youth protection wisconsin 4-h youth development
TRANSCRIPT
Youth Protection
Wisconsin
4-H Youth Development
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
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”
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
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
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 (now
incorporated with 4HPlus enrollment form)
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
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
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
Youth Protection Policies
The following individuals are not required to complete the Youth Protection process: Youth leaders A guest speaker or guest
presenter working under the visual supervision of an enrolled volunteer or Extension staff member
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
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
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
Recommended Practices
When a Wisconsin volunteer is transferring to your county, call the previous county staff member for information on the volunteer, request written documentation
When a challenging volunteer is transferring from your county to another Wisconsin county, call your colleague to share your experience
Have support staff and key volunteers sign a confidentiality statement
Recommended Practices
Documentation in 4HPlus: Volunteer applicants who have not completed
all Youth Protection steps must be identified as “Pending.” These records will not be recognized as active volunteers
Volunteers successfully completing all steps of the Youth Protection process are identified as “Accepted”
Recommended Practices
Documentation in 4HPlus: If volunteers have driving or financial
restrictions, they should be identified as “Accepted with Restrictions” - reasons for the restrictions should be noted in the Restriction Explanation field
Use caution in wording when identifying the reason a volunteer applicant has been rejected or accepted with restrictions
Recommended Practices
Do not add Social Security numbers into any computer database
Insurance is only available to volunteers completing the full process
Check the Wisconsin Sex Offender List, a free website: http:/offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/
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
Handling Concerns
When a concern is identified, contact your liaison or Sue Pleskac to discuss the situation before taking action
Check with potential or continuing volunteer to verify accuracy of records
A potential volunteer with alcohol-related driving offenses may become a volunteer, but should be restricted from driving youth at any time in their volunteer capacity
A potential volunteer with financial mismanagement should be restricted from handling 4-H money in any capacity
Handling Concerns
Written communications should be copied to key volunteers on a “need to know” basis
For continuing volunteer with new charges related to child abuse: suspend the volunteer pending the outcome of the charges
For a continuing volunteer with a recent conviction related to child abuse: terminate the volunteer
Returning to Your Office
Check to see that your county is in full compliance with the Youth Protection policies
Prepared by
Donna Menart
Associate State Program Director
4-H Youth Development
Updated September 2009
Sue Pleskac, Volunteer Leadership Specialist