1. 2005 Becoming a Volunteer Volunteer Screening Module 6 Volunteer Development: Making the Best Better Series

2. 2005 Introduction 1993 1993 –A more formal volunteer enrollment process began which included volunteer screening as deemed necessary 2003 2003 –Volunteer enrollment was expanded to include required child abuse and neglect and criminal record checks of all individuals completing the Missouri 4-H Volunteer Application Form.

3. 2005 Our Roles in the Screening Process 4-H Staff 4-H Staff Individual Individual

4. 2005 The 4-H Role Provide individuals with the Missouri Provide individuals with the Missouri 4-H Volunteer Application Form (LG636) and provide assistance in completing as necessary. Maintain confidentiality in handling private information. Maintain confidentiality in handling private information. Provide a written response in a timely manner. Provide a written response in a timely manner.

5. 2005 The Individual Role Complete the application form including your complete name, social security number, address and birth date. Complete the application form including your complete name, social security number, address and birth date. Disclose all requested information including prior criminal records. Disclose all requested information including prior criminal records. Sign the form agreeing to the searches and to the Youth Protection Policy Sign the form agreeing to the searches and to the Youth Protection Policy

6. 2005 Child Abuse and Neglect Screen - Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Child Abuse and Neglect Screen - Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Criminal Records Screen - VolunteerSelect Criminal Records Screen - VolunteerSelect Who does the screening?

7. 2005 The Process Volunteer Application sent to County Office Volunteer Application sent to County Office County Office enters information into Blue Ribbon and sends to State Office County Office enters information into Blue Ribbon and sends to State Office State Office sends information to screening agencies State Office sends information to screening agencies Results are returned to State Office Results are returned to State Office

8. 2005 The Process (cont.) State office sends postcard to accepted volunteers and refers flagged volunteers to the County Office. State office sends postcard to accepted volunteers and refers flagged volunteers to the County Office.

9. 2005 What’s a “Flagged” Volunteer? A “flagged” volunteer is one whose information has returned from one of the screening agencies with some type of concern. A “flagged” volunteer is one whose information has returned from one of the screening agencies with some type of concern. –Incorrect social security number or name –Probable Cause result from DSS –Criminal Record

10. 2005 More About “Flagged” Volunteers Youth Specialist contacts individual to confirm or reject information Youth Specialist contacts individual to confirm or reject information If information is confirmed the application goes to the County Volunteer Personnel Committee (VPC) If information is confirmed the application goes to the County Volunteer Personnel Committee (VPC) After review VPC makes recommendations After review VPC makes recommendations

11. 2005 Possible Recommendations A “flagged” individual can still become a 4-H volunteer. A “flagged” individual can still become a 4-H volunteer. VPC recommendations could include: VPC recommendations could include: –Accept as a recognized volunteer –Accept as recognized with conditions –Reject volunteer

12. 2005 Appeal Process Volunteer contacts the Youth Specialist in writing within 30 days. Volunteer contacts the Youth Specialist in writing within 30 days. Volunteer and Youth Specialist discuss appeals process and options. Volunteer and Youth Specialist discuss appeals process and options. Volunteer makes written request for a meeting with VPC and receives written response within 30 days of the meeting Volunteer makes written request for a meeting with VPC and receives written response within 30 days of the meeting

13. 2005 Appeals Process (cont) If not satisfied within 30 days volunteer can make a written request for a hearing with the County Extension Council. Written response of the hearing must be sent. If not satisfied within 30 days volunteer can make a written request for a hearing with the County Extension Council. Written response of the hearing must be sent. If not satisfied within 30 days volunteer can make written request for a hearing with the 4-H Director. If not satisfied within 30 days volunteer can make written request for a hearing with the 4-H Director.

14. 2005 Appeals Process (cont) Volunteer will receive a written decision from the Director. Volunteer will receive a written decision from the Director. The decision of the Director is final. The decision of the Director is final.

15. 2005 Review To protect volunteers To protect volunteers To protect staff To protect staff To protect the kids To protect the kids It’s the right thing to do It’s the right thing to do

16. 2005 Questions?