University of Alabama at Birmingham
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ON UAB PREMISES AND IN UAB-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
November 21, 2012
Related Forms
Consent for a Minor in Laboratories or Animal Facilities
Potential Hazard Information Table
Employing Minors in UAB Labs or Other Hazardous Areas/Request for Clearance-Consent
Related Policies
UAB Enterprise Code of Conduct
Employment of Minors – HR Policy 125
Minors in Laboratories and Animal Facilities
UAB Policy on Definition of Child, Parent, Guardian – IRB POL015
UAB Policy on Selection and Recruitment of Subjects in Research
Procedures for Additional Safeguards
For Children Involved in Research Including Assent – IRB PRO108
Purpose
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is committed to maintaining a supportive and safe educational and working environment, one which seeks to enhance the well-being of all members of its community. This commitment reflects the institution’s adherence to its mission, to the UAB Enterprise Code of Conduct, to its various policies, and to relevant state and federal laws. Within that commitment, UAB places importance on creating a secure environment for children.
Scope
This policy applies to activities occurring on UAB’s campus or on property owned or leased by UAB, as well as UAB-sponsored activities occurring off-campus.
All UAB faculty, staff, students, and volunteers, as well as employees and volunteers of third-party vendors that are on premises or providing services on behalf of UAB, (hereinafter “University representatives”) are responsible for complying with this policy.
Definitions
Child is defined for the purposes of this policy as any individual under 18 years of age.
Abuse is harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare. Harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare can occur through nonaccidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation.
Sexual Abuse may be perpetrated by an adult or another child and includes the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or having a child assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of the conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of the conduct; or the rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children as those acts are defined by Alabama law. Sexual abuse also includes any activity that is meant to arouse or gratify the sexual desires of the perpetrating adult or child. Sexual abuse may or may not involve touching.
Sexual exploitation includes allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution and allowing, permitting, encouraging or engaging in the obscene or pornographic photographing, filming, or depicting of a child.
Neglect is negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, supervision, clothing, or shelter.
Policy Statement
University representatives are required to conduct interactions with children according to all laws, regulations, and UAB policies and procedures.
With very limited exception, Alabama law (Ala. Code § 26-14-1 et seq.) makes the reporting of known or suspected child abuse or neglect mandatory for hospitals, clinics, medical professionals, teachers, school officials, law enforcement officials, social workers, daycare workers, mental health professionals, members of the clergy, and any other person called upon to render aid or medical assistance to a child. It is UAB’s position that, in addition to the mandated statutory reporting requirements for certain individuals and entities, all University representatives must immediately report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to the UAB Police and complete any required report forms.
No form of child abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, will be permitted or tolerated under any circumstances. Child abuse is morally and legally wrong. It can come in many forms. Harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare can occur through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, attempted sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or attempted sexual exploitation.
In deciding whether or not to report an incident or situation of suspected abuse or neglect, proof of abuse or neglect is not required. Any uncertainty in deciding to report suspected abuse or neglect should be resolved in favor of making a good faith report. All inquiries and investigation activities are only to be conducted by the UAB Police or other city, county, or state officials.
UAB prohibits retaliation or allowing retaliation against any University representative who makes a good faith report of child abuse or neglect. Further, any person or entity that makes a good faith report of child abuse or neglect is immune under Alabama law from any liability—civil or criminal—that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
Disciplinary Action
Failure to make a required report may lead to criminal charges and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or dismissal from program of study. Any UAB employee, trainee, student, volunteer, or other representative committing or complicit with criminal acts against children will be reported by UAB to the appropriate authorities. Students may also be subject to UAB’s Code of Non-academic Conduct.
Implementation
The Vice President for Financial Affairs and Administration is responsible for procedures to implement this policy.