Publication # C-411 |
REVISED -- |
Effective Date
--10-1-99 |
Volunteers
SUMMARY: Establishes policy and
procedures regarding child abuse prevention, recognition and reporting.
I. Purpose
Legally, "child" means any person under 18 years of age.
"Abuse" means any physical injury, mental injury, or sexual mistreatment
inflicted on a child other than by accidental means or an injury which is at variance with
the history given. Child abuse includes non-accidental physical injury, neglect, sexual
molestation, and emotional abuse. "Neglect" means failure to provide, by those
legally responsible for the care and maintenance of the child, the proper or necessary
support; education, as required by law; or medical, surgical, or any other care necessary
for his/her well-being; or any maltreatment of the child.
The increasing incidence of reported child abuse and neglect in our state
and throughout the nation are a special concern to the Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Service. This youth protection program was developed to safeguard employees, volunteers,
and program participants.
II.
Responsibility
County Extension Agents - Staff Chair and District
Directors are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of this youth
protection program in their respective administrative units. The Associate Director -
Family, Youth and 4-H Education is designated as the official state contact and
spokesperson on all child abuse matters related to the Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Service.
III.
Recruitment, Training, and Supervision of Extension Faculty and Paraprofessional Staff
A. Reference
checks on all prospective employees who will be involved to any degree in Extension youth
programs will be conducted and filed prior to employment.
B. Extension
personnel responsible for hiring will request through the office of the Director a check
of law enforcement and social service agency records of persons to be employed to work
directly with youth and youth development education programs and their related events.
Youth to be employed in programs such as child care and camping will be included in this
employee screening process. After the offer of employment is made, the candidate will be
required to complete Form
EHIRE-164
(Microsoft Word Template), Authorization for Release of
Confidential Information and submit a notarized copy to the hiring supervisor.
C. All
Extension faculty and paraprofessional staff who work directly with youth are required to
participate in an orientation program including written materials explaining Extension
policies and procedures relating to child abuse. They will acknowledge in writing having
received and read appropriate policies and procedures (Certification Letter B Youth
Protection Program).
D. Faculty and
paraprofessional staff working directly with youth will be provided information about
identifying signs of possible child abuse. Training will include approved procedures for
responding to the suspicion of child abuse.
IV.
Recruitment, Training, and Supervision of Program Volunteers
A. A signed
4-H Volunteer Application must be on file in the county Extension office for all volunteer
adult leaders working directly with youth in Extension programs (4-H, EFNEP, etc.).
B. Reference
checks on all prospective program volunteers, including checks of available public
records, will be conducted to properly evaluate the individual's suitability to perform in
a leadership capacity. A sample letter requesting reference for volunteer applicant is
provided. Requests for record checks will be submitted to the office of the Director.
Prospective volunteers should be asked to complete form
EHIRE-164
(Microsoft Word Template),
Authorization for Release of Confidential Information and submit a notarized copy to the
responsible Extension agent. Youth volunteer leaders in programs such as child care and
camping are included in this screening process.
C. All
volunteers who work directly with youth will be provided with orientation training
including written materials explaining Extension policies and procedures relating to child
abuse. They will acknowledge in writing having received and read appropriate policies and
procedures (Certification Letter B Youth Protection Program).
D. Volunteers
working directly with youth will be provided information about identifying signs of
possible child abuse. Training will include approved procedures for responding to the
suspicion of child abuse.
V.
Relationships With Youth
A. Faculty,
staff, and volunteers are encouraged to avoid, where possible, being alone with a single
youth, including sharing sleeping quarters with non-related youth.
B. Extension
faculty, staff, and volunteers are encouraged not to socialize with program participants
under the age of 18 outside of Extension program activities.
C. Extension
faculty, staff, and volunteers will not, under any circumstances, discipline program
participants by use of physical punishment or by failing to provide the necessities of
care, such as food or shelter.
D. Faculty,
staff, and volunteers should be alert to the physical and emotional state of all program
participants. They should be alert for indicators of child abuse and report suspected
abuse according to prescribed procedures.
VI.
Responsibilities to Parents
A. Parents
will be encouraged to visit Extension programs at any time.
B. The
Cooperative Extension Service will offer educational information on child abuse to parents
and youth.
VII.
Reporting Procedures
A. The
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service views the reporting of suspected child abuse as
both a personal and professional obligation.
1. When Extension faculty, staff, or volunteers suspect child abuse in
connection with an Extension youth program, they will immediately inform the Associate
Director - Family, Youth and 4-H Education either directly or through channels.
2. When Extension faculty, staff, or volunteers suspect child abuse or
neglect occurring apart from Extension youth programs, they are urged to report the
situation to appropriate authorities.
B. The
Extension staff person receiving an initial report of suspected child abuse in connection
with an Extension youth program will, as soon as possible and to the extent possible,
investigate the allegations and determine the condition of the child. The course of
further action, including notification of appropriate authorities, will be determined by
the appropriate administrator.
C. A decision
will be made by the responsible Extension staff member regarding notification of the
child's parent(s) or legal guardian. When possible, parental notification will be made by
a responsible administrator.
D. If the
alleged incident involves an Extension faculty or staff member or program volunteer, the
responsible Extension administrator will suspend the person from all activities involving
the supervision of children. Suspension will continue until the person is cleared or
allegations are proven.
E. All
information regarding alleged child abuse will be maintained under strict confidentiality.
Information will be communicated only on a "need-to-know" basis.
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