Scouts Canada has adopted an expanded, comprehensive Volunteer
Screening strategy to ensure the safety of all its members and in
particular the children and youth entrusted to its care. At the
November 1996 National meetings, Scouts Canada passed the
following policy statement endorsing Volunteer Screening
" All programs of Scouts Canada must be designed with
due consideration for the protection and safety of all
participants. To help ensure the safety and protection of all
participants, Scouts Canada will screen all applicants for
volunteer positions. Thereafter, Scouts Canada will review the
suitability of all volunteers on an ongoing basis to ensure
Scouts Canada's programs are delivered by appropriate personnel.
"
This decision represents a positive step by Scouts Canada in
formalizing its Volunteer Screening Process and provides better
guidance and understanding for the protection of our youth,
adults and the organization.
The implementation steps that accompany the policy were
finalized and passed by National Council in May, 1997. Districts
and Groups will need to ensure that these measures are clearly
communicated and understood by potential leaders and followed
carefully to maintain consistency and harmony with Scouts Canada
in this important safety measure.
Volunteer Screening Process:
The process by which
all volunteers become
members of Scouts Canada:
- prospective member fills out the application form
- the applicant will provide three (3) character references
which are checked by the Group
- the applicant completes a Police Record Check form (PRC)
- an interview is conducted by the Group
- after checking all of the above the Group accepts or rejects
the application
- the Group submits all paperwork to the Registrar
- the applicant submits the returned PRC results to the Council
Office
- a Scouts Canada membership card is issued
- a new PRC is required every 3 years
Throughout a volunteers involvement with Scouts Canada they
will be provided with service and support by designated
volunteers who are responsible for evaluating, providing further
development, on-the-job training, peer coaching and assistance to
others.
When is an adult member covered by
insurance?
For Background and resource information on the Volunteer
Screening procedure, visit the Scouts Canada
Volunteer Screening Procedure
