July 15, 2016
4-H Volunteers - Who Must Complete the Screening Process?
Thinking through … who must complete the 4-H Volunteer Screening process? Let’s take a quick reminder…
• Any individual who works in close, ongoing interaction with youth or
• Any adult or youth with authority to independently plan and conduct 4-H educational experiences for youth with other adults present or in a public setting.
Examining closer, any individual can refer to either an adult or youth. We clearly understand that parents, grandparents and specialized volunteers are adults serving in roles of community/organizational leaders, project leaders, judging team coaches, and chauffeurs, etc.; however, sometimes we miss when 4-H members reach their 18th birthday they are considered legal adults and must complete the volunteer screening for legal reasons. Along with 18-year-olds, many younger 4-H members serve in independent leadership roles; therefore, 16-year-olds are encouraged to complete the volunteer screening process for meeting the requirements of serving as project leader, camp counselor, etc.
Questions or concerns can be forwarded to Pam Van Horn, pvanhorn@ksu.edu.