are examples of grooming behavior exhibited by child predators.
- They engage in a lot of physical play with Minors, including tickling, wrestling, and “horseplay.”
- They initiate inappropriate physical touch.
- They “single-out” or pay special attention to a specific Minor or small group.
- They put themselves in a position to be alone with a specific Minor.
- They encourage a Minor to keep secrets from parents or guardians by saying things such as “this is just between the two of us.”
- They exhibit or engage in violent behavior towards a Minor.
- They do special favors for, or give gifts to, a specific Minor.
Contact Us
Utah State University Risk Management
Phone: 435-797-1951
Email: risk@usu.edu
Mailing Address:
6600 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322