The Boston College Protection of Minors Program Requriements
Screening
Program Directors are responsible for assessing the suitability of all Program Staff. Program Directors should utilize screening tools appropriate to the duration and risk level of the Program. In-person or video interviews are required of any Program Staff member who will have overnight responsibilities or supervisory responsibilities. Program Directors shall maintain screening and interview records for each Program Staff member selected for the Program.
Background Checks
A successful background check will be required of each proposed Authorized Adult prior to his or her participation in a University-sponsored Program involving minors.
- All such checks pertaining to University-sponsored Programs shall be conducted by the Department of Human Resources or a contractor acting under the direction of the Department of Human Resources.
- Such background check shall include at a minimum a review of the Massachusetts Criminal and Sex Offender Records Information Registries (CORI/SORI), or the similar registries of the state or states of primary residence of such person, as well as a national criminal and sex offender search and a motor vehicle driving record search.
- All such checks shall be conducted in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the regulations of the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board.
- The background check must occur prior to any Program Staff member’s participation in the Program. Except as otherwise may be required by law, the background check should be renewed every three (3) years for Program Staff whose employment or student status at Boston College has remained continuous, or annually for all others.
*Boston College uses Creative Services, Inc. (CSI) to conduct these CORI background checks. CSI is located in Mansfield, Massachusetts and is a firm that specializes in conducting background searches and does so for a wide variety of clients.
Required Training
Each person proposed to serve as an Authorized Adult shall complete a training program on the protection of children from abuse, which program shall be approved by the Department of Human Resources. All University students, faculty, staff, and volunteers participating in University Activities involving Minors (including services, programs, and activities occurring on and off Campus, and owners, operators, employees, agents, and volunteers of Third Party Programs) must complete some level of training prior to being permitted to participate in programs that include Minors.
All personnel serving as an “authorized adult” are required to complete the Virtus Protection of Minors on Campus training in accordance with the Protection of Minors (PoM) policy. The training equips participants with practical strategies and actionable guidance to help prevent, recognize, and respond to abuse, including identifying warning signs and behaviors of concern. Please note that some training content may be sensitive or emotionally difficult for viewers.
Lab Safety Protocols
All minors and programs must comply with the Boston College Protection of Minors Policy. Minors are only permitted in laboratory and research spaces as part of an approved program and are restricted from working with designated materials. Additional details about lab safety guidelines for minors can be found in the Supplemental Protocols and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Age Requirements for Program Participation
Day Program:
- Minors unaccompanied by a parent or guardian must be at least 6 years old or have completed Kindergarten as of the first day they are attending the Day Program.Employment of Minors
Employment of Minors
- Employment of minors as employees or volunteers is restricted to individuals aged 16 and older.
- Exceptions for minors under 16 are only permitted for Boston College pre-approved sponsor programs, with prior approval from the VP of Human Resources or their designee.
- Employment of minors under the age of 14 as employees or volunteers is strictly prohibited.
- Departments wishing to engage minors as employees must have authorization by Human Resources and comply with any conditions required by HR and Environmental Health & Safety.
Overnight Program (Residing without Parent/Guardian):
- Must be at least 12 years old or have completed 6th grade to stay overnight in a traditional-style residence hall (e.g., double-loaded corridor with common bath).
- Must be at least 14 years old or have completed 8th grade to stay overnight in a suite-style residence hall (e.g., units with multiple bedrooms and private bathrooms but no kitchens).
- Must be 18 years old to stay overnight in an apartment-style residence hall.
Immunization Requirements
All participants are required to comply with Boston College immunization requirements.
Boston College is committed to the health and safety of all participants in camps, conferences, and youth-serving programs held on University property or sponsored by the University. In accordance with Massachusetts regulations, all children, staff, and volunteers must meet state immunization requirements before participating in any Boston College program. Immunization requirements for these programs follow state-mandated guidelines and may include additional expectations depending on the specific program (e.g., overnight camps versus day programs).
General Requirements
Any participant in a program subject to state mandates applicable to camps or other programs with vaccine requirements is subject to those vaccination requirements.
Subject to any requirements of the state, the Associate VP for Wellness may impose program-specific vaccination requirements.
General Requirements for Participants in Overnight Programs
All students must provide proof of immunity to the following diseases:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): Two doses required.
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): One booster dose (if the Tdap is more than 10 years old, a TD booster is also needed).
- Varicella (chicken pox): Two doses required, or a positive antibody titer showing immunity.
- Hepatitis B: A 3-dose series is required, or a positive antibody titer showing immunity.
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY): Required for all full-time students 21 years of age or younger. This may also be required for participants in overnight summer programs.
General Requirements for Staff & Adult Volunteers
Adults working in youth programs must follow Massachusetts adult immunization guidelines:
- MMR: 2 doses (born ≥1957)
- Varicella: 2 doses (unless born before 1980)
- Tdap/Td: 1 Tdap; booster every 10 years
- Hepatitis B: Required for staff providing first aid (3-dose series or 2-dose Heplisav-B)
Program-Specific Requirements
- Overnight Programs: Participants in overnight camps must receive the Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine, as required by Massachusetts regulations.
Exemptions
- Religious Exemptions - Boston College will utilize the MA State Religious Exemption Vaccination Form.
- International Students - Exemptions are provided on a case-by-case basis for an international student/staff traveling from a destination country where the immunization is currently not available.
- Other exemptions may be approved on a case-by-case basis with the AVP for Health and Wellness's approval.
Submission Process
Records must be submitted to University Health Services via the patient portal.
- Download the official Required Immunizations Form.
- Have a licensed medical provider complete and sign the form.
- Upload a scan or photo of the signed form and any supporting documentation (like official health records from a provider or school).
It is recommended to check with the specific program's administration for any supplementary health forms or requirements beyond the general university policies.
Data Collection and Retention
All departments are required to satisfy record-keeping requirements per the University’s Record Retention policy.
Boston College Program Registration Documents
All participants are required to comply with the Boston College Protection of Minors Program Registration Process, including completing the following documents. The Program Registration Form is available on the HR website.
Required Documents
Communication Plan
Describes how staff, participants, and families will communicate.
Please see "Communication Plan”
Medical Emergency Plan
Outlines how medical emergencies will be handled.
Please see "Medical Emergency Plan”
Supervision Plan
Explains how participants will be supervised throughout the program.
Please see "Supervision Plan”
Transportation Plan
Details how participants will be transported safely.
Please see "Transportation Plan”
Medication & Emergency Treatment Authorization Form
Required for each participant to authorize care and medication support.
Please see ”Medication and Emergency Treatment Authorization Form”