Protection of Minors

Montgomery College has established a Protection of Minors Policy to protect those under 18 years of age (who are not currently enrolled at Montgomery College) who participate in programs and activities associated with the College and to provide guidance to College students, faculty and staff who are involved with such programs and activities.

Official Policy

The Protection of Minors Policy provides guidelines and requirements that apply broadly to College students, faculty, staff and volunteers, and also imposes requirements on non-College organizations that operate programs or activities involving minors on campus. The policy sets forth guidelines to help prevent the abuse or neglect of those under 18 years of age and for reporting and responding to incidents in which the safety of minors may be compromised. In addition to increasing awareness of minor abuse and neglect among all members of the College community and requiring reporting, it imposes additional requirements (training and background checks) on those who participate in programs or activities involving minors.

View the full text of the Montgomery College Protection of Minors Policy and Procedure (PDF, ) .

Mandatory Reporting

Anyone who has reason to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect must make a report to government authorities. This includes College employees, students, volunteers, visitors, and individuals or groups using College facilities for any purpose. If it is an ongoing emergency, dial 911. If not an emergency, report the incident to local law enforcement and/or Montgomery County Child Welfare Services. Make a report to the College only after any mandated reporting to authorities. If an individual is unsure about whether or how to make a report, promptly contact the youth protection coordinator, Debra Bouyer. If the abuse occurred on campus, a report must also be made to Campus Public Safety. The College will not retaliate against any person for making a good-faith report. The most important factor in reporting is to act promptly.

Resources to assist with mandatory reporting:
Mandatory Reporting Information Sheet (PDF, )
Is there Reasonable Suspicion Decision Tree (PDF, )

Register Your Program

Program Registration Manual (PDF, )

 

Downloadable Materials

• Background Check Certification of Completion Form (PDF, )  
• Posters for Unsupervised Events (PDF, )  
• Education/Training Material (PDF, )  
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, )
• Mandatory Reporting Information Sheet (PDF, )