The cori form most volunteers don't have a problem with. It was the TB test required that did people in--special trip to doctor and then back again to make sure they didn't have reaction. Thank goodness I just found out that the TB will not be required for this year!

I was blown away by this when a teacher called me last year and asked if I would chaperone a trip the next day - only to learn that I couldn't because I had not had a criminal background check done that year. At least where I live, you must have one done EVERY YEAR if you would ever be in a situation that you are with the kids. Can you still volunteer in my area without one? Yes - you can bake, you can do cut outs, you can make copies, etc., but if you have contact with the kids you must have one. Do people turn a blind eye when volunteers are needed, yes they most certainly do. I've been volunteering in the schools here since January. I think it is a good safeguard to have in place. The district provides the forms and also arranges for the checks. As long as you list each school where you may volunteer throughout the school year - it is only necessary to fill out one form.

I guess to me it was a pleasant surprise coming from a district where you could be a substitute teacher without a background check. How's that for the other end of the spectrum?

Our district has always required background checks. We also live in a community where it seems the sex offenders flock to for some reason. I don't think it really takes the volunteerism down here. We have never really had a lot of volunteers to begin with. When we need a big boost in volunteers, we usually wait until a big project comes along and we offer breakfast to the volunteers who come in. They must committ to finish the job and we don't serve breakfast until 9:30 AM. This way some of the work does get done. Maybe it's a cheesy way to do this, but it works.

How timely, lhshimp -

Our September cover story will be on this very issue, and my column focuses on making sure we don't kill off volunteerism with this new-found background check focus.

Look for it in two weeks. Goes to press tomorrow.

Tim

Our county school board has implemented a new volunteer application process that requires all volunteers to have a back ground check. In theory, this is a good idea in this day and time. However, the process of keeping up with this info is overwhelming at times. They want folks who volunteered to send in snacks for teacher appreciation to complete an application. Needless to say, the volunteer numbers are down, and I'm concerned because it is taking up to 30 days to receive approvals. I have parents who have volunteered for years, wanting to volunteer but I have to tell them to wait until their approval comes through. I have no idea how this program is going to be monitored to ensure that certain leveled volunteers can only be in certain situations. I'm a volunteer not a paid employee. I wondered how others were handling this situation? :confused: