Charles Johnson
Office of Youth Protection Manager
P.O. Box 400294, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4228
434-964-8695
What do you do day-to-day?
Day-to-day my job can look pretty different. Some days, I spend time with both internal and external youth programs, educating them on our policies and procedures for keeping youth safe. Other days, I help align and update our policies and procedures with industry standards for the ever-emerging types of youth programs out there. Over the next few months and years, I will increase our focus on youth program quality and build out additional resources for program staff and youth programs. Since there are over 20,000 youth and 250 programs running at UVA each year, our team is constantly working on new ways to support them!
What was your profession prior to your role in the Office of Youth Protection?
Most of my 20+ year career has been dedicated to serving youth in a variety of different ways. I have served juvenile justice, healthy and active living, and experiential learning/STEM programs, amongst others. Most recently, I served as a Training and Compliance Manager in the Protection of Minors Office at VCU. In many ways, it was very similar to what I do now, though I also spent a lot of time supporting local youth-serving non-profits with professional development. I love to facilitate workshops that help improve the way staff work with young people and ultimately help grow those young people into the thriving adults of tomorrow!
What interests you about youth protection and/or why do you see value in the University's efforts around youth protection?
Soon after arriving at UVA, I discovered the 2030 strategic plan to be both a great and good university. It was such an inspiring vision for what it looks like not only to provide a high-quality education and conduct research with excellence, but also to positively influence the surrounding community and commonwealth in meaningful ways. This includes not only those that attend UVA as students, but also youth and families in the region and beyond! It matters that we take youth protection seriously here so they can enjoy fun and impactful programs.
What are you most looking forward to seeing happen in youth protection at UVA in the next year or so?
Since being established in 2019, much of our work to date in the Office of Youth Protection has been to establish a set of policies and procedures and educate program staff on them so they can operate youth programs. Over the course of the next few years, I am excited about expanding upon our compliance work by increasing a focus on youth program quality. This is about encouraging programs to adopt high-quality staff practices that are known to lead to more positive youth outcomes. It is also about thinking about the kinds of experiences young people need to have to become the next generation of thriving adults. All of this requires collaboration across the University in order to meet the needs of youth. I look forward to bringing my experience leading a youth program quality network in Richmond to UVA in order to positively impact program staff and youth attending our programs!
Justin Anderson
Office of Youth Protection Coordinator
P.O. Box 400294, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4228
434-987-2814
What do you do day-to-day?
As the Office of Youth Protection Coordinator, I serve, communicate with, and resource youth programs as they seek to provide a fun, safe, and meaningful experience for youth and staff. I use tools like the University’s Protection of Minors and Reporting Abuse Policy (HRM-050) and my background in youth programming and administration to uphold the standards of the policy and see the value in protecting the youth they serve.
What was your profession prior to your role in the Office of Youth Protection?
I have been at the University of Virginia for 10 years. Prior to my role with the Office of Youth Protection, I served as the Director of Aquatics for the Intramural-Recreational Sports Department for 8 years and 11 months. I oversaw the Aquatic & Fitness Center and North Ground Recreation Center Pools and their programming/operations. I also oversaw the University of Virginia’s Varsity Swim & Dive meets and operations.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. I also received my Master of Science degree in Recreation and Sport Administration from Western Kentucky University. I am certified through the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, Water Park, Shallow Water Attendant, Water Safety, Professional Rescuer, and Lay Responder Instructor and have been teaching for 18 years.
What interests you about youth protection and/or why do you see value in the University's efforts around youth protection?
In my career, I have been fortunate enough to provide youth programming for a number of years and I see the value that it brings to the development and functional growth of our youth. There is nothing more important than that of a child learning, growing, and developing into their own identification. Also, it’s so much fun to watch a child have those “LIGHT BULB” moments and do so with such joy in their hearts and a smile on their face! With that being said, it’s important to provide the tools and resources to University staff and volunteers on how to provide a safe environment for our youth while following University policies and procedures.
What are you most looking forward to seeing happen in youth protection at UVA in the next year or so?
I am looking forward to building relationships with the many University partners across grounds. I am also looking forward to working with such a wonderful team that is supportive and all reaching to achieve the same goal.
Meghan Rapp
Assistant Vice President for Clery Compliance and Youth Protection
P.O. Box 400228, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4228
434-924-2131
What do you do day-to-day?
I am the Assistant Vice President for Clery Compliance and Youth Protection. Day to day, this means I oversee the University’s compliance with the federally mandated Clery Act, which includes reviewing reports of crimes and incidents, training the University’s campus security authorities, or working with our colleagues to conduct emergency exercises. When I’m wearing my Youth Protection hat, I help to steer the University’s compliance with HRM-050, including creating systems and processes for this work and connecting with the many departments across Grounds that intersect with youth camps and programs.
What was your profession prior to your role at UVA?
I have spent most of my career in policy advocacy at non-profit organizations. I have also been a pre-K teacher, run a large retailer, and previously worked in academic compliance here at the University.
What interests you about youth protection and/or why do you see value in the University's efforts around youth protection?
The University acts as a de-facto community center for the greater Charlottesville area, and I want to make sure that we are operating with all the resources possible to make this a safe and fun place for kids! The University has so much to offer to the young people in Central Virginia, including the ones who are not enrolled here as students. Our hope is that we can provide camp directors with the framework and resources to operate safe programs so that they can focus on creating fun and meaningful content.
Updated 12/2024