Youth Protection Standards and Risk Management Strategies

1. Youth Protection StandardsandRisk Management Strategies

2. Quiz Yourself UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

3. What is Youth Protection / Risk Management? UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

4. Youth Protection / Risk Mngmt. • National Policy was established in 1991 • Purposes include: • To protect children and ensure their safety • physical, emotional, developmental • To protect volunteers from risk and liability • To protect paid staff and the University UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

5. Expectations for Volunteers UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

6. Youth Protection / Risk Management Committee UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

7. YP/RM: County 4-H Council • Responsible for implementing the Youth Protection Standards / Risk Mgmt Strategies. • Appoints a Standing Committee responsible for this process. (Committee chair is a Council member.) • Reviews and approves recommendations made by the YP/RM Committee. • Include a representative from County Extension Council. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

8. YP/RM: Extension Agents & CES Office Staff • Adapt or develop Volunteer Position Descriptions (available on the UK 4-H website) for all volunteer positions. • Distribute volunteer application forms. • Collect volunteer application forms. • Contact and obtain two references (for new volunteers). • Screen applicants (Background Checks)

9. YP/RM: Extension Agents & CES Office Staff • Submit the applications, references, background checks and position descriptions to the YP/RM Committee. • Implement committee recommendations • Maintain volunteer files • Determine/confirm volunteer appointments • Annually obtain a signed position description from each volunteer. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

10. YP / RM Committee • Review applications, references and position descriptions for each applicant • Interview candidates who have passed background checks • Recommend to 4-H Council to accept, decline, redirect or probationarily accept each applicant • Work with Council to determine annual volunteer in-service

11. Volunteer Application Form UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

12. Who fills out an Application? • All potential volunteers receive a Volunteer Application Form. • All volunteers must have a current Volunteer Application Form on file in the Extension Office. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

13. Volunteer Position Description UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

14. Which volunteers need a Position Description? • All volunteers must have a Position Description. (Position Descriptions may be the same for volunteers serving in similar roles i.e. All School Club Leaders should have the same position description.) • Position Descriptions must be signed annually by the volunteer and the Extension professional. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

15. Volunteer Reference Form UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

16. Which positions require reference checks? • All new volunteers making application for positions which have direct contact with youth must submit the names of two people who can serve as references. • These two references must be contacted; either by telephone, mail or personal interview. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

17. Which positions require reference checks? • All volunteers who were involved during 1999 are exempt. • All teachers whose volunteer role is limited to activities within their classroom are exempt from reference checks. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

18. Interviews UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

19. Interviews facilitate an exchange of information • Interviewer: • gather information from the applicant • obtain nonverbal information • probe some topics more deeply • seek information regarding candidate placement • Volunteer Candidate: • learn more about the organization • get a taste of the organization’s “culture” • understand the position requirements • decide to complete the selection process

20. Background Checks UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

21. Who undergoes background checks? • All volunteers serving in the following roles: • direct one-on-one or group contact with youth • participant on an overnight activity • driver • hosting an exchange student/member • any situation deemed necessary • Conducted during 2000, 2005, 2010, etc. for continuing volunteers (or more often if necessary.)

22. Who is exempt from background checks? • Volunteers who do not have contact with youth. • Volunteers who serve in episodic roles (serving in the same role once per year.) • Teachers, substitutes or teachers aids who are working with 4-H members in the school classroom. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

23. What happens if a volunteer “backs out”? • Substitute another volunteer who has completed the application and screening process; • Utilize a CES employee; • Limit the number of youth participants based upon the number of available volunteers. UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

24. Teachers & Background Checks • KY Dept. of Education does not have a uniform system for background checks. • Teachers and Aids are subject to the same application process as all others. • Teachers and Aids do not need a background check if they are working with 4-H only in the classroom. • UK does not accept background checks from other organizations.

25. Interpreting background checks • Convictions (not charges) should be compared with position requirements. • Traffic tickets are considered only if the applicant will be transporting people. • Drug and alcohol convictions should be carefully considered. • Type, frequency, rehab, last conviction, etc. • Any conviction relating to neglect or abuse is cause for rejection.

26. Youth Behavior Guidelines UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

27. Recognizing & Responding to a Child’s Disclosure of Abuse UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

28. Liability Shields UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

29. Types of Liability Shields • Permission Slips • Describe an activity. Parental signature indicates knowledge and consent for participation. Does not absolve CES of liability. • Informed Consent Forms • Describes activity and potential risks in greater detail. Provides greater protection; blocks claim that CES infringed upon parental authority. • Waivers or Releases • Participant (or parent) signs away the right to sue in the event of an injury, damage or loss.

30. Risk Management Scenarios • Generate • Four adult male volunteers at Camp • Educate • 4-H Council Treasurer • Mobilize • (In)Effective Volunteer Utilization • Sustain • Headstrong Horse Club Leader UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

31. Getting Started on YP/RM UK CES Youth Protection / Risk Management Strategies

32. Youth Protection StandardsandRisk Management Strategies