marilyn lesmeister, ufl 2005 volunteer screening & establishing safe environments 2005...
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Volunteer Screening& Establishing Safe Environments
2005
University of Florida
IFAS, Extension
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Good Decisionsfor Risk Management
Marilyn Lesmeister, PhD
Volunteer Development
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
This policy is developed in accordance with the rules and statutes of the University of Florida.
6CI – 3.0031 Finance and Administration of Volunteers
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Florida 4-H Mission
Florida 4-H creates supportive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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.
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
My Moral, Professional Responsibility?
To protect those
who can not
protect themselves.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
…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
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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)
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 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
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Tough Choices: Good Decisions
Marilyn Lesmeister, PhDVolunteer Development
April 2005
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Where Do “Red Flags” Occur?
Application (legal issues; lacking info) References (cautious responses; hints) Background Checks (great variety) Interview (excess emotion; gut feeling)
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Decision? Just Say NO!
Child Maltreatment Sexual Assault Indecent Exposure Incest Child Abandonment
Promotion of Pornography
Criminal Homicide Distribution of Drugs Aggravated Assault
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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?
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
My Moral, Professional Responsibility?
To protect those who can not protect themselves.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
As you decide…
Respect privacy Preserve reputations Ask yourself, “Is (this action) helpful or
necessary to keep youth, volunteers or the organization safe?”
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Who’s Responsible?
Volunteer screening conducted
by Extension staff (county, dept, unit)
to whom the volunteer is responsible.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Education for Staff
Purpose of Process How to Screen How to Make Decisions How to Report How to Manage Office
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Education for Volunteers
Purpose(s) Confidentiality Safe Environments Reporting
Maltreatment
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
My Moral, Professional Responsibility?
To protect those who can not protect themselves.
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
How to Report?
24-Hour Florida Abuse Hotline– By Phone– By Fax– By Voice Message
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Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Message to County Staff
It is ultimately important to communicate (this situation) with your CED, DED – and only others who “need to know.”
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
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)
Marilyn Lesmeister, UFL 2005
Activity
Identify 1 Message that reminds us how to: “Establish Safe Environments for Youth”