Volunteer Screening & Establishing Safe Environments
2005, University of Florida, IFAS Extension.
- Florida 4-H Mission
- Purpose
- Rules of the University of Florida
- Which Volunteers are Screened?
- Screening Process Steps
- 4-H Volunteers' Responsibility
- Volunteer Screening In-service
Florida 4-H Mission
Florida 4-H creates supportive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential.
Purpose
This policy provides an opportunity to:
- Reaffirm UF IFAS Extension’s dedication to youth and their well-being.
- Carefully select adults working with youth.
- Provide safe, positive environments.
- Provide education and resources.
- Document positive risk management.
Rules of the University of Florida
"Each person wishing to become a volunteer shall furnish to the appropriate department/operational unit, such personal… information as may be necessary for the determination of… suitability as a volunteer. The department… seeking volunteer services shall be responsible for the screening and selection of volunteers." 6CI-3.0031 (3a)
Which Volunteers are Screened?
- Volunteers who work directly with youth (who are not their own children) when serving either on an ongoing basis, unsupervised, as an overnight chaperone, or any other time deemed necessary by 4-H faculty and staff.
- Volunteers who work directly with youth more than 10 hours in a week at an overnight residential camp.
Screening Process Steps
- Volunteer submits application
- Volunteer signs Adult Agreement
- Extension talks with applicant (interview)
- Extension obtains copy of applicant’s drivers license
- Extension checks 3 references
- Extension conducts background screening (Levels I or II)
- 4-H Agent determines suitability for volunteer involvement and role.
4-H Volunteers' Responsibility
To protect those who can not protect themselves.
Always help care for children
- Watch for major behavior changes
- Listen for warning signs
- Respond to warning signs
24-Hour Florida Abuse Hotline
- Phone: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
- Fax: 1-800-914-0004
Together, caring for Extension participants in youth programs.
Volunteer Screening In-service
Click on the following links to open files for the Volunteer Screening In-service.
Florida 4-H Policy and Procedures:
- 4-H Youth Protection Policy-Volunteer Background Screening Requirements (pdf)
- Engaging Volunteers through ISOTURES: Selecting for Volunteer Involvement (pdf)
LexisNexis User Guide:
Live Scan Volunteer Fingerprinting Resources
- Department of Children and Families (DCF) Regional Coordinators (pdf)
- Department of Children and Families (DCF) screening process (pdf)
- Live Scan Submission Form (pdf)
- Live Scan Vender List (pdf)
- Live Scan Vendors (pdf)
For more information on these materials, contact Dr. Bryan D. Terry at terrys1@ufl.edu
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