Abuse of Minors-Obligation to Report Policy

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Every employee of the College has the ethical and legal responsibility to report any knowledge or suspicion of sexual or physical abuse of a minor. The term “minor” includes, but is not limited to, enrolled students under the age of 18, dual enrollment students taking both College and high school classwork, youth enrolled in summer athletic camps, and any other person under the age of 18 who is visiting or living on campus. Employees are legally bound to report such abuse even if told in confidence by the minor. Uncertainty about the accuracy of the incident(s) is never an excuse for not reporting.

The College has instituted the following procedures that apply to anyone who sees, hears, or knows about possible child abuse:

1. If you witness an incident involving the sexual or physical abuse of a minor, or learn of circumstances involving a minor who faces imminent harm, you must immediately contact the police by calling 911.
2. If you see, hear about, or know about a situation involving the sexual or physical abuse of a minor, you must report this knowledge or suspicion to the Delaware Department of Services for Children and Their Families (“DSCYF”). All such reports should be made by calling the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line number at 1-800-292-9582. Please note that this is required under Delaware law and failure to follow this requirement could place you at risk of substantial fines by the State. Further, please note that this step must be taken regardless of the severity/immediacy of the incident, and must be taken even if you call the police.
3. Finally, any GBC employee who becomes aware of such allegations is also required to report the concern to a Title IX Coordinator.

Immediate action is essential to protect all children on the College’s campus and is required by Delaware law.