Register a Youth Program
To promote the safety and well-being of Minor participants in University programs, events, and activities, all Youth Programs must comply with certain requirements determined by OIE and set forth in the Youth Protection Procedures Manual. A Youth Program includes any University program, event, or activity occurring on or off campus in which Minors are under the supervision of Notre Dame employees, volunteers, or students.
On this page:
- Basic Operational Requirements
- Advanced Operational Requirements
- Program-Specific Operational Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Operational Requirements
All Youth Programs must comply with the following Basic Operational Requirements:
- Register with Office of Institutional Equity
- Reporting
- Screening
- Liability Waivers
- Online Youth Protection Training
- Restrictions for One-on-One Interactions
- Transportation
- Conduct Requirements
- Document Retention
Advanced Operational Requirements
Youth Programs that have the following characteristics must comply with the Advanced Operational Requirements: (1) a moderate level of physical activity, (2) food is provided to youth participants, (3) use of equipment by youth participants, (4) activities in labs, (5) overnight stays, or (6) other characteristics determined by the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) to warrant the additional operational requirements. The Advanced Operational Requirements for these Youth Programs are:
- Supervision Ratios
- Health/Medical Consent to Treat Forms
- Youth Participant Conduct Expectations
- Pre-Program Planning Meeting
- Youth Program Personnel Identification
- Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Check-in/Check-out Procedures
- Medication Management
- Health/Medical Protocols
Program-Specific Operational Requirements
Certain Youth Programs are also subject to Program-Specific Operational Requirements:
- Youth Programs that take places in laboratories
- International Youth Programs
- Virtual Youth Programs
- Overnight Youth Programs
- Youth Programs run by recognized student groups
- Youth Programs involving research
The Responsible Party should reach out to OIE with any questions regarding which requirements apply to a specific Youth Program.
Contact OIE's Youth Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is my program, event, or activity involving minors required to register as a Youth Program?
- I’ve determined that the activity I’m planning qualifies as a Youth Program. What should I do next?
- How often do I need to register my Youth Program?
- We hold several programs, events, or activities over the course of the year that are all part of one initiative. Should we register each activity and event separately or can we register all of them as one Youth Program?
- How far in advance do I need to register my Youth Program with OIE?
- How will I know if my Youth Program has been approved?
- Is my program, event, or activity involving minors required to register as a Youth Program?
A Youth Program is a University program, event, or activity occurring on or off campus in which one or more Minors are under the supervision of Notre Dame employees, volunteers, or students. Supervision by Notre Dame employees, volunteers, or students is expected if there is no parent, legal guardian, or third-party chaperone present during the program, event, or activity. This includes virtual programs when the parent, legal guardian, or third party is not actively participating in the activity and providing supervision. Youth Programs must register and meet specific requirements to help protect the safety and well-being of the minors involved. If you’re unsure about whether or not your program, event, or activity, meets the definition of a Youth Program, contact OIE for additional guidance.
- I’ve determined that the activity I’m planning qualifies as a Youth Program. What should I do next?
Your first step (aside from reviewing the Youth Protection Policy and Procedures Manual) is to register your program with OIE. For a full list of next steps and requirements, see the Youth Protection Procedures Manual.
- How often do I need to register my Youth Program?
Youth Programs –both one time and recurring/year-round activities– need to register at least annually. This provides the University with up-to-date, accurate information about Youth Programs (which may be helpful in the event of an emergency), and it also provides OIE an opportunity to communicate any updates regarding policies or procedures that may have changed since the last time the Youth Program was registered.
- We hold several programs, events, or activities over the course of the year that are all part of one initiative. Should we register each activity and event separately or can we register all of them as one Youth Program?
If your staff or participants change with each program, event, or activity, you would need to register each of them separately. However, if all of your programs, events, or activities involve the same staff and participants, you can register as one Youth Program and include the various dates and details in the registration.
- How far in advance do I need to register my Youth Program with OIE?
All Youth Programs are required to register with OIE at least 30 days before the program, event, event or activity begins.
- How will I know if my Youth Program has been approved?
You may access your Youth Program registration in the Youth Protection Portal. You will receive an email when the Youth Program has been approved by OIE.
