Steps for Reporting an Incident

If you suspect that a minor participating in any BU-sponsored or affiliated program/activity has been abused or neglected, or you have any concerns regarding the health or safety of a minor participant, you must take the following steps:

STEP 1. Contact Law Enforcement

Notify Law Enforcement immediately.

  • On Campus: Contact the Boston University Police Department (BUPD) at 617-353-2121 (CRC and Fenway Campus) or 617-358-4444 (Med Campus)
  • Off Campus: 911 or local law enforcement

Remain with the minor until help arrives.         

STEP 2. Complete Boston University’s Minors Safety Concern Report Form

A Minors Safety Concern Report Form must be filled out no later than four hours after initial BUPD/law enforcement contact. The Form is available in the following formats:

  1. Minors Safety Concern Report Form (Online Webform) – Webform is automatically sent to the appropriate offices once you submit, including the Boston University Police Department (BUPD), the Office of Risk Management, the Human Resources Office, and the Compliance Services Office.
  2. Minors Safety Concern Report Form (Word Version) – Must be emailed to BUPD via bupolice@bu.edu. Refer to specific instructions on the form for details on how to submit the form.
  3. Minors Safety Concern Report Form (PDF Version) – Must be emailed to BUPD via bupolice@bu.edu. Refer to specific instructions on the form for details on how to submit the form.

The Minors Safety Concern Report Form  must be completed when someone knows, suspects, or receives information that the health or safety of a minor participating in any BU-sponsored or affiliated program/activity may be at risk (including suspected abuse or neglect). Concerns may include a specific incident that occurred on/off campus, a suspicion of abuse or neglect, or a suspicion that a minor may be a threat to himself/herself or to others.

Details of the Minors Safety Concern Report Form and methods for reporting are also available in the Protection of Minors Policy Appendix B.

STEP 3. Contact the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families

Use the Child-at-Risk Hotline, any time of the day or night, at 800-792-5200. Note that you can coordinate this step with BUPD or local law enforcement.

STEP 4. Notify a BU Employee with Authority

Promptly notify your supervisor, program director/operator, or dean, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

 

* Minor under Massachusetts law is defined as an individual under the age of 18.