Volunteer requirements
A page within Youth Protection
Classification
UWL, via the Division Youth Protection Liaison (DYPL) and in collaboration with the Activity Director, determines categorization of volunteers into one of three categories that determine Criminal Background Check (CBC) and training requirements. Any adult assisting with a covered youth activity is considered a volunteer. Volunteers must complete the respective training and CBCs prior to assisting with an event.
Non-Credential Individual
individuals aged 18 or over, who are invited to make a presentation, observe an activity for purposes of consulting, conducting a demonstration, or facilitating instruction in an open, group setting during a youth activity for a limited and defined time (such as a one-time-only basis or a scheduled presentation series), under the supervision by a designated individual. This role is not required to become an authorized adult only if all the restrictions below are upheld. Non-Credential Individuals are not required to complete a CBC.
Non-Authorized Personnel/Guest Speakers must not:
- Be alone with youth, expect in a group setting and with appropriate number of Designated Individuals present.
- Share contact information with youth or encourage contact after the activity.
- Have access to youth contact information.
- Have access to an overnight camp or program housing or be considered overnight camp staff.
Authorized Adult
Individuals aged 18 and over, paid or unpaid, who are authorized to interact with youth participants as part of a covered activity. An authorized adult is not counted toward the supervision ratio for a covered activity and, therefore, has fewer training requirements. Authorized adults cannot have unsupervised access to minors. Authorized adults with significant access to minors are required to complete a CBC (per Regent Policy Document 20-19).
Designated Individual
Authorized adults who are counted in the supervision ratio for a covered activity. Designated individuals are responsible for ensuring the care and safety of youth participants in covered activities. This role operates in a supervisory capacity and has extended contact with minors. Any volunteer whose role within the program requires them to have unsupervised access to minors must be classified as a Designated Individual. Designated Individuals associated with University Custodial or Non-Custodial youth program are required to complete a CBC every four years in alignment with RPD 20-19.
Third-Party Non-Custodial or Custodial Youth Programs
Activity Directors for Third-Party Non-Custodial or Custodial Youth Programs must complete a Facility Use Agreement with Youth Addendum, which attests to the completion of CBC requirements by their volunteers. A third-party may rely upon their own CBC process to meet this requirement, or opt to assign UWL the responsibility of completing CBC on their behalf; expenses incurred for the CBC will be charged back to the third-party.