LSU AgCenter Youth Protection Programs

More information coming soon.

Please contact your Campus Administrator for questions related to youth programs.

1. The Basic Training for Adults Working in Youth Programs must be completed by all adults working in an LSU program. For the purpose of this policy, working for a youth program means anyone providing care, supervision, guidance or control of minors and/or having routine interaction or having prolonged interactions with minors.
2. The training must be completed before adults starts working in the youth program. For the purpose of this policy, working for a youth program means anyone providing care, supervision, guidance or control of minors and/or having routine interaction or having prolonged interactions with minors.

General Rules:

1. The Program Administrator must ensure that a sex offender registry check is conducted every three years (3) for all adults working in a youth program. For the purpose of this policy, working for a youth program means: anyone providing care, supervision, guidance or control of minors and/or having routine interaction or having prolonged interactions with minors.
2. This check must be done in addition to pre-employment background check required by LSU Human Resources (LSU Human Resources Background Check Policy).
3. Adults not working in youth but volunteering on a short notice or ad hoc basis must complete the criminal history voluntary disclosure form if there is not enough time to do a sex offender check.
4. Additional or more extensive background checks may be required by a youth program or campus.

Sex Offender Search:

1. The National Sex Offender Public Registry enables every citizen to search the latest information for the identity and location of known sex offenders. The database includes individuals who have been convicted of sexually violent offenses against adults and minors; plus, certain sexual contact and other crimes against victims who are minors.
2. The Registry is coordinated by the Department of Justice and includes information from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and numerous Indian tribes. The State of Louisiana and the other jurisdictions provide the information found in the Registry.
3. How to run a search:

• Enter the site
• Select the “I agree” button (located under Conditions of Use)
• Fill out the Search form and select “Search” The “Search by Name” choice is usually the best place to start.

Reporting a crime or prohibited conduct in relation to a youth program is required by LSU’s Youth Protection policy (PM-16).

Reporting Abuse or Neglect of a Minor

I. Adults who are Mandated Reporters are required by law to report known or suspected abuse or neglect of a minor. All adults working in an LSU supervised youth program or a non-LSU youth program are designated as Mandated Reporters, per Louisiana State law.

II. Any adult who has cause to believe that a minor's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect shall report as follows:

1. Call 911 if a minor is in immediate danger
2. Dept of Children and Family Services(DCFS) hotline
3. 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437)
4. Toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
5. Local Law Enforcement (campus, city or state police)
6. Youth Program Administrator and/or Campus Administrator

III. Per the law, you, the initial reporter, must be the one who makes the report and not your supervisor or someone else for you.

IV. All reports made to the DCFS hotline must be followed by a written report within five days. This may occur either by entering a follow-up report online or by mailing a written report:

Online: https://mr.dcfs.la.gov/c/mr_portalapp.app

By mail, send the Mandated Reporters Form CPI-2 to: DCFS Centralized Intake, P.O. Box 3318, Baton Rouge, LA 70821

V. The following information is needed to report:

1. The name, address, age, sex, and race of the minor;
2. The nature, extent, and cause of the minor’s injuries or endangered condition;
3. The name of the person(s) thought to be responsible for abusing or neglecting the minor;
4. The name and address of the minor's parent(s) or other caretaker;
5. Your name and address;
6. An account of how this minor came to the reporter's attention;
7. The cause of the minor's injury or condition provided to you by the minor, the caretaker, or any other person.

Reporting Other Criminal Activity or Behavior (not involving abuse or neglect of a minor)

Known or suspected criminal activity or behavior should be reported to:

1. Local Law Enforcement (campus, city or state police)
2. Youth Program Administrator and/or Campus Administrator

Reporting a Violation of the Youth Protection Policy

Known or suspected non-criminal policy violations should be reported to:

Youth Program Coordinator and/or Youth Program Administrator

Self-Reporting

Any person working for or with a youth program who is subject to any criminal arrest, warrant, charge, booking, citation, conviction, bill of information or plea and/or any contact from or with the Louisiana Dept of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regarding a possible violation must self-report this immediately to:

Youth Program Coordinator and/or Youth Program Administrator

Good Faith Reporting

Any person who in good faith makes a report will have immunity from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed. Generally, a reporter will be in good faith as long as they do not make a report which they know, or have good reason to believe is false.

Confidentiality

Reports made to local law enforcement or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) require you to provide details on the suspected criminal activity and the individuals involved.  However, when making internal reports on suspicions of minor abuse/neglect or other crimes, it is important to maintain a certain level of confidentiality. Names of the alleged victim, alleged perpetrator and the reporter, along with details of the allegation should remain confidential. Local law enforcement and/or the DCFS will investigate to determine further actions needed.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Hotline: 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are confidential.

Virtual Learning Tips

Guidelines to Permanent Memorandum 16 (PM-16) - Protection of Minors Participating in University Programs

Please contact your Campus Administrator for questions related to youth programs.