FAQs
Youth Program Requirements
Do I have to complete the notification form with the Office of Youth Program Development and Support when I am asked to speak at a school?
No. If the school organizes the program, the classroom teacher maintains custodial responsibility of the minors and is present throughout the duration of the program. The school is responsible for youth protection training and criminal background checks.
If a school/teacher contacts me about bringing minors on campus for a program, do I have to complete the notification form with the Office of Youth Program Development and Support?
Yes. You do have to complete the notification form.
If a program assesses fees to participants in the form of cash, checks, or credit card, can I accept payment?
No. When a youth program charges a fee to its youth participants in the forms of cash, check, or credit card transaction through a non-approved UTEP system, Professional and Public Programs must provide financial oversight and management of all registrations.
If the Office of Youth Program Development and Support provides administrative support for financial oversight, will I be assessed a fee for this service?
Yes. The Office of Youth Program Development and Support will assess a coordination fee in the amount necessary to cover the costs of administering registration and any other service provided. To determine the appropriate fee for this service, contact the Office of Youth Program Development and Support at youthprograms@utep.edu.
Youth Protection Training
All designated individuals (employees, volunteers and personnel of third party) who are working with campus programs for minors must take the training.
What information does the training include?
This training includes information and examination concerning warning signs of sexual abuse and child molestation approved by U.T. System and the state of Texas.
What training is required for designated individuals?
Designated individuals must complete the University of Texas Youth Protection Training and Examination. The Youth Protection Training is provided by the University at no cost to the designated individual.
How often does the training have to be completed?
Designated individuals must complete the training and examination every year. If the designated individual is a new employee or volunteer, she/he must complete the training five (5) days prior to the start day of the youth program.
Can the test be taken again if I do not pass?
Yes. The designated individual will have to retake the test to achieve a score of 100%.
If a designated individual is hired for a program at the last minute for any reason, are they permitted to work before taking the training?
No, all designated individuals must complete the training five (5) days prior to the start day of the youth program.
Do guests such as lecturers, speakers, etc. have to take the training?
If the guest is working with the youth participants and has unsupervised access to them, training is required. However, training is not required if the guest is speaking to a group, the designated individuals are present at all times, and the guest does not have unsupervised access to the youth participants.
Criminal Background Check
What is the process to obtain a criminal background check?
To request a background check you must submit the Background Check and Information Form and select Youth Camp. For further assistance with criminal background checks, please contact Human Resources at hronboarding@utep.edu or call (915) 747-5202.
How long does it take to process a criminal background check?
Typically, a background check is completed within 3-5 business days from the time the designated individual responds to the criminal background questionnaire.
How often must a criminal background check be conducted on designated individuals?
All designated individuals must undergo a criminal background check every year prior to the start of the program.
Who is responsible for ensuring that all criminal background checks have been completed prior to the start of the program?
It is the responsibility of the Youth Event Coordinator (staff or faculty) or their designee.
If a designated individual is hired for a program at the last minute for any reason, are they permitted to work before the criminal background check is completed?
No, all designated individuals must be cleared to work with minors before an activity or program starts. If the results are delayed, the designated individual cannot start working or volunteering until he/she is cleared.
Do guests such as lecturers, speakers, etc. need a criminal background check?
Yes, if the guest is working with the youth participants and has unsupervised access to them, a criminal background check is required. However, a criminal background check is not required if the designated individuals are present at all times, and the guest does not have unsupervised access to the youth participants.
Can minors serve as designated individuals, volunteers or Youth Event Coordinators?
No. Designated individuals, volunteers and Youth Event Coordinators must be 18 years of age or older.
Whom do I contact if I have questions regarding criminal background checks?
Contact Human Resources at (915) 747-5202 or via email at hronboarding@utep.edu for general questions on background checks.