Avoiding One-on-One Interactions

Operating Standard:

While limited one-on-one interactions may be allowable in certain public settings (See Protection of Minors Policy, Sec. 5.1.1), it is not appropriate for employees or volunteers to meet alone or communicate privately with an unrelated minor who is a participant in a university youth program.

The prohibition against private one-on-one contact extends to:

• Personal vehicles
• Private property and residences
• Online venues or remote communication methods, such as cell phones and messaging apps
• Any university property or non-university location, whenever a second adult cannot be present to provide sight and/or sound supervision.

Exceptions to the prohibition against private contact may be made in certain situations, such as:

• Family contact between households or pre-existing community connections outside of OSU (e.g., babysitting job, non-OSU sports team, members of the same faith group, etc.)
• Provision of medical or counseling services delivered by a licensed care provider, therapist, etc.
• Emergency situations when private contact is unavoidable, such as hospital transport.

All exceptions must be approved and documented by the unit and made available to the Office of Youth Safety & Compliance.

Evidence or Documentation:

• Exception request documentation

Applies to:

• All university youth program personnel
• University employees, regardless of their involvement in youth programs

Related Information:

• Youth Safety Standards of Behavior

Self-assessment:

Does the unit or program operator document all approved exceptions to the prohibition against private, 1-on-1 contact?

               YES        NO