Child Protection Training

Campus Program for Minors

 All adults participating in groups with minors must complete child protection training. This requirement includes camp/conference staff, admins, coaches, chaperones, and instructors. If you have questions regarding this policy please email us conferencehousing@txstate.edu .

Education Code, Section 51.976
Training and examination program for employees of campus programs for minors on warning signs of sexual abuse and child molestation.

The purpose of the Campus Program for Minors is to educate employees of such programs by establishing requirements relating to sexual abuse and child molestation training. The proposed rules are necessary to comply with Senate Bill (SB) 1414, 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, which amended the Texas Education Code, Section 51.976.

A copy of SB 1414 may be found at the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

This requirement is for all staff in a position involving interaction with any program involving minors. Each staff member is required to successfully complete an approved child protection training on sexual abuse and child molestation.

All employees and volunteers who are involved with, or provide direct services to a camp with minors must comply with these new rules by selecting one of the following training options:

  1. Choose an already-approved training program for employees and volunteers. Texas State University provides an approved online training program.
  2. Develop a new training program for employees and volunteers and receive approval from DSHS. If this option is selected your program must be on the DSHS list.

A program operator must submit to the DHRL within 7 business days of the start of the campus program for minors verification that each employee of the campus program for minors has complied with the requirements of the new rules.

Definitions

Camper

A minor who is attending a campus program of minors.

Campus Program for Minors

A program that:

  • Is operated by, or on the campus of, an institution of higher education.
  • Offers recreation, athletic, religious, or education activities for campers who:
    • Are not enrolled at the institution.
    • Attend or temporarily reside at the camp.

Professional (as defined by Chapter 261, Family Code)

An individual who is licensed or certified by the state or who is an employee of a facility licensed, certified, or operated by the state and who, in the normal course of official duties or duties for which a license or certification is required, has direct contact with children. The term includes teachers, nurses, doctors, day-care employees, employees of a clinic or health care facility that provides reproductive services, juvenile probation officers, and juvenile detention or correctional officers.

Program Operator

A person who owns, operates, or supervises a campus program for minors, regardless of profit.

Training and Examination Program on Sexual Abuse and Child Molestation

A program approved by the Department of State Health Services.