IU updates policies for child protection

Penn State University Coach Jerry Sandusky was accused of child sexual abuse 10 months ago and is expected to go on trial for 52 criminal counts June 5.

Since February, Penn State has spent more than $4 million in public relations to repair its image, and a November Business Insider article estimated it will “probably lose millions in alumni donations.” 

IU has designed a set of policy guidelines to prevent a similar situation from happening at any campus.

“It creates a standard, consistent way of managing and coordinating all the programs that involve children,” University Director of Public Safety Jerry Minger said. “I think it’s a safe environment anyway, but this goes the next step and makes sure everyone knows what the expectations are.”

Mandatory background checks, reportage of suspected child abuse or neglect and the online registration of all University programs that involve children will now be required.

Though the policy itself was influenced by the events at Penn State, it seeks to protect children from more than just sexual misconduct. All programs must now have protocol for a number of topics, including safe transportation and weather safety for children.

The policy was updated in an effort to uphold Indiana state laws.

“Indiana is a little different than most states in that our state law requires everyone to be a mandatory reporter,” Chief of Staff and Director of Policy Administration Jenny Kincaid said.

“The burden is on every teacher, principal and student to report.”

Current state law requires disclosure of suspected child abuse or neglect of anyone younger than 18 years old. University protocol will protect adolescents 16 years old or younger.

“We have many, many wonderful programs and it would be nearly impossible to centrally say what kind of policy should be for a program because frequently it depends on the age of the participant, the location, how they’re transported, how long it is,” Kincaid said.

“There are so many variables.”

The policy outlines the University standards, but every program is autonomous in declaring individual expectation.

“What we saw at Penn State, among other things, was it doesn’t even have to be an IU-sponsored thing,” said John Applegate, executive vice president for university regional affairs, planning and policy.

“It could be a program of some other entity that operates on campus. The idea is to have a balance between a few universal requirements and the individual programs really thinking these things through.”

Since April 1, all staff and hourly employees at IU have been required to undergo a background check, but this policy will extend that reach and require all University-affiliated individuals, hourly and volunteer, to be screened every three years.

“Bright lines are the sex-based offenses and the crimes against children,” Kincaid said.

Individuals who have committed either offense will be precluded from working with the University. The hiring process for other offenses will be dependent on individual program selection. 

Parties should contact Child Protection Services or a local law enforcement official, such as from the Indiana University Police Department, if they suspect child abuse or neglect.

“As a parent, it’s definitely a tragedy, but it’s also a tragedy for the institution,” Kincaid said. “You really want to know that the institution is doing what it can to keep the children there safe. It’s a great opportunity for children to be able to take part in programs at the University, but at the same time the University needs to be doing what they can to provide a safe environment.”