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Protection of Minors

Please be advised that Montgomery College will be closed for winter break from December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025.  Any youth protection inquiries submitted during that time will be addressed when the College reopens on January 6, 2025

Montgomery College has established a Protection of Minors Policy to protect those under 18 years of age (who are not currently enrolled at Montgomery College) who participate in programs and activities associated with the College and to provide guidance to College students, faculty and staff who are involved with such programs and activities.

To Report Child Abuse or Neglect

Department of Health and Human Services
Child Welfare Services:
240-777-4417 (24-hours)

Family Crimes Division
Montgomery County Police Department:
240-773-5400 (24-hours)

Montgomery College Safety and Security Locations

  • Germantown Campus:
    SA Building, Room 282
    240-567-7777 (recorded line)
  • Rockville Campus:
    CB Building, Room 101
    240-567-5111 (recorded line)
  • Takoma Park/Silver Spring:
    ST Building, Room 117
    240-567-1600 (recorded line)

Official Policy

The Protection of Minors Policy provides guidelines and requirements that apply broadly to College students, faculty, staff and volunteers, and also imposes requirements on non-College organizations that operate programs or activities involving minors on campus. The policy sets forth guidelines to help prevent the abuse or neglect of those under 18 years of age and for reporting and responding to incidents in which the safety of minors may be compromised. In addition to increasing awareness of minor abuse and neglect among all members of the College community and requiring reporting, it imposes additional requirements (training and background checks) on those who participate in programs or activities involving minors.

View the full text of the Montgomery College Protection of Minors Policy and Procedure (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) .

Mandatory Reporting

Anyone who has reason to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect must make a report to government authorities. This includes College employees, students, volunteers, visitors, and individuals or groups using College facilities for any purpose. If it is an ongoing emergency, dial 911. If not an emergency, report the incident to local law enforcement and/or Montgomery County Child Welfare Services. Make a report to the College only after any mandated reporting to authorities. If an individual is unsure about whether or how to make a report, promptly contact the youth protection coordinator, Kristen Roe. If the abuse occurred on campus, a report must also be made to Campus Public Safety. The College will not retaliate against any person for making a good-faith report. The most important factor in reporting is to act promptly.

Resources to assist with mandatory reporting:
Mandatory Reporting Information Sheet (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
Is there Reasonable Suspicion Decision Tree (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)

Register Your Program

MC Sponsored

For use by Montgomery College entities sponsoring an event involving minors.

Register Your MC Sponsored Event

Non-MC Sponsored

For use by outside organizations sponsoring an event involving minors.

Register Your Non-MC Sponsored Event

Information for MC Sponsors

Some events occurring on College property include the participation of minors but do not include a formal supervision component. In such cases, parents and guardians are responsible for the direct supervision of the minors in their care. To help event planners communicate this behavioral expectation to the participants at their events, we have created informative posters (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)  .  Posters should be displayed near the check-in or information area and can be posted throughout the space where the event is held. 

Information for Third Party (Non-MC) Sponsors

Outside organizations wishing to use Montgomery College facilities for youth-serving programs for more than one day or overnight are required to conduct criminal history checks on all paid staff and volunteers and must meet additional eligibility requirements.

View our third party eligibility requirements information.

Resources

View our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Downloadable Materials