There are an estimated 100 programs offered by the University or held in University facilities annually, with an estimated 24,000 minors in attendance. Our goal is to provide a safe and secure experience for all people in the UW Community.

The University of Washington does not tolerate child abuse. Suspected perpetrators of child abuse, including University employees, volunteers, or students, may be removed from the premises and may be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution.

Employees, volunteers, or students who engage in child abuse in the workplace, or who use University facilities, property, or resources to engage in child abuse are subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from employment, engagement, or from educational programs.

As of June 7, 2012, the 2012 Legislature enacted Senate Bill 5991, which requires a mandatory duty for all higher education employees to report suspected child abuse or neglect directly to law enforcement or the Department of Social and Health Services:

The reporting requirement…also applies to administrative and academic or athletic department employees, including student employees, of institutions of higher education, as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, and of private institutions of higher education.

In being assigned this legal responsibility, higher education employees join K-12 teachers and healthcare professionals, who have long had this mandatory duty to report. All other higher education employees are required to report suspected abuse to designated supervisors within 48 hours.

Reporting

Policies and Laws

Additional Resources