Saint Martin's University is committed to the prevention of child abuse and requires the reporting of suspected child abuse by all Saint Martin's University community members. Saint Martin’s students, staff or faculty may interact with minors on campus through Saint Martin’s sponsored programs or through community sponsored programs using university facilities.
Under Washington law, educators or other professionals who work with minors are considered "mandatory reporters." This means that Saint Martin's University employees must report if there is reasonable cause to believe that a child (under 18 years of age) is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse, including sexual abuse, which causes harm or substantial risk of harm to the child’s health or welfare. Reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering harm or substantial risk of harm may be based on information shared with the employee by the child or any other individual; or the employee's own observations or knowledge.
Saint Martin's University Policy Statements
SVMU Supervision of Minors Policy for University Sponsored Events
SMU Supervision of Minors Policy for Non-University Sponsored Events
Reporting child abuse or child neglect
Saint Martin's University employees are directed to bring all suspicions or beliefs to the immediate attention of the Program Director/Supervisor or Authorized Adult overseeing the minors, Office of Public Safety or the Title IX Coordinator, in addition, employees may report the incident to local law enforcement and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) at 1-866-363-4276 or visit http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/safety/abusereport.asp.
Saint Martin's University has established a policy regarding the supervision of minors whether the minor activity is sponsored by the University or organizations outside the University.
In addition to reviewing the policy, program directors, supervisors, authorized adults and any one working closely with minors on campus must review the "Mandatory Reporter" training module ensuring they fully understand their responsibilities.