1. Youth Protection Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development

2. Purpose of Youth Protection The primary purpose of the Youth Protection Program is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants: – Youth – Their parents and families – Salaried and volunteer staff

3. Benefits of Youth Protection Communicates program priority of youth safety to parents and the public Provides the opportunity to meet and orient all new volunteers Background records check serves as a deterrent for abusers looking for a “youth opportunity”

4. Youth Protection History 1990 – National Extension Committee on Organization and Policy urges states to develop child abuse policy and guidelines for paid and volunteer Extension personnel 1992 – A Wisconsin committee of staff and volunteers was given the responsibility to develop a youth protection program 1993 – The Wisconsin 4-H Youth and Adult Leader Councils supported the program developed by the committee, including a requirement that all continuing leaders go through the full process

5. Youth Protection History 1993-94 Youth Protection program piloted in four Wisconsin counties 1994 – State WACEC organization endorsed the youth protection program 1994 - Youth Protection policies were adopted; Youth Protection program was implemented statewide 2002 – Updated Youth Protection materials were distributed 2003 – Volunteers annually sign expectations statement; records re-checked every four years

6. Youth Protection Process Volunteer Application Form Check for length of residence in Wisconsin Check driving record Check for conviction of crime involving a minor Volunteer Behavior Expectations Form Signed annually

7. Youth Protection Process Attendance at Orientation Session Great opportunity to meet new volunteers Child abuse section must be taught “as is” Personalize the orientation to your county Independent study can be offered at the discretion of the county

8. Youth Protection Process Background Records/Reference Check Background check for Wisconsin residents through Department of Justice on-line system Consult with district liaison if questionable records are identified Reference check for those living in Wisconsin for less than 3 years Driving record questions should be submitted to Kay Hobler for review by UW-Extension Risk Management Youth Protection cards issued

9. Youth Protection Policies All volunteers, age 18 and over, who work with youth in the 4-H Youth Development program on an ongoing basis will participate in the full Youth Protection process Volunteers having background checks and child abuse training will need to participate Applies to 4-H community club and UW-Extension community outreach program volunteers

10. Youth Protection Policies The following individuals are not required to complete the Youth Protection process: Youth leaders A guest speaker or presenter working under the visual supervision of an enrolled volunteer or Extension staff member

11. Youth Protection Policies Host families: Attendance at a volunteer orientation program is required for all host parent/guardians who aren’t currently enrolled 4-H Youth Development volunteers Background checks are required for all adults, 18 and over, living with host family.

12. Youth Protection Policies Returning volunteers: Absent for 1-4 years – background records check, signed volunteer expectations form Absent for 5 or more years – must complete the full Youth Protection process

13. Youth Protection Policies Records must be re-checked every four years for all volunteers Records with evidence of behavior related to child safety require further investigation and possible action

14. Managing Records Application forms/background checks should be handled in confidential manner Applications and background checks should be stored in a locked file cabinet Consider an individual file for each volunteer

15. Prepared by Donna Menart Associate State Program Director 4-H Youth Development Revised 2008