Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Volunteer Screening & Establishing Safe Environments 2005 University of Florida IFAS, Extension

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 OBJECTIVES Participants will understand how to implement and manage the UF Extension volunteer screening process. Participants will learn ways to establish safe environments for Florida youth.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Expected Outcomes Increase knowledge –Screening –Managing –Reporting Practice decision-making Practice problem-solving Identify networks and support systems Ability to model action and teach others

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Good Decisions for Risk Management Marilyn Lesmeister, PhD Volunteer Development

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 This policy is developed in accordance with the rules and statutes of the University of Florida. 6CI – Finance and Administration of Volunteers

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Florida 4-H Mission Florida 4-H creates supportive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 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. Page 3

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 My Moral, Professional Responsibility? To protect those who can not protect themselves.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Which Volunteers are Screened? Every Extension volunteer - who works directly with youth on an ongoing basis, (3 or more times annually) or, - for an overnight situation. Page 4

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 …Specifically? Club/project volunteers County resource volunteers District/State volunteers who manage events Parents who supervise other youth Camp counselors Chaperones Hosts for interstate/international exchanges Any volunteer who has had a 1 year break

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Rules of 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 (3a)

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Timeline 2004 December Review with administrative team Introduce to state faculty 2005 January Implementation begins Teleconference (Q/A) education, Jan-April Include with New Staff Orientation, Fall Full implementation, December 2005

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Screening Process Volunteer completes Application Volunteer signs Adult Agreement Drivers License is Copied Process Background Check –County/Dept. selects Level I, II, or III 3 References are Contacted Interview is conducted with Applicant Applicant receives Letter Page 5

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Volunteer Screening Level I Level I. Minimum Requirements Application, and Adult Agreement Interview 3 References Copy of Driver’s License Screen via Sexual Predator Website Screen via local law enforcement Page 5

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Volunteer Screening Level II Minimum Requirements Steps 1 – 4 are same as Level I. Screen via complete FL Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and sexual predator website.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Volunteer Screening Level III Minimum Requirements Steps 1 – 4 are same as Levels I and II Submit name and fingerprints of applicant to national screening process through VECHS. VECHS Example Choicepoint Example / Comparison

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Tough Choices: Good Decisions Marilyn Lesmeister, PhD Volunteer Development April 2005

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Where Do “Red Flags” Occur? Application (legal issues; lacking info) References (cautious responses; hints) Background Checks (great variety) Interview (excess emotion; gut feeling)

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Decision? Just Say NO! Child Maltreatment Sexual Assault Indecent Exposure Incest Child Abandonment Promotion of Pornography Criminal Homicide Distribution of Drugs Aggravated Assault Page 9

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Info on Backgroud Check Example of Reports

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 What are the Tough Decisions? How long ago? How serious? Is it related to volunteer current role? Will the volunteer discuss the issue? Is this a risk worth taking? Is this the only “red” flag? Does this confirm other information? Does volunteer use a question, “Do you really think I would do that?” instead of responding with a statement?

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 My Moral, Professional Responsibility? To protect those who can not protect themselves.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Activity Red Flag… what would you do...?

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 As you decide… Respect privacy Preserve reputations Ask yourself, “Is (this action) helpful or necessary to keep youth, volunteers or the organization safe?”

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Tough Decisions - Made Together One person should not decide alone. Do it together. Learn together. Support one another. Establish a working team. Focus on the purpose: –to keep everyone safe.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Office Management

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Who’s Responsible? Volunteer screening conducted by Extension staff (county, dept, unit) to whom the volunteer is responsible.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Extension Staff Must… Submit Background Check Check 3 References Conduct Interview Treat all equal Send letter to potential volunteer regarding status of application Provide orientation and educational resources to volunteers Keep all information confidential, in locked files Page 6-9

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 File Management Alachua County Example Pasco County Example Page 20

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Activity What about Florida’s Sunshine Law?

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Establishing Safe Environments

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Establishing Safe Environments Work in open spaces No locked doors Not lodge 1 adult with unrelated youth Respect privacy Minimum 1 10 youth Be alert to physical, emotional health Intervene, if there’s possible danger Never use physical punishment, or withhold basic needs Page 11

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Education

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Education for Staff Purpose of Process How to Screen How to Make Decisions How to Report How to Manage Office

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Education for Volunteers Purpose(s) Confidentiality Safe Environments Reporting Maltreatment

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Activity 2 Situations… What would you do?

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Reporting

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 My Moral, Professional Responsibility? To protect those who can not protect themselves.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Mandatory Reporting Who? When? How?

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Activity Stand Up Sit Down!

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 How to Report? 24-Hour Florida Abuse Hotline –By Phone –By Fax –By Voice Message Page 16

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Activity To Report or Not to Report?

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Message to County Staff It is ultimately important to communicate (this situation) with your CED, DED – and only others who “need to know.”

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 UF Supports You “Volunteer services may cease, at any time, at the request of the volunteer or at the discretion of the University.” 6CI , August ‘03

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Ask for Help to Address: Communication Challenges Rejecting an Application Thinking about All Perspectives Resolving Conflict Transitioning Volunteer to a New Role Requesting Volunteer to do “Sabbitical” Removing a Volunteer

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 I’m Part of Your Team! Call me….to discuss options and gain confidence in the process. Marilyn Lesmeister, PhD Volunteer Development (ext: 238)

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Activity Identify 1 Message that reminds us how to: “Establish Safe Environments for Youth”

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005

OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Selecting Volunteers Establishing Safe Environments for Youth

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005 Together, Caring for Extension participants in youth programs.

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005