Mandatory Child Sexual Abuse Reporting & Prevention Policy

I. Policy on Mandatory Reporting and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

    A. Any emplolyee or student of or volunteer for the State University of New York who witnesses or has reasonable cause to suspect any sexual abuse of a child occuring on State university property or while off campus during official State University business or University-sponsored events shall have an affirmative obligation to report such conduct to the relevant University Police Department immediately. Such report should include the names of the victim and assailant (if known), other identifying information about the victim and assailant, the location of the activity, and the nature of the activity.

   B. In addtion, to aid in the prevention of crimes against children on property of the State University of New York and/or during official State University business at events sponsored by the State University of New York, relevant employees should be trained on the identification of such crimes and proper notification requirements. Vendors, licensees or others who are given permission to come onto campus or to use University facilities for events or activities that will include participation of children shall ensure that they have in place procedures for training, implementation of applicable pre-employment screening requirements and reporting of child sexual abuse.

   C. In furtherance to this policy, Geneseo shall, on an annual basis notify all college employees of the existence of this policy, and train employees on the provisions of this policy and the attendant reporting obligations.

  D. It is a violation of the policy for a member of the University community to attempt to handle a case of sexual abuse “in house,” within a department, residence hall, or athletic team, for example. All reports must be brought to the attention of University Police for further investigation and handling as a criminal matter.

  E. Any employee found in violation of the provisions of this policy shall be subject to discipline up to termination of their employment, consistent with the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, if any, as well as subject to any applicable criminal prosecution.

  F. Nothing contained in this policy precludes mandated reporters from completing their obligation to report suspected child sexual abuse.

II. No Retaliation Clause

  A. Retaliation against a person acting in good faith, in accordance with this policy, who reports an incident or suspicion of child sexual abuse, is strictly prohibited.  

  B. SUNY Geneseo will take appropriate formal disciplinary action, which can include penalties up to, and including termination of employment in accordance with existing collective bargaining unit agreements for those found responsible for retaliatory action.

III. Reporting Procedures

  A. Employees, students, or volunteers who witness or have a reasonable cause to suspect any sexual abuse of a child occurring on college property or while off campus during official college business or a college sponsored event, shall report the incident immediately to the Geneseo University Police Department at 585-245-5222.

  B. The report to the Geneseo University Police Department should include the names of the victim and assailant (if known), other identifying information about the victim and assailant, the location of the activity, and the nature of the activity.

  C. Upon receiving such a report, along with initiating its standard investigatory procedures and notifications to other campus offices (see above), the Chief of the Geneseo University Police Department shall promptly notify the Commissioner of University Police at SUNY System Administration, who shall report such incidents to the Chancellor for periodic reporting to the Board of Trustees.

IV. Related Links

    SUNY Policy on Mandatory Reporting and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

   New York State Penal Law Articles 

• Article 130
• Article 260
• Article 263