Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of the youth protection program is to promote a safe, supportive and enriching experience for minors participating in activities and programs on university property. By providing guidance, education, and appropriate safeguards, the program helps ensure that minors are protected, respected, and able to learn, explore, and grow in an environment that promotes their well-being.

A youth program is any event, program or activity involving minor participants, except for those stated in the Youth Protection Policy Exemptions.

The following programs and circumstances are exempt from the policy.

• Enrollment in a for-credit university course by a minor
• Events open to the general public
• Research activities
• State-licensed preschool, childcare, day camp and daycare programs, including the Child Development and Family Center
• Orientation and academic advising activities
• Minors employed by the university
• Medical care given to minors in a university patient care setting by a licensed health care provider
• Minors participating in pre-enrollment visitation or recruiting activities governed under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
• Occasional and special events that are not operated by the university where only family, friends, and people known to the hosts are invited to attend (e.g., birthday party, wedding, banquet)
• Events hosted by tenants with a lease agreement operating within their leased premises in university facilities

All on-campus youth programs must be registered, including youth programs hosted by third parties that will be responsible for the care, custody, and control of minors.

Yes, all on-campus summer camps for minor participants must be registered.

Yes, all youth programs must be registered regardless of program duration.

At least 30 days before the start of the youth program.

The program sponsor is responsible for registering youth programs. A program sponsor is the individual responsible for the operational management and oversight of the youth program.

A youth program can be registered by submitting a Youth Protection Registration Form.

Yes.

A registration form must be submitted for each youth program.

All university-sponsored or -operated youth programs that will occur on campus must submit a compliance plan.

No.

Compliance plans can be submitted through the electronic submission form.

A compliance plan must be submitted for each youth program.

Program staff are required to complete training and background checks prior to the start of the youth program.

Mandated Reporter and Campus Security Authority trainings must be completed prior to the start of the youth program.

Mandated Reporter Training must be completed every three years. Campus Security Authority Training is required to be completed every calendar year.

The program sponsor is responsible for ensuring program staff complete required training and background checks and are encouraged to maintain documentation of their completion (e.g., DCFS Mandated Reporter Training certificate of completion).

The Mandated Reporter Training can be accessed through the Department of Child and Family Services. Instructions on how to access the Campus Security Authority will be emailed to program staff after the compliance plan is submitted.

You may not be able to participate in the youth program.

If you suspect or are aware of abuse or neglect, report it to the Department of Children and Family Services by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-2873 or child abuse online reporting. If the child is in immediate danger, first call 911.

You may report the crime to the NIU Department of Police and Public Safety by phone at 815-753-1212 or online.

A Sexual Misconduct Report must be completed for sex offenses. A Maxient Report must be submitted to report all other Clery crimes.