The University of Pittsburgh has strengthened its oversight of staff and volunteers involved with youth camps on its campuses. That’s according to a performance audit released Thursday by the Pennsylvania Auditor General.
“I want to commend The University of Pittsburgh for where they’ve come on this and the leadership they’ve shown on strengthening the safety of their camp structure,” said Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale.
DePasquale lauded the University for taking steps to require and verify criminal background checks and child abuse clearances for all outside coaches, staff and volunteers who hold sports and education camps on the campuses.
Because they work as independent contractors, background checks had not previously been required.
“They (The University of Pittsburgh) have taken the view because this is something that is using their facilities and their name, that is something that is going to require the background checks on each of their camps,” he said.
The audit covers July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013.
In May 2014, Pitt began internal reviews to ensure background checks were done. Some of the camps were already doing their own background checks.
“Most of the camps were still having the background checks, we did test run of eight of the camps on the athletic side, six were doing it, two were not prior to the university taking the lead on this,” said DePasquale.
The audit found no evidence of any child being in danger during this time.
