Minors Protection

Minors Protection

Brown University is committed to safeguarding the well-being of minors participating in Minors Activities.

Minors Protection

Brown University is committed to safeguarding the well-being of minors participating in Minors Activities.

Brown’s Minors Protection Policy establishes centralized requirements and processes for Minors Activities to ensure the safety and welfare of minors with whom Brown engages. This website is intended to provide information on how to comply with the policy, as well as additional resources and best practices for fostering a safe and supportive environment for minors. 

Minors Protection Program

Brown’s Minors Protection Program directs centralized requirements for Minors Activities, whether they are conducted in-person or virtually. The main requirements include: 

The details of the requirements will vary depending on the category the specific Minors Activity falls into. More details can be found below. The Minors Protection Office will advise Activity Administrators on their Minors Activity’s requirements based on their activity registration. 

Minors Protection Policy

View the Minors Protection Policy on the University Policy Website.

Minors Protection Policy

Minors Activities

Minors Activities include any organized activities, programs, or events in which one or more Minors participate either in-person or virtually. Minors Activities can range from short, one-time events to ongoing, recurring programs. Any activity, event, or program where the parent or guardian is expected to provide supervision of Minors for the full duration of the event is excluded from Brown's Minors Protection Program. 

Minors Activities are broken down into three categories, detailed below. If you are unsure which category your activity fits into - or if your activity even qualifies as a Minors Activity under Brown’s Minors Protection Policy - please reach out to the Minors Protection Office for further clarification. 

Registration

Register Your Minors Activity

Log into the Minors Protection Portal to register your Minors Activity.

Minors Protection Portal

Activity Administrators are responsible for registering their Minors Activity in Brown’s Minors Protection Portal a minimum of 30 days prior to the activity start date. Recurring Minors Activities must be re-registered annually.

Activity Administrators are responsible for: 

  • Promptly notifying the MPO if any of the activity registration information changes
  • Inputting the names/emails of all Activity Adults for their Minors Activity to trigger the appropriate compliance requirements (i.e., background checks and training). 

Note: Guest speakers whose role in a Minors Activity is limited to a short, one-time presentation during which another Activity Adult meeting the requirements of the policy is present at all times are exempted from Brown’s centralized background check and training requirements. All guest speakers meeting this standard should be entered under the “Guest Speaker” role in the activity registration form. 

Background Checks

Criminal background checks are used to aid in determining an individual’s suitability to engage with minors in a Minors Activity. The details of the background check requirements vary depending on the type of Minors Activity.

Training

It is critical that all adults who engage with minors understand the expectations for their behavior. Minors protection training is required annually for Activity Adults in Brown and Non-Brown Activities.

Standard Forms

Brown has standardized release and media consent forms for use by Brown Activities. Any individualized forms must be approved by the Office of the General Counsel. 

All forms must be collected and maintained by the Activity Administrator.

Note: Please review the Image Use Policy to determine whether the Media Consent Form is required.

Behavioral Expectations

Adults must work to actively foster respectful and appropriate environments in which minors are able to thrive. Adults must always serve as positive role models for minors - acting in a responsible, respectful, and caring manner.

Emergency Preparedness

Ensuring emergency preparedness is paramount for minors’ safety and well-being. Following emergency preparedness best practices will help adults interacting with minors be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Contact & Reporting Information

For emergency situations, 
including medical emergencies:

Department of Public Safety: 401-863-4111
or your local authorities

For non-time-sensitive questions:

Minors Protection Office:
minorsprotection@brown.edu
401-863-1292

To report actual or suspected abuse or neglect of minors:

  • Report to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Family Services (RIDCYFS) Child Protection Hotline at 1-(800) RI-CHILD or 1-800-742-4453 (callers may remain anonymous); then
  • Report to Brown's Department of Public Safety at 401-863-3322 and confirm the report was also made to RIDCYFS. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety will inform the University's Title IX Coordinator, if applicable, for the purposes of investigation and support.

For questions related to a specific Minors Activity:

  • Reach out to the Activity Administrator directly.

FAQs

View our Frequently Asked Questions.

Additional Guidelines

Activity Adults

Activity Adults should make an effort to distinguish themselves as the leaders of the Minors Activity for easy identification (e.g., lanyards, name tags, t-shirts, etc.). 

Ratios

The American Camp Association recommends the below ratios for adults to minors. These ratios are not required for Brown Activities but are being provided for Activity Administrators' consideration as they structure their activities. 

Age (in Years) of Youngest MinorsRatio
4-51:6
6-81:8
9-141:10
15-171:12

For Parents and Guardians

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s safety at Brown, please reach out to:

  • the Brown community member who interacts with your child the most;
  • the administrator of your child’s activity; or
  • the Minors Protection Office at minorsprotection@brown.edu.

Important things you can do to protect your child

Let Brown know promptly at 401-863-3322 if your child expresses concern about behavior that may be inappropriate, abusive, or neglectful.

Talk to your child using age-appropriate language about:

  • The difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.
  • The fact that children can say NO to any touch they don’t want and that they should trust and pay attention to their feelings and ask questions when they feel uncomfortable.
  • The fact that children can and should speak up if they ever feel unsafe or bullied.
  • Common online or in-person grooming behaviors to speak up about.

Additional Information

Brown has an Anonymous Reporting Hotline that provides the opportunity to report concerns in an anonymous manner.

The Hotline is NOT a 911 or emergency service: Do not use the Hotline to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Hotline reports may not receive an immediate response. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities. To contact Brown University Public Safety, call 401-863-4111.