Conduct for Working with Minors
Child abuse is a difficult and emotionally-charged subject. You have a duty to the children with whom
you work, to the University and to yourself to prevent any abuse or improper behavior. You also have a
duty to prevent unfounded accusations of abuse, by adhering to a proper code of conduct when working
with minors. These guidelines are intended to provide good practices in minor/adult interactions and
conduct that employees and volunteers should follow in order to prevent abuse and unfounded
allegations of abuse:
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Never use any form of physical or emotional punishment to discipline children participating in
the program.
Be aware of the impact of your words and language on young children. Be careful of sarcasm,
do not swear or use vulgar language, or use or respond to sexual innuendo; never make a
sexually suggestive comment, even in fun.
Do not allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
Maintain a safe and appropriate distance from participants. This includes a firm ‘no-laps’ policy
for children over the age of (4).
Never engage in rough or sexually provocative games, including horseplay.
Do not allow any inappropriate touching, including between children.
Only touch participants when it is necessary in relation to the particular appropriate activity.
Employees should use best judgement when working with minors and keep physical contact
appropriate. Contact your designated supervisor or director if you require guidance.
Seek agreement from participants prior to any physical contact. For theatre or dance
performance related activity this contact agreement should be determined at the beginning of
rehearsals and only readdressed if significant change is being asked of the participant. Make
sure that disabled participants are informed of and comfortable with any necessary physical
contact. This is of particular importance and should also be addressed with the minor’s parent
or guardian.
Do not spend time alone with a child away from others; try to avoid being alone with a child,
particularly in a restroom, changing area, or shower area (follow the “rule of three” and always
make sure there is another person with you). Should you need to be alone with a minor, and
showering or bathing with minors, even when you are not alone with one is never acceptable.
Be aware of and avoid situations in which actions can be misconstrued or manipulated by others
(i.e. being alone with the last child to leave a class); conduct all dealings with children in a public
environment as much as possible, in order that all behavior can be readily observed.
Children should use a “buddy system” or otherwise be encouraged to stay together when going
to the bathroom, on field trips, or when leaving the classroom area.
Do not appear to favor one child more than another; do not give gifts to anyone child in the
program; do not accept expensive gifts from any child in the program.
Do not tell children “this is just between the two of us” or use similar language that encourages
children to keep secrets from their parent/guardian.
Never allow sexual relationships to develop between teachers/volunteers/facilitators and
minors or vulnerable adults.
Never transport a child in a vehicle without prior written consent of parent/guardian.
Immediately report any accidents, injuries or inappropriate interactions to a designated person.
Be professional and maintain the highest standards of behavior at all times; do not drink alcohol
or use any type of Tabaco when working with minors.
Additional Guidelines:
1. Never abuse children including physical abuse (strike, spank, shake or slap), verbal
abuse (humiliate, degrade, threaten), sexual abuse (including inappropriate touching
and exposure), or mental abuse.
2. Treat all children regardless of race, religion, or culture with respect and consideration.
3. Use positive techniques of guidance, including positive reinforcement and
encouragement rather than competition, comparison or criticism.
4. Abstain from using humiliating discipline techniques, and from allowing themselves to
be drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behavior or making suggestive or
derogatory remarks in front of children or young people.
5. Set and monitor appropriate boundaries and relationships when working with children,
based on openness, honesty and respect for the child’s personal space.
6. Portray a positive role model for youth by maintaining an attitude of respect, patience,
courtesy, and maturity.
7. Do not distribute or administer medication of any kind unless specifically authorized.
Parents should be informed of this rule on child participation forms.
8. Ensure adequate supervision of minors while they are participating on college programs
or activities, whether on or off campus.
9. Ensure all participants in a college program or activity or a program or activity taking
place on University property understand what facilities and equipment they are
permitted to use.