What does it mean to have unsupervised access to youth?
Unsupervised Access means a person could be alone with youth—in person, online, or through electronic communication—without another authorized personnel present. It also includes anyone who can directly communicate with youth electronically or access youth’s personal contact information without supervision.
Includes access to youth’s contact information, because that creates the possibility of direct interaction.
Does not include access to other types of PII when contact information is not included and no interaction with youth is possible.
UW employees and volunteers must be registered as authorized personnel in YPRS—and complete a criminal history background check, required trainings, and UW Conduct Code—before they begin unsupervised access to youth.
Many individuals involved in youth activities or youth-involved research will meet this definition. Even when other supervising adults are present most of the time, UW personnel may still be left alone with youth during transitions, breaks, or unplanned situations such as emergencies. Parents, guardians, or non-UW chaperones may also be present but not actively supervising their own youth, which still creates the potential for unsupervised access.
Typical roles that have unsupervised access to youth include:
- Program directors, coaches, trainers, principal investigators, and other lead or supervisory personnel
- Instructors, educators, teaching assistants, mentors, counselors, researchers, or program assistants who regularly interact with youth
- Tour guides who independently lead youth groups, even when parents/guardians or non-UW chaperones are accompanying the group
- Ushers, event staff, or wayfinding volunteers who may need to assist a lost, separated, or distressed youth
- Individuals not formally designated as youth supervisors but who could reasonably be left alone with youth at any point
- Anyone who communicates electronically with youth, including via text, email, social media, Teams, Zoom, or similar platforms
- Anyone with unsupervised access to youth’s personal contact information or other PII that allows direct contact with youth
If you have questions about whether a certain role should be designated as authorized personnel, contact UW Youth Protection.