Youth Protection Standards Qualification of Volunteers

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Youth Protection StandardsQualification of
Volunteers

• for the
• Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program

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Youth Protection StandardsQualification of
Volunteers

• Screening procedure
• Training on child abuse
• Written guidelines

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History

• Volunteer Qualification Task Force in Texas
  organized May, 1997
• Myron D. Johnsrud, Administrator of Extension
  Service of USDA memo, 1990
• Other screening policies and procedures reviewed
• Recommendations made to administration, 1998

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Definitions to Determine Procedures for
Respective Volunteers

• Current Volunteer
• Direct Volunteer
• Indirect Volunteer

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How will it be done?For County Extension Agents

• County conference to determine designated agents
• Confirm with District Extension Administrator
• Review volunteer roles to determine list of
  direct volunteers
• Use sample letter to contact volunteers who need
  to be screened

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CEA - continued

• Organize county training on Youth Protection
  Standards
• Follow-up with volunteers as Volunteer
  Registration Form and Background Information or
  Volunteer Background Check forms arrive in the
  county office

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CEA - continued

• Copy both sides of the registration form and send
  a copy and payment to Angela Burkham (Dallas
  District Office)
• Follow-up with volunteers who have a positive
  screening
• If necessary, follow-up with volunteers who have
  been red flagged

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How will it be done?For Current Volunteers

• Complete the Volunteer Registration Form and
  Background Information or Volunteer Background
  Check Form
• Volunteer Registration Form and Background
  Information or Volunteer Background Check Form
  goes to the County Extension Office via the club
  manager
• Wait for positive results

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What do we do?

• Sample volunteer interest letter
• Sample letter for current volunteer
• Volunteer acceptance letter
• Volunteer disqualification letters (sent by 4-H
  Volunteer Development Specialist

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How does it work?

• Disqualifying offenses
• Criminal offenses from the Texas Penal Code

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Red Flags- New Applications

• Volunteer Center of Dallas returns information on
  criminal record

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Red Flags- Current Volunteers

• Questionable situation
• Complaint against a volunteer
• Volunteer is charged and/or arrested
• Improper advancement towards a youth

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Child AbuseWhat is it?

• Physical
• Emotional
• Sexual
• Neglect

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Recognizing Signsof Child Abuse

• Physical
• Emotional
• Neglect

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Sexual Abuse?

• Child sexual abuse is defined
• as -
• Forced, tricked, or coerced sexual behavior
  between a young person and an older person.

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What You need to do ifYou see it.

• Make a report
• 48th Hour Rule
• Applies without exception
• Identity of individual is confidential

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Grievance Procedure Guidelines
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QuestionsandAnswers