I. Title
Child Protection Policy
II. Policy
A. Overview
The University of Texas at Arlington (University or UTA) is committed to maintaining a supportive and safe educational environment that seeks to enhance the well-being of all members of its community. Within that commitment, the University places importance on creating a secure environment for children.
B. Applicability
To ensure the safety of children, individuals with responsibilities involving interaction with children must carefully review and abide by this policy. This includes:
- University faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and representatives.
- Third-party vendors and their employees, representatives, or volunteers that contract for use of University facilities.
C. Reporting
This policy applies to alleged child abuse or neglect occurring on the University campus, on property owned/leased by the University, or during University-supported activities off campus.
- Mandatory Reporting: Texas law makes reporting known or suspected child abuse or neglect mandatory for University employees. UTA maintains that all University personnel should immediately report such instances.
- Legal Requirement: Any person believing a child’s physical or mental health has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect must immediately report it to law enforcement. Knowingly failing to report is a Class A Misdemeanor.
- Good Faith Reporting: Employees do not need proof before reporting; uncertainties should be resolved in favor of making a good faith report. Persons making good faith reports are protected under the law from both civil and criminal liability.
- How to Report:
- Immediate Contacts:
- UTA Police Department: 817-272-3003.
- Arlington Police Department: 817-274-4444.
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS): 800-252-5400.
- Emergency situations: Dial 911.
- Required Information: Oral reports should include the child’s name, whereabouts, parent/guardian contact information, and the character/extent of injuries.
- Restrictions: Employees should not directly solicit information from the child or the suspect.
- Online Reporting: In non-emergencies, reporters must also complete an online report at www.txabusehotline.org and deliver a copy to the UTA Police Department.
- Youth Programs: If abuse is discovered during a UTA youth camp or conference, the employee should notify the Program Director.
- Immediate Contacts:
D. Training
UTA provides training to specific personnel who work with minors to educate them on child safety strategies and risks. This training is mandated by the Texas Education Code and UT System. Contact University Compliance Services at 817-272-2080 for details.
III. Definitions
- Child: A person under 18 years of age who is not and has not been married or had the disabilities of minority removed.
- Harm: Physical or emotional injury, or the threat of such harm, to a child’s health or welfare.
- Sexual Abuse: Includes sexually explicit conduct, rape, molestation, or any activity meant to arouse or gratify sexual desires.
- Sexual Exploitation: Encouraging a child to engage in prostitution or pornographic depictions for commercial purposes.
- Negligent Treatment: Failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, supervision, clothing, or shelter.
IV. Relevant Federal and State Statutes
- Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Rule § 1.203
- Texas Education Code § 51.976
- Texas Family Code §§ 261.101(a), 261.106, 261.109
V. Relevant UT System Policies, Procedures and Forms
- UT System Policy UTS 192 Youth Protection Policy
- Youth Program Guide
VI. Who Should Know
All University faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and third-party vendors with responsibilities involving interaction with children.
VII. UTA Office(s) Responsible for Policy
- Responsible Officer: Vice President for Administration & Economic Development
- Sponsoring Department: University Compliance Services
VIII. Dates Approved or Amended
- August 12, 2014
- January 20, 2025
IX. Contact Information
Direct all questions to the Chief Compliance Officer: youthprograms@uta.edu. Send notifications of errors or changes to: policysite@uta.edu.+1