Youth Protection Program

The Youth Protection Program sets guidelines and requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of minors involved in programs at or affiliated with San Francisco State University.

About the Youth Protection Program

San Francisco State University is committed to protecting youth on our campus, in our programs and in the community. 

SFSU's Youth Protection Program helps the campus safeguard youth by defining the bandwidth of acceptable behavior when interacting with minors and establishing minimum requirements for youth programs operated by or at the university. 

Everyone has a part to play in keeping youth safe. Learn about the University’s Youth Protection Policy and how we work to protect young people in our community. 

What programs are covered by SFSU’s Youth Protection Program?

  • Programs where the University is responsible for the care and direct supervision of minors 
  • SFSU departments or groups that sponsor, run or approve programs involving minors or housing them 
  • Non-University groups using SFSU facilities, buildings or grounds

What types of programs are excluded from SFSU’s Youth Protection Program?

  • Programs where minors are expected to be under the care and supervision of others (e.g., tour guides, grade school or high school teachers, parents or guardians) 

Reporting and responding to incidents

CSU Executive Order 1083 Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect requires all University employees, campus community volunteers and independent contractors, regardless of their status as a mandated reporter as defined by California law, who, in the course of their University business or volunteer activity, have reasonable suspicion of child abuse, as defined by California law, must make a report as outlined in this policy. 

If you need to report an emergency situation involving child neglect or sexual abuse, please call 911.  

Otherwise, please contact the appropriate local and state authorities, including UPD, to report suspected incidents of child sexual abuse and/or neglect. 

Reporting concerns, incidents or policy violations related to youth programs

These types of concerns related to youth programs at San Francisco State University can be reported by contacting Enterprise Risk Management at (415) 405-3522 or by emailing us at ypp@sfsu.edu.

Youth Program Registration

Youth Program Directors must annually register their youth program and receive Enterprise Risk Management approval before any activities involving youth can begin.

Parent information

SFSU prioritizes your child's safety. Together, we build a secure, supportive space for academic and personal growth.

In today's digital world, partnering with parents is key to youth safety.  

Here's how we keep you informed and empowered: 

  • Share access to all virtual meetings/programs
  • Encourage awareness of children's online activities
  • Communicate about mailed materials and safety
  • Provide clear reporting instructions

Learn how SFSU protects youth in virtual settings.

State-managed programs place strict boundaries on interactions between youth and adult staff and generally prohibit all of the following:

  • isolated, non-public, one-on- one interactions
  • exchanges of emails, texts, or calls without express parental permission
  • sharing secrets
  • engaging in inappropriate physical interactions
  • (e.g. lap sitting, kisses, wrestling, piggyback rides, tickling, massage or touching of inappropriate areas) 

These boundaries are further detailed in SFSU's Code of Conduct – Standards for Interaction with Youth. The more you know about the boundaries that should be in place between youth and adult staff, the better you will be able to identify and report a violation of these boundaries.  

In the event of any concerning or potentially harmful incidents involving youth participants, our team is obligated to report such occurrences promptly.  

When we all take action, abuse is preventable. We take these matters seriously and respond with urgency, adhering to the following established protocols: 

Basis to Report

At SFSU, your child’s safety is a priority. Staff, volunteers, and contractors must act on suspected abuse by reporting it as outlined below. 

  • Report Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect 
  • Call 911 in an emergency situation involving child neglect or sexual abuse 
  • Report suspected incidents of child sexual abuse to appropriate local and state authorities  
  • Report Concerns, Incidents or Policy Violations Related to Youth Programs to ERM at (415) 405-3522 or by emailing us at ypp@sfsu.edu. 

Learn how SFSU protects youth in virtual settings.