University of Colorado’s Child Protection Policy requires all CU Boulder Programs for Children, and all unaffiliated program operators utilizing university property, to adhere to minimum requirements and industry best practices to protect the health and safety of participating children.  The policy creates a standard of care best suited to the protection of minors while participating in activities on a college campus.

This policy applies to all members in the University of Colorado Boulder community, including employees, faculty, students, interns, volunteers, contractors, vendors, third party programs and others who use premises at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Definitions relating to the policy:

Child, Children, Minor, Youth: individual(s) under the age of 18

Program(s) for Children: a university program operated exclusively or primarily for children left in university care without parental or guardian supervision and that requires registration.

Unaffiliated Program Operator: a third party who enters an agreement with the University to operate its own Program for Children using University facilities.

Why is this policy important?

We see a value in providing children early exposure to additional learning opportunities on our campus and we know that these programs are able to provide a positive impact on youth and their experience with the University of Colorado Boulder.  However, it is important to remember:

  • Parents, University of Colorado Boulder faculty, staff, administrators and children expect schools and other institutions of learning to be safe spaces and we plan to exceed that expectation with every program.
  • Protecting children from harm is always our top priority for programs that serve youth.
  • The University of Colorado Boulder serves approximately 35,000 minors each year.
  • Child sexual abuse is more prevalent than many realize, 1 in 10 children will be abused before their 18th birthday. 
  • It is possible for unintentional injuries and abuse to occur in even the safest environments.

The impact of child sexual abuse, on the victim, the organization, and the community, is so severe, it is imperative to do everything possible to prevent it.