For Program Directors

Everything You Need to Keep the Youth in Your Programs Safe.

Policy 8.8: The Protection of Minors and Abuse Reporting serves to support program directors overseeing activities, events, or programs involving minors and to ensure the highest quality and safest experience for youth participants. This website contains comprehensive procedural details to ensure policy compliance and the safe operation of youth programs.

Key Processes	Summary
Youth Program Determination Tools	Determine whether your activity falls under Policy 8.8 and identify the requirements that apply to your program.
Plan Your Youth Program	Learn the key steps for planning a safe, compliant youth program, from registration and risk assessment to required approvals.
Program Personnel Screening and Training	Ensure faculty, staff, students, and volunteers complete the required screening, training, and onboarding activities before working with youth.
Operate Your Program	Access guidance, standards, and best practices for safely managing day-to-day program operations and participant interactions.
Incident Reporting	Understand reporting requirements and learn how to respond to concerns, incidents, or suspected abuse involving minors.
Special Topics	Explore additional guidance on topics such as transportation, overnight stays, virtual programming, and high-risk activities.
Continuous Improvement	Strengthen your program through evaluation, lessons learned, and ongoing efforts to enhance youth safety and program quality.

If you have trouble finding specific information or have further questions, please Contact Us. We're always happy to assist you.

We look forward to collaborating with you to create quality, safe programs for youth in our community and across the world because the work you do is so important in enriching the lives of the youth, the lives of Cornell's students, and in advancing Cornell University's mission.

From everyone in the CYS Office, thank you for your commitment to helping keep children safe.