Youth Protection Program
The University of Texas at San Antonio is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment exists for all staff, students, and visitors to the campus. Each year, the University offers many coordinated opportunities for minors to visit our campus. The programs introduce minors to the traditions of the University while providing them with a robust collegiate and educational experience. More importantly, these programs are essential to our mission at the University because they introduce minors to our campus and community.
The University recognizes both its institutional and legal obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of minors. The Youth Protection Program (YPP) provides guidance and promotes the safety of youth participating in University sponsored programs or those supported by the University. This policy also reinforces compliance with federal and state law.
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training will only be required for anyone (faculty, staff, volunteer or student worker) having contact with a minor as part of a camp or program define as:
- A camp, program, internship, mentorship, event, or activity held on U.T. owned or controlled premises, or sponsored or supported by a U.T. institution that offers recreational, athletic, religious, or educational activities to Youth Participants.
- Youth Program also includes any “Campus program for minors” as defined by Section 51.976 of the Texas Education Code.
- “Youth Program” as defined herein specifically includes external 3rd party youth programs that contract with UT institutions for the use of institutional facilities.
- For the purposes of this Policy, this definition does not include programs for U.T. enrolled students or employees under the age of 18, or programs where the custody, control, and care of a minor (under age 18) is not the responsibility of the institution but instead held by non-UT teachers, official chaperones, parents, or legal guardians (e.g. campus tours of prospective students’ families, visits by local school district classes).
Youth Program Notification Form
All University-affiliated programs engaging youth participants under the age of 18, except as excluded by UTSA HOP 9.51, must notify the Youth Protection Program staff by completing an online notification form prior to commencing program operations.
Youth Protection Notification Form
Programs that fail to notify and comply with the Youth Protection policies may be denied permission to continue operations at the University.
Reporting Incidents involving Minors
Fill out all applicable sections of this report and submit the completed report within 12 hours.
Report any incidents involving minors to the following link:
Report an Incident
Upon submitting a report, also contact the Youth Protection Program coordinator.
Texas law requires anyone with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect to immediately report it to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Reports can be made at any time by phone (1-800-252-5400) or online at Texas Abuse Hotline. The hotline and website are available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The University's policy prohibits retaliation against good faith reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.
Contact Information
Amanda Swaney
Clery Compliance Coordinator and Youth Protection Program Manager
Phone: (210) 458-4153
Email: amanda.swaney@utsa.edu
Youth Protection Program Coordinator
Email: angela.paz@utsa.edu
