marilyn lesmeister, ufl 2005 volunteer screening & establishing safe environments 2005...

Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005

Volunteer Screening& Establishing Safe Environments

2005

University of Florida

IFAS, Extension


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.


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


Good Decisionsfor Risk Management

Marilyn Lesmeister, PhD

Volunteer Development


This policy is developed in accordance with the rules and statutes of the University of Florida.

6CI – 3.0031 Finance and Administration of Volunteers


Florida 4-H Mission

Florida 4-H creates supportive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential.


PurposeThis 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


My Moral, Professional Responsibility?

To protect those

who can not

protect themselves.


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


…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


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-3.0031 (3a)


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


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


Volunteer ScreeningLevel 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


Volunteer ScreeningLevel II

Minimum Requirements Steps 1 – 4 are same as Level I. Screen via complete FL Department of

Law Enforcement (FDLE) and sexual predator website.


Volunteer ScreeningLevel 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


Tough Choices: Good Decisions

Marilyn Lesmeister, PhDVolunteer Development

April 2005


Where Do “Red Flags” Occur?

Application (legal issues; lacking info) References (cautious responses; hints) Background Checks (great variety) Interview (excess emotion; gut feeling)


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


Info on Backgroud Check

Example of Reports


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?



To protect those who can not protect themselves.


Activity

Red Flag…

what would you do. . .?


As you decide…

Respect privacy Preserve reputations Ask yourself, “Is (this action) helpful or

necessary to keep youth, volunteers or the organization safe?”


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.


Office Management


Who’s Responsible?

Volunteer screening conducted

by Extension staff (county, dept, unit)

to whom the volunteer is responsible.


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


File Management

Alachua County Example Pasco County Example

Page 20


Activity

What about Florida’s

Sunshine Law?


Establishing Safe Environments


Establishing Safe Environments

Work in open spaces

No locked doors Not lodge 1 adult

with unrelated youth Respect privacy Minimum 1 adult @

10 youth

Be alert to physical, emotional health

Intervene, if there’s possible danger

Never use physical punishment, or withhold basic needs

Page 11


Education


Education for Staff

Purpose of Process How to Screen How to Make Decisions How to Report How to Manage Office


Education for Volunteers

Purpose(s) Confidentiality Safe Environments Reporting

Maltreatment


Activity

2 Situations…

What would you do?


Reporting



To protect those who can not protect themselves.


Mandatory Reporting

Who?When?How?


Activity

Stand Up

Sit Down!


How to Report?

24-Hour Florida Abuse Hotline– By Phone– By Fax– By Voice Message

Page 16


Activity

To Report

or Not to Report?


Message to County Staff

It is ultimately important to communicate (this situation) with your CED, DED – and only others who “need to know.”


UF Supports You

“Volunteer services may cease, at any time, at the request of the volunteer or at the discretion of the University.”

6CI.3.0031, August ‘03


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


I’m Part of Your Team!Call me….to discuss options and gain confidence in the process.

Marilyn Lesmeister, PhD

Volunteer Development

352-846-1000 (ext: 238)

[email protected]


Activity

Identify 1 Message that reminds us how to: “Establish Safe Environments for Youth”


OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE


Selecting Volunteers

Establishing Safe Environments for Youth


Together,

Caring for Extension participants in youth programs.

marilyn lesmeister, ufl 2005 volunteer screening & establishing safe environments 2005...

Documents

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volunteer services

florida youth

diverse youth

screening processvolunteer