Northern Illinois University is committed to promoting a safe and secure environment for all, including individuals under the age of 18 (minors). As such, the university requires all events, programs and activities for minors that occur on university property to be registered with the university. Please contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at eco@niu.edu or 815-753-9364 for questions related to youth programs.
All university employees and individuals involved in a youth program are mandated reporters and are required to immediately report actual or suspected child abuse and child neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
The Youth Protection Policy sets forth requirements for on-campus events, programs and activities involving minors, and responsibilities of program sponsors and staff. Program sponsors and staff are expected to understand and comply with the provisions of the Youth Protection Policy and any other applicable university policies and/or procedures.
All on-campus events, programs or activities involving minors must be registered before it begins. This requirement also applies to third-party events, programs or activities for minors hosted on campus. The program sponsor must register the event, program and/or activity by submitting the Youth Protection Registration Form. A registration form must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the event, program or activity.
The Program Sponsor of a university sponsored or operated youth program must submit a Youth Program Compliance Plan upon registration or prior to the start of the youth program. The purpose of the compliance plan is to describe actions designed to promote a safe and secure environment for minors participating in an on-campus event, program and/or activity. Contact the Ethics and Compliance office at eco@niu.edu or 815-753-9364 for guidance on the development of a compliance plan
The completion of training and background checks must be in accordance with the Youth Protection Policy, at minimum. Additionally, training specific to the program unit may be required depending on the level of interaction program staff has with minors.
All university employees are required to complete Mandated Reporter Training within three (3) months of the start of their employment and every three (3) years. The university will administer the training during the appropriate compliance training series for employees
Program staff must have completed the Mandated Reporter Training prior to the start of the youth program. If a program staff member has already completed mandated reporter training, they must provide proof of completion to the program sponsor. Additionally, program staff are required to complete Campus Security Authority Training prior to the start of the youth program.
If you need a review of additional forms for your event, program and/or activity, please contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at eco@niu.edu or 815-753-9364.