Youth Interactions

Individual Contact

Purdue requires that Programs have a policy to prohibit one-on-one interactions between youth and adults. The goal of such a policy is to prevent the isolation of one adult and one youth, a situation that elevates the risk for child sexual abuse. If a Program wishes to allow one-on-one contact, the Program must get approval in writing from VPEC.  The Program will have to provide in writing the reason for one-on-one contact and the extra safety measures they will put into place before a determination can be made.  All requests and supporting documentation should be emailed to youthprotection@purdue.edu.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure you do not give anyone the wrong idea:

• Check with your Program Director to understand your Program’s policy. All Programs must prohibit Program Staff from engaging in private interactions with children unless specifically approved by VPEC. 
• Even if your Program is approved for one-on-one interactions, do your best to minimize their frequency and duration, and take extra precautions to minimize the risk. 
• If your program is approved for one-on-one interactions and such interaction is necessary, meet in open, well illuminated spaces or rooms with windows observable by other adults from the program. Keeps doors open. 
• Never accompany children into the bathroom, locker room, or changing room. 
• Invite Program Directors, other Program Staff, or parents to observe a program activity at any time.
• Remember that electronic communication can be a form of one-on-one interactions.  You must include Program Directors, other Program Staff, or parents on any electronic communications with children even if one-on-one interactions have been approved by VPEC.
• If your Program requires you to transport children, have a second adult with you in the car.  This does not include the driver.

Peer Interactions

Most instances of child sexual abuse occur when a predator has private access to a vulnerable individual. Remember older children can also be predators. Notice and report instances in which adults or older children seek individual connections with children. 

• Watch for older children or adults who take younger children away from areas where the program is taking place.
• Watch for older children or adults who have younger favorites with whom they want to spend time exclusively.