Foster Grandparent
Program
Volunteer Handbook
Phone: (928) 523-3560
Toll Free: (866) -856-3017
Web Site: www.nau.edu/sbs/csi
Prepared by Northern Arizona University Civic Service Institute
Updated February 2011
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Table of Contents
I. The Foster Grandparent Program ................................................. 5
Welcome Message from the Program Director……………………4
The Purpose of the Foster Grandparent Program ...................... 6
Goals of the Foster Grandparent Program ................................. 6
Definition of Terms ……………….…………………………………...7
History of Foster Grandparent Program………………………….9
Organizational Chart………………………………………………10
What Do Foster Grandparents Do? .......................................... 11
Eligibility Requirements for Foster Grandparents ..................... 12
Volunteer Stations .................................................................... 12
Effective Practices in Foster Grandparent Assignments ........... 13
Bill of Rights for Foster Grandparents………………………….....13
Rights of a Volunteer………………………………………………..13
II. Foster Grandparent Orientation and Placement .......................... 14
In-Service Training ................................................................... 15
Volunteer Station Training ........................................................ 15
Placement………………………………………………………….15
Foster Grandparent Assignments ............................................. 16
Selection of Assignments…………………………………………. 17
In-home assignments……………………………………………...18
III. Foster Grandparent Activities ..................................................... 19
Children Served by Foster Grandparents ..................................... 19
Termination of Assignment ....................................................... 20
How Can I Help Children? ........................................................ 22
Appropriate Activities: ............................................................... 21
Inappropriate Activities: ............................................................ 22
Keeping Children Safe ............................................................. 24
Practices for Ensuring the Safety of Foster Grandparents ........ 25
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Safety ....................................................................................... 26
Safety Tips for Foster Grandparents ........................................ 26
IV. Foster Grandparent Benefits ...................................................... 26
The Stipend .............................................................................. 26
Meals ....................................................................................... 27
Transportation .......................................................................... 27
Physical Exam………………………………………………………29
V. Foster Grandparent Leave and Holiday Policies ......................... 29
Vacation Leave ........................................................................ 29
Sick Leave................................................................................ 31
Leave Without Pay ................................................................... 31
Funeral Leave .......................................................................... 32
Jury Duty .................................................................................. 32
Snow Policy.............................................................................. 32
Holidays ................................................................................... 33
VI. Foster Grandparent Insurance ................................................... 33
Excess Accident Medical Coverage ......................................... 33
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage .................... 34
Personal Liability Insurance...................................................... 34
Excess Automobile Insurance .................................................. 35
Legal Representation ............................................................... 35
VII. Foster Grandparent Policies ..................................................... 35
Confidentiality ........................................................................... 35
Child Abuse and Neglect .......................................................... 36
Drugs and Alcohol .................................................................... 35
Smoking ................................................................................... 35
Seat Belts ................................................................................. 36
Voluntary Withdrawal ............................................................... 37
Disciplinary Action .................................................................... 37
Immediate Separation .............................................................. 38
Reassignment…………………………………………………….. 39
Volunteer Grievance/Appeal Procedure ................................... 40
Permanent Separation ............................................................. 41
Special Regulations.................................................................. 43
Recognition and Social Events……………………………………..43
Time Sheets……………………………………………………………43
Statement of Confidentiality…...................................................…….44
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Dear Volunteer,
Welcome to the Foster Grandparent Program! We are
very happy to have you join us in providing such a
needed and rewarding service!
The goal of the Foster Grandparent Program is to enable
low-income persons age 55 and over to remain physically
and mentally active and to enhance their self-esteem
through continued participation in needed community
services. With your help, children’s lives are enriched.
This handbook is designed to familiarize you with the
program and to act as a reference source in the future.
Please feel free to call us at any time for further
information at our local number (928) 523-3555, or our
toll-free number (866) 856-3017.
We really hope that you enjoy your service as a Foster
Grandparent!
Carole D. Mandino
Program Director
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I. The Foster Grandparent Program
The Purpose of the Foster Grandparent Program
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) provides grants to qualified
agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of: engaging
persons 55 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in
volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a
high quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers.
Program funds are used to support Foster Grandparents in providing
supportive, person-to-person service to children having exceptional or
special needs.
Goals of the Foster Grandparent Program
The goals of the Foster Grandparent Program are to:
1. enable low-income persons aged 55 and over to remain
physically and mentally active and to enhance their self-esteem
through continued participation in needed
community services.
2. enable children with either
exceptional or special needs to
achieve improved physical,
mental, emotional, and social
development thereby helping them to
reach social, behavioral, developmental,
and educational goals.
3. provide a stipend and other benefits which enable eligible
persons to participate as Foster Grandparents without cost to
themselves.
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Definition of Terms
Foster Grandparent: To enable low-income persons 55 and over to work
in child-oriented agencies to provide supportive services to children who are
at risk
FGP: Abbreviation for the Foster Grandparent Program
Child Care Plan: The agreement of services to be provided by the
Foster Grandparent to the volunteer station children.
Child: A person age 21 or younger.
Corporation for National and Community Service: The federal
agency that funds the Foster Grandparent Program.
Exceptional Needs: One or more physical, emotional or mental
health limitations.
Disability: a physical or mental condition creating the need for
assistance in completing daily activities.
Volunteer: This term is used interchangeably with Foster
Grandparent in this handbook.
Volunteer Station: A public agency, private, non-profit organization
that accepts the responsibility of assigning and supervising Foster
Grandparent volunteers.
Volunteer Station Supervisor: Volunteer station personnel who
supervise the Foster Grandparent volunteers working at a volunteer
station. The FGP staff are not immediate supervisors.
Work Station: The area in which a Foster Grandparent serves.
Large volunteer stations may have several FGP work stations.
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History of the Foster Grandparent Program
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) began on August 28, 1965,
as a national demonstration effort to show how low-income persons
aged 55 or over have the maturity and experience to establish a
personal relationship with children having either exceptional or
special needs. Under the Office of Economic Opportunity’s (OEO)
enabling legislation, Sections 205 and 207, Title 20A of the Economic
Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended, FGP began as an employment
program.
An agreement between OEO and the Administration on Aging (AOA)
resulted in the funding of 21 FGP project sponsors. The volunteers
were placed in more than 45 institutions. About 800 Foster
Grandparents were employed to provide care and attention to
children up to five years of age in institutional and community
settings.
By 1968 there were a total of 68 FGP projects funded in 40 states
and in Puerto Rico, with 4,100 Foster Grandparents enrolled. The
Foster Grandparents assisted more than 10,000 children in health,
education, welfare, and related settings. OEO funding (no separate
FGP authorization existed at this time) amounted to almost $10
million in Fiscal Year 1968. Funding Authority was transferred to
AOA in 1969 under Title 6 of the Older Americans Act, as amended.
At this time, FGP became a stipended volunteer program with lowincome elderly, ages 55 or over, continuing to serve children up
through 17 years of age.
Under Reorganization Plan No. 1 of July 1, 1971, FGP was
transferred to the newly created federal agency, ACTION. During
Fiscal Year 1972, the number of projects increased to 133 in 50
states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Annual appropriations amounted to $25 million, supporting over
10,000 Foster Grandparents. The Domestic Volunteer Service Act
(DVSA) of 1073 (Public Law 93-113) replaced Title 6 of the Older
Americans Act as ACTION’s enabling legislation.
The 1976 amendments to the DVSA defined “child” and “children” as
any individual or individuals who are less than 21 years of age.
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Those amendments also included a stipulation that a Foster
Grandparent’s relationship with a child with a disability may, under
certain circumstances, be continued after the child reaches the
chronological age of 21.
By the end of FY 1989, over 20,000 Foster Grandparents were
serving more than 70,000 children with special and exceptional needs
through 264 ACTION-funded and 12 non-federal projects.
In 1993, The Corporation for National Service came into being when
President Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust
Act of 1993. Congress stated its expectations for the Corporation
through a statement of purpose (42 U.S.C. 12501) that, in part,
included using national and volunteer service by Americans of all
ages to:
1. Meet the unmet human, educational, environmental and public
safety needs of the United States without displacing existing
vendors;
2. Renew the ethic of civic responsibility and the spirit of
community throughout the United States;
3. Expand and strengthen existing service programs with
demonstrated experience in providing structured service
opportunities with visible benefits to the participants and the
community; and
4. Provide tangible benefits to the communities in which national
service is performed.
The operations of three entities came together to form the
Corporation for National Service – ACTION (the federal domestic
volunteer agency), the Commission on National and Community
Service, and the Office of National Service. The Foster Grandparents
Program became one of three existing volunteer programs for older
adults to be administered by the Corporation under the banner of the
“National Senior Service Corps.”
By 1999, the Foster Grandparent Program included 325 local projects
with approximately 28,000 Foster Grandparents, who, together,
continue to make a difference in the lives of children – nearly 90,000
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children on any given day and almost 190,000 children annually –
while enriching their own lives through service.
Organization Chart
Corporation for National and Community Service
Federal Volunteer Agency
NAU Foster Grandparent Program
Local Sponsor
Advisory Board
Project Staff
Foster Grandparent Program
Volunteer Station
Foster Grandparent Volunteers
Clients
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What Do Foster Grandparents Do?
Foster Grandparents perform person-to-person activities under
professional supervision. These activities include, but are not limited
to the following:
a. Children in public schools, state schools, private schools, and
alternative schools: Providing emotional support, helping to
develop basic learning skills, tutoring in reading, and helping to
prevent or delay children being placed in an institution.
b. Children in Head Start centers, day care centers, or preschools enrolling children with special or exceptional needs:
Helping to develop reading readiness; providing emotional
support; and assisting with and teaching self-care.
c. Adolescents and youth in correctional facilities: Assisting in
mitigating the effects of institutionalization by creating a family
atmosphere, acting as links to the community, and helping
incarcerated youth prepare to return to their families or foster
care.
d. Status offenders and delinquent youth offenders: Helping them
remain in the community as an alternative to institutional
commitment.
e. Abused or neglected children: Providing contact with older
adults who act as positive adult role models and provide
emotional support and empathy.
f.
Institutionalized children: Assisting children with self-care,
helping to develop motor skills, providing stimulation and
learning experiences, and assisting them to achieve
independent living whenever possible.
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Eligibility Requirements for Foster Grandparents
To be eligible to volunteer for the Foster Grandparent Program, a
person must:
1. Be at least 55 years of age or older.
2. Meet income guidelines established by Congress.
3. Complete a registration form.
4. Supply references.
5. Be able to serve 15-40 hours a week.
6. Have a sincere desire to serve children with special or
exceptional needs.
7. Be willing to accept supervision as required.
8. Pass a physical examination, which is provided free by the
program annually.
9. Complete 40 hours of pre-service training and orientation.
10. Not be negatively affected, physically or mentally, by any
prescribed medication, drugs or alcohol.
Eligibility to be a Foster Grandparent and/or client may not be
restricted on the basis of formal education, experience, race, religion,
color, national origin, gender, age, handicap, sexual orientation or
political affiliation.
Volunteer Stations
Volunteer stations are public agencies, private non-profit or health
care agencies who accept the responsibility for the assignment and
supervision of the Foster Grandparent volunteer.
Volunteer stations select children and develop appropriate Foster
Grandparent assignments based on the child’s needs. Child care
plans must be filled out by the volunteer station for all children the
Foster Grandparent sees. Support and supervision are provided by
the volunteer station. Generally, each volunteer station has a
designated staff member who coordinates the Foster Grandparent
Program and will provide you with supervision on a daily basis.
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Effective Practices in Foster Grandparent Assignments
Effective Practices for Drawing on the Unique Qualities of
Volunteers to Meet the Needs of the Community and the Clients
Served
The project:
a. Ensures variety among volunteer stations such that volunteer
assignments appeal to a diverse group of volunteers and
accommodate varying volunteer skills and interests;
b. Works with volunteer stations to involve volunteers in
developing volunteer assignments;
c. Routinely notifies volunteers of new volunteer assignments that
are developed or become available;
d. Ensures that volunteer stations provide volunteer assignments
that challenge volunteers to be advocates on behalf of their
children and/or the community.
Effective Practices for Communicating with Foster Grandparents
a. The project clearly communicates with Foster Grandparents
about their roles and responsibilities by:
1. Developing with the Foster Grandparent and volunteer
station a written volunteer assignment plan that specifies
the needs of the client and the role and activities of the
Foster Grandparent in delivering the needed services;
2. Providing volunteers with a written description of the
conditions and terms of volunteer service, including
annual and sick leave, holidays, service schedules, and
cost reimbursement; and
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3. Ensuring the Foster Grandparents know their key
contacts and sources of assistance or help during their
service, and how to contact them.
b. The project conducts annual performance appraisals with each
Foster Grandparent that provides feedback and guidance in key
areas such as: reliability, actual progress and outcomes for
children, and initiative.
Bill of Rights for Foster Grandparents
1. You have the right to pat yourself on the back when
you do well, especially IF your clients don’t.
2. You have the right NOT to be perfect. Give yourself a
break. Remember you are not a saint and guilt is not
a part of your job description.
3. You have a right to say NO to something that is not
required by the Foster Grandparent Program.
4. You have a right to let yourself have a Ten Minute
break to relax and set realistic limits for yourself.
5. You have a right to Not take volunteer-related
problems home with you.
II. Foster Grandparent Orientation and Placement
All Foster Grandparents must complete forty hours of pre-service
training, which is a combination of classroom and on-the-job training,
before they can be placed as a Foster Grandparent at a volunteer
station. Occasionally, volunteers may be enrolled and placed before
they have attended this training. However, they must attend training
within three months of placement. The orientation provides the
volunteer with information concerning their future Foster Grandparent
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assignments. Foster Grandparents receive additional training
throughout their volunteer service, including:
a. Confidentiality training:
Foster Grandparents work very closely with children and may
learn personal or sensitive information about them. This
information and the identification of children and their families
are to be held in strict confidence.
b. In-service training:
Foster Grandparents attend monthly in-service trainings to keep
the volunteers updated on program news, community services
and methods of working with clients.
c. Volunteer station training:
Occasionally a Foster Grandparent will be asked to attend a
special training with volunteer station staff.
Volunteers receive a stipend of $2.65/hour and transportation
reimbursement for each day of orientation. The orientation is usually
held over a two-week period. If a volunteer is required to pay for a
meal during a day of training, the Foster Grandparent Program will
reimburse the volunteer up to $2.50 for a meal.
In-Service Training
All volunteers must attend the monthly in service meetings. The
meetings are 4 hours long, once a month and must be recorded on
your timesheet under “T” for training. Round trip mileage for the
meeting may be included in the mileage section of the timesheet.
All volunteers are required to attend the trainings. If a volunteer is
unable to attend, the volunteer is responsible to attend a community
training during that month. This could be training at the local
Community Center, Area Agency on Aging, Caregiver Coalition or
anything that would help the volunteer learn what is available for
seniors in the community or to provide information/referral for
resources.
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If a volunteer misses an In Service Training and will be attending a
local training, the volunteer coordinator must approve that training.
Missing three (3) trainings that have not been made up, results in a
volunteer being placed on probation. During a 6 month probation
time, if a volunteer misses one In Service Training, the volunteer
may be separated from the program.
Placement
At the successful completion of orientation, a Foster Grandparent will
be matched with an assignment. Every attempt will be made to see
that the placement is meaningful and rewarding to the volunteer and
children with whom they will work. Volunteers will be able to choose
from a variety of different placement stations. However, placements
may be assigned due to openings and closeness to home.
The Volunteer Station:
1. selects the children to be served.
2. prepares a child care plan to be used by the Foster
Grandparent as a guide to serve his or her client(s).
3. discusses the placement with the Foster Grandparent to decide
if the placement is appropriate and acceptable to both parties.
Once an agreement is made, the Foster Grandparent begins at a
date and time agreed upon by the volunteer station and the Foster
Grandparent. This schedule will be maintained on an on-going and
regularly scheduled basis.
The Foster Grandparent Volunteer Station will:
1. Actively supervise the FGP volunteer.
2. Complete an Assignment Plan for each child seen by an FGP
volunteer.
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3. Complete a Assignment Plan assessment by April 30th of each
year.
4. Call the program staff if an accident or any problems occur.
The Foster Grandparent Program Staff:
1. Introduces the Foster Grandparent to the volunteer station staff
and children on the initial visit to discuss the care plan.
2. Makes semi-annual visits with the child/children or volunteer
station supervisor to review placement and care plan.
If the offered placement is unacceptable, the Foster Grandparent will
be notified of other openings, if available, and the same placement
process will be repeated. If the Foster Grandparent does not accept
placement, and there is not another assignment available, he or she
will be placed on a waiting list until an appropriate placement is
available.
Foster Grandparent Assignments
Criteria for Foster Grandparent Assignments
Volunteer station professional staff selects the children to be served
and prepare a volunteer assignment plan for the Foster Grandparents
to use as a general guide in serving their assigned children. The
sponsor and the Foster Grandparent must concur with each
assignment. All assignments must meet the following criteria:
a. Assignments and activities must involve person-to-person
supportive relationships with the children served. Each Foster
Grandparent must be assigned to individual children in order to
develop a personal relationship with each child.
b. Assignments may not include administrative support service to
the volunteer station.
c. Individuals served by Foster Grandparents must be children
with special or exceptional needs.
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d. A Foster Grandparent must serve a minimum of nine months a
year for an average of 20 hours of service per week.
e. It is strongly recommended that each volunteer station have a
minimum of three Foster Grandparents. This facilitates
supervision, transportation arrangements, other management
activities, and support team building among volunteers. Having
at least three volunteers also provides the volunteer station with
a level of support that justifies the station’s investment in the
volunteers.
f. Assignments and activities should serve the dual purpose of
providing a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of
the volunteers and meet critical community needs, providing
specific outcomes for the children served.
Selection of Assignments
a. Assignments and terms of service, including the service
schedule, should reflect individual Foster Grandparent
preferences and needs of children. Project and volunteer
station staff should assure that a range of service opportunities
are available to provide a choice of assignments for Foster
Grandparents.
b. Because Foster Grandparents are a limited resource,
assignments should be carefully selected taking into account
community priorities for children with special and exceptional
needs, such as the potential of children to achieve significant
improvements in their lives.
c. Foster Grandparents should be assigned to children who are
manageable in terms of size, strength, and behavior.
In-Home Assignments
a. In-home assignments of Foster Grandparents require planning
by the sponsor and by volunteer station professional staff in
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cooperation with child and parent, whenever applicable. Inhome placements may be made through many types of
volunteer stations. These include, but are not limited to,
agencies serving unwed adolescent parents, juvenile diversion
programs, mental health centers, health organizations,
hospitals, and visiting nurse associations. Where a Foster
Grandparent serves a child in-home and within the context of
the child’s family, volunteer activities must primarily and directly
benefit the child.
b. In-home placements require the volunteer station’s commitment
to:
1. Provide necessary training for Foster Grandparents
regarding their specific assignments.
2. The accessibility of the supervisor and frequent and
regularly scheduled meetings with the Foster
Grandparents to review activities, problems encountered,
and progress made. Traditional forms of supervision are
difficult in home settings. Frequent meetings with
volunteer station staff area critical part of Foster
Grandparent supervision.
3. Ensure that a child’s parent is in the home during a
Foster Grandparent’s visit. An objective of any Foster
Grandparent home placement is supporting the child in a
family environment. However, if it is in the best interest of
the child, as determined by the station’s professional staff
and the sponsor, and if there is adequate provision for the
volunteer’s interest and safety, a volunteer placed inhome may be allowed occasionally to serve a child
without the parent being present. This service, if
practiced, must be carefully controlled. Foster
Grandparents are not assigned for purposes of respite
care or “babysitting” service.
4. Visit the Foster Grandparent in-home with the assigned
child on a scheduled basis.
5. Structure Foster Grandparent activity in a way which
does not place the Foster Grandparent in the position of
competing with the child’s parent(s) for the affection of
the child.
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6. Other specific conditions included in the Letter of
Agreement or volunteer assignment plan.
III. Foster Grandparent Activities
Children Served by Foster Grandparents
a. Age of Children
Children assigned to Foster Grandparents must be chronologically
under 21 years of age. When a Foster Grandparent is assigned to a
mentally retarded child, the assignment may continue beyond the
child’s 21st birthday, provided the following conditions specified in the
Regulations, Section 2552.82 are met:
1. the Foster Grandparent was assigned to the child before
the child reached 21 years of age;
2. the volunteer station professional staff responsible for the
child’s care certifies that continued assignment is in the
best interest of both the Foster Grandparent and the
child; and
3. The Foster Grandparent, sponsor, volunteer station
professional staff, and the child’s parent, or a person
legally responsible for the child, agree to the continued
assignment.
In cases where the assigned Foster Grandparent becomes
unavailable to serve a particular mentally retarded individual, the
sponsor may select another Foster Grandparent to continue the
service.
b. Selection of Children to be served
Volunteer station professional staff are responsible for, and project
staff must concur in, the selection of individual children to be served
by each Foster Grandparent in accordance with the criteria and
definitions in the FGP Regulations.
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1. The professional evaluation of a child’s need is to be
provided by a volunteer station, according to the
Regulations. In an educational setting, the professional is
an educator; in a health setting, a physician, psychiatrist,
psychologist, registered nurse or licensed practical nurse,
or physical therapist. In these and other settings, the
primary requirement is that the person evaluating the
child’s need has had professional training in a field
directly related to the child’s need.
2. Where state, county or local sponsor’s definitions of
children having exceptional needs and children with
special needs vary from the definitions in this Handbook,
the State Program Director will determine the suitability of
non-CNS definitions in regard to placement of Foster
Grandparents with children.
Termination of Assignment
a. When possible, plans should be made to phase-out the Foster
Grandparent-to-child relationship gradually to avoid a sudden
disruption. Under the following conditions, discontinuance of a
relationship should be arranged with the guidance of volunteer station
professional staff when a:
1. child’s need for individual attention through a person-to-person
relationship diminishes;
2. relationship is no longer satisfying for the Foster Grandparent;
3. child becomes unmanageable in terms of size, strength, or
behavior;
4. child reaches age 21;
5. conflict between the Foster Grandparent’s physical or mental
condition is detrimental to themselves or to the child(ren)
served.
b. Regardless of the cause of termination of an assignment, the
decision must be made jointly by project and volunteer station staff,
with input of the Foster Grandparent, if appropriate.
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How Can I Help Children?
You can provide social and emotional support to children:
1. Provide friendship and guidance.
2. Talk and listen.
3. Be a good companion.
4. Have fun!
5. Be sympathetic and patient.
You can share information and be a child advocate:
1. Help children learn about community resources.
2. Advocate for children’s health and well being.
You can help children in school:
1. Help children learn to read, to take tests and how to listen well.
2. Show children how to use the library.
3. Find age appropriate books on topics in which children are
interested.
4. Do academic and art projects together.
5. Provide help with assignments and homework.
6. Teach children how to use computers.
You can help children with personal development:
1. Help children learn problem-solving and decision making
strategies.
2. Help children learn to communicate better with their family and
friends.
3. Help children identify their strengths. Give praise.
4. Discuss good manners.
5. Help children with personal needs and encouraging good health
and positive social habits in children.
6. Discuss how to handle peer pressure.
7. Help children set goals.
Appropriate Activities
Illustrative examples of appropriate Foster Grandparents activities to
assist children with special or exceptional needs include:
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A. Tutoring children with literacy or English language learning
needs.
B. Providing children in public, state or private schools; Head Start
centers; or day care centers with emotional support and
assistance in developing basic learning skills.
C. Helping adolescents and youth in correctional facilitates to
mitigate the effects of institutionalization, acting as a community
link, and helping incarcerated youth prepare for independent
living.
D. Assisting status offenders and delinquent youth offenders to
remain in the community as an alternative to institutional
commitment.
E. Assisting in the prevention of juvenile delinquency.
F. Helping abused or neglected children affected by drugs,
HIV/AIDS, or homelessness, regain stability through contact
with older adults and providing these children with emotional
support and empathy.
Inappropriate Activities
Some examples of inappropriate Foster Grandparent activities
include:
A. Serving in staff roles
B. Performing household or custodial functions
C. Serving as a babysitter
D. Acting as substitute teachers, teacher’s aide, group leaders or
other similar positions that would detract from the person-toperson relationship.
E. Providing respite care for parents/guardians
F. Supervising of children or staff, and
G. Disciplining of children
Foster Grandparent Do’s
1. Read to the children or have the children read to them
2. Assist the children with teacher-assigned tasks
3. Talk to the children
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Listen to children
Help keep children “on-task”
Play games, puzzles, help with crafts and classroom activities
Model good manners
Reinforce what the teacher is teaching
Help students tie shoes, zip up coats, etc
Praise the child, give advise, share wisdom
Help the students stay organized
Help the children with their letters, colors, numbers, shapes, etc...
Redirect children when needed to help prevent conflicts
Help the children with their writing, math, reading, and other
teacher-directed activities
Be an extra set of eyes and ears in the classroom for the teacher
Work with the children one-on-one or in small groups
Help the children at recess or field trips (some FGs, however, do
not go out to recess or on field trips due to physical limitations.
Some medicines require you to stay out of the sun.)
Participate in trainings provided by the volunteer station
Participate in recognition events given by the volunteer station
Have fun!!!
Foster Grandparent Don’ts
Foster Grandparents should never…
1. Assist the children IN the bathroom (they can escort children TO
the bathroom)
2. Provide medical services
3. Be left alone with the children (If the teacher has to leave the
classroom for something, the FG can stand in the doorway. They
are never left alone with the children)
4. Grade papers
5. Be assigned to the work room laminating, cutting, etc... (Federal
guidelines prohibit a lot of paperwork)
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6. Discuss the children with the parents (FGs direct all parent
inquiries to the teacher)
7. Do custodial work - cleaning, shoveling snow, etc...
8. Cook or work in the kitchen (Only if the FG is participating in a
classroom project that involves food. FGs can clean off a table or
help clean up a room IF the children are doing it, too. The FG is
modeling good behavior.)
9. Be with the children outside the service time as a Foster
Grandparent or anyplace other than their assigned volunteer
station. (Unless on a field trip)
10. Transport children
11. Give food, candy or gifts to the children without prior approval from
the teacher or staff member
Keeping Children Safe
Children of all ages are informed about “good touch and bad touch.”
It is your responsibility as a Foster Grandparent to make sure that the
children feel safe with you. Please read the tips below to be sure that
you are up to date on appropriate behavior with children so that
nothing you do or say will be taken the wrong way by children,
parents or volunteer station staff.
Effective Practices for Ensuring the Safety of Foster
Grandparents
The project:
a. Addresses all relevant safety issues, including working
conditions at volunteer stations, prior to permitting Foster
Grandparents to begin their assignments;
b. Works closely with volunteer station to ensure that Foster
Grandparents are provided with pre-service and ongoing
training on safety issues;
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c. Works jointly with volunteer stations to assess, on a
regular basis, safety issues related to Foster Grandparent
service; and
d. Promptly and effectively responds to Foster Grandparent
emergencies and complaints and designates a staff
person to respond to such concerns.
Safety
Everybody has the right to be safe and experience the benefit of
working in a safe environment. Safety is very important to the Foster
Grandparent Program. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, leave
your volunteer workstation and call the main office toll free at (866)
856-3017 as soon as possible.
Safety Tips for Foster Grandparents
1. Never put yourself in a position where your actions could be
misinterpreted by someone walking in the room.
2. Make sure you are never left alone with children; there should
be a volunteer station staff person with you and the children at
all times. If you are left alone with children, report this to the
FGP staff immediately; do not wait until the next in-service
meeting.
3. Do not touch children on areas of their bodies which would be
covered by a bathing suit.
4. Do not work with a child alone, behind a closed door; leave the
door ajar so that anyone can walk in at any time.
5. Do not tease children in a hurtful way.
6. Do not threaten children with physical punishment, restraint or
abuse.
7. Do not take the child to the bathroom alone, even during
recess. If you do take a child to the bathroom at another time,
make sure that you stand in the bathroom doorway or in
another position so that the other adults in the room can see
you.
8. Never release a child to another person to be taken home from
the volunteer station. This is the teacher’s responsibility.
9. Never fall asleep when you are with a child or with an individual
who lives at a facility. If you are too tired or too sleepy to stay
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awake while you are volunteering, it is better to stay at home
and call the FGP staff and volunteer station staff.
10.
Do not leave unattended items (art materials, pencils,
pens, etc.) within the reach of children.
11.
Report unsafe conditions and activities to the volunteer
station staff or FGP staff immediately.
IV. Foster Grandparent Benefits
What are the benefits of being a Foster Grandparent?
Aside from the stipend and reimbursement for travel and meals,
many Foster Grandparents have said how the experience of working
with children has enriched their lives. The bonds that Foster
Grandparents form with children allow them to share their years of
experience and wisdom. This experience helps the volunteer realize
how much they have to offer to children and the community.
Foster Grandparents surveyed in Michigan said that their health and
social resources improved when they volunteered with FGP. They
reported being “more satisfied with life.” Other Foster Grandparents
said that they felt “increased self-esteem, renewed feelings of health
and vigor, explored new relationships with peers, and experienced
greater financial security.”
We are happy you are joining us as a Foster Grandparent volunteer!
The Stipend
Foster Grandparents serve a minimum of 15 hours each
week, and receive a stipend of $2.65 per hour. The
stipend is paid for time spent with the children, for
earned leave, and for special activities such as training,
advisory board meetings and volunteer recognition
events.
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Volunteers are not reimbursed for travel time to and from home.
Meals, if eaten with the children/students as part of the volunteer
assignment, are included in the hours volunteered each week.
The Foster Grandparent stipend, travel and meal reimbursement is
not subject to any tax or charge or treated as wages or compensation
for retirement, public assistance or similar benefit payments or
minimum wage laws. These payments shall not reduce or eliminate
the level of eligibility for assistance or services any Foster
Grandparent may be recovering under any federal, state or local
government program (Public Law 93-1130).
The Social Security Administration has issued an instruction that
stipends are excluded as income in determining the amount a
volunteer will receive in his or her social security check. The stipend
cannot be used in calculating a Foster Grandparent’s eligibility for
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low income
housing, or any other federal programs that base eligibility on income.
Meals
Foster Grandparents may be provided with one or two
nutritious meal per day by the volunteer station when
possible. Not all volunteer stations are able to provide
this. Foster Grandparents who carry a lunch will be
reimbursed $2.50 for a sack lunch per day.
Transportation
Foster Grandparents will receive mileage
reimbursement for travel to and from volunteer
assignments and activities, such as orientation,
in-service training, advisory board meetings
and recognition events. Foster Grandparents
are encouraged to use the least expensive
means of transportation between their homes and
volunteer stations. Volunteer station related transportation is
not reimbursable by the NAU Foster Grandparent Program.
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Using Buses and Dial-A-Ride
Foster Grandparents who ride the bus or Dial-A-Ride will be
reimbursed actual fare paid.
Using a Personal Vehicle
Foster Grandparents who drive their own cars will be reimbursed at a
rate set by NAU Civic Service Institute Foster Grandparent Program.
Foster Grandparents who pick up other grandparents will be paid for
the extra distance they travel, if authorized by the Project Director.
All Foster Grandparents who drive their personal vehicle must comply
with Arizona state laws; have a valid driver’s license, and current
automobile insurance. If Foster Grandparents are found in violation
of these rules, they will be immediately terminated.
Passengers
Foster Grandparents who ride with another Foster Grandparent will
not be reimbursed for any transportation costs since the driver is
reimbursed. For insurance reasons, volunteers must not pay one
another for transportation expenses.
Combined Modes of Transportation
Foster Grandparents who use two modes of transportation will be
reimbursed two ways. When the Foster Grandparent rides the bus,
he or she will be reimbursed the actual bus fare for the days they ride
the bus. When a Foster Grandparent drives, he or she will be
reimbursed at the current rate. The dates and types of transportation
used must be noted on the time sheets so that the Foster
Grandparent can be reimbursed correctly.
Parking Costs
Parking should be recorded and it will be reimbursed at the actual
rate.
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Physical Examination
The Foster Grandparent will be provided with a physical assessment
prior to their entrance into the FGP, and annually thereafter. There is
no cost to the Foster Grandparent for the examination.
The exam will determine whether or not a volunteer has any condition
(physical or mental) that would be a barrier to his or her successful
performance as a Foster Grandparent. Failure to pass a physical
examination is cause for dismissal from the FGP.
The physical assessment is arranged through the Foster Grandparent
office. The cost of supplemental tests or medications is the
responsibility of the Foster Grandparent volunteer. Foster
Grandparents may use one sick day for
the annual physical exam. If an
examination reveals symptoms that
endanger a Foster Grandparent, he or
she will be suspended or terminated at
the discretion of the Foster Grandparent
Director. Volunteers must repeat
physical examinations annually to
continue their service as a Foster
Grandparent.
V. Foster Grandparent Leave and Holiday Policies
Vacation Leave
Foster Grandparents become eligible for
vacation leave after 6 months of service.
Vacation leave is accrued at a rate of
.0919 per hour worked (this is equivalent
to 24 vacation days). Vacation leave
shall be earned during orientation and
after a volunteer begins assignments.
Foster Grandparents are encouraged to take a vacation each year.
Vacations of one or more weeks must be requested in writing at least
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one week in advance for approval. Foster Grandparents should not
accrue more than 72 hours (2 weeks) of vacation. If this occurs, the
Foster Grandparent will be requested by the FGP office to use
accumulated vacation leave before the end of the calendar year
(June 30).
Sick Leave
Foster Grandparents accrue sick leave at a rate
of .0463 per hour worked (this is equivalent
to 12 sick days per year). Sick leave is earned starting with
orientation & training and for all served hours thereafter.
Sick leave may be used when the companion is unable to work due
to a personal illness or because of a medical or dental appointment.
The client, FGP staff, and volunteer station must be notified when the
companion is ill.
Accumulated sick leave may be used if a member of the immediate
family is ill. Immediate family members include:
Mother
Father
Sister
Brother
Daughter
Son
Mother-in-law
Father-in-law
Sister-in-law
Brother-in-law
Daughter-in-law
Son-in-law
Wife
Husband
Granddaughter
Grandson
If a Foster Grandparent uses sick leave for personal illness for more
than 4 consecutive days, he or she may be asked to submit a signed
doctor’s statement to the FGP office. When accrued sick leave is
exhausted, eligible vacation time will be used.
Leave Without Pay
Foster Grandparents may take up to 16 weeks leave without pay.
After 16 weeks, the Foster Grandparent must reapply to the program.
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Volunteers must ask for leave without pay in advance of taking such
leave.
Funeral Leave
Foster Grandparents may take up to 3 days leave with stipend for instate travel and 5 days leave with stipend for out-of-state travel in the
event of a death of an immediate family member or close friend. The
FGP staff must be notified for approval of funeral leave.
Jury Duty
Foster Grandparents will receive their stipend minus what they are
paid by the court until they are released from jury.
Snow Policy
Listen to the radio!
Snow Day School Closure
If the school district announces a “snow
day” and schools are closed, or if there is
no public transportation due to snow, do
not go to your volunteer station. You
will be paid for your regular hourly
schedule for that day. No mileage or meal allowance may be claimed
on a snow day.
Snow Day Schedule
If the school district announces a snow day schedule or that the
school will open one or two hours later than usual, you may go to the
volunteer station one or two hours later or leave one or two hours
earlier and still claim your regular hours on your time sheet.
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Holidays
The following 13 holidays are observed by the Foster Grandparent
Program. Some of your stations may observe different days that may
be subbed for the days below; however, you cannot go over 13
holidays a year.
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Day
President’s Day
Spring Holiday (may be used for Good Friday, Passover)
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Fall Holiday (may be used for Columbus Day)
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas
When an observed holiday falls on a day that the Foster Grandparent
is scheduled to be at their volunteer station, that day is considered a
holiday with pay. If a holiday falls o a weekend then the holiday is
scheduled with pay for the Friday or Monday when the holiday is
observed.
VI. Foster Grandparent Insurance
Foster Grandparents are eligible for three kinds of insurance:
accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability. These are
not substitutes for personal insurance and only apply while volunteers
are engaged in program activities or traveling to program activities.
This insurance coverage is considered secondary. Any insurance
you have, such as Medicare, any other health insurance, auto
insurance, etc. is billed first.
Excess Accident Medical Coverage
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This will pay up to $25,000 for medical treatment, hospitalization and
nursing care required as a result of an injury that occurred while the
Foster Grandparent was working. The maximum benefit of this
coverage is $25,000. It does not duplicate benefits payable under
Medicare or any other collectable insurance coverage. The coverage
is for any personal injury that occurs while the volunteer is traveling
directly to and from the volunteer station and while participating in
volunteer activities. It also covers the volunteer while attending
orientation, in-service training, advisory board meetings and
recognition activities. Medical expenses must be incurred within 55
days of the incident. Expenses are covered for a one-year period
following the incident.
Other than dental X-rays, dental care is covered up to $500 per tooth,
per accident. The maximum benefit per accident is $900. This
insurance also covers up to $50 for repair of eyeglass frames and
$50 for lenses.
Also included under this policy is:
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
This coverage pays for death or loss of limb or sight occurring within
one year after a covered accident. The benefits are as follows: Loss
of life (paid to beneficiary) $2,500; loss of both hands, feet or eyes
$2,500; loss of either hand, foot or eye $1,250.
Personal Liability Insurance
All Foster Grandparents are (collectively) provided with liability
insurance with a limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence per organization.
This provides protection for a personal injury or property damage
liability claim that arises from the performance of the Foster
Grandparent.
Exclusions to this policy include: injuries that arise from the use of a
car, aircraft or watercraft; errors or omissions in connection with the
Foster Grandparent’s services; personal injury resulting from assault
and battery committed by the volunteer; property damage to property
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in care or control of the volunteer; and injury or damage by any
person who is part of a court-ordered program.
Excess Automobile Insurance
This insurance protects the volunteer for personal injury and property
damage that arises out of their volunteer activities, including driving
between their home and volunteer station. The maximum benefit of
this policy is $500,000/accident.
Legal Representation
Foster Grandparents may receive legal counsel, court costs and bail
for a suit held against them when it is the result of the volunteer
activities.
If you have an accident that results in personal injury, contact the
Foster Grandparent Program Director at (928) 523-6584.
In the event of a liability claim, immediately call the Program Director
at (928) 523-6584.
VII. Foster Grandparent Policies
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a very serious matter to the
Foster Grandparent Program. We believe
that everyone has the right to his or her
own privacy, and under NO
circumstances will Foster Grandparents:
1. Reveal a child’s or a family’s
identity to anyone outside of the
volunteer site.
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2. Discuss the personal life of a child or his/her family with anyone
outside of staff who are directly involved with the child.
3. Discuss the personal or work life of other Foster Grandparents
with anyone.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Foster Grandparents may encounter situations where they may
suspect abuse or neglect of their assigned child by another person.
They should document what they suspect or have witnessed to the
best of their ability and report this to their volunteer station supervisor
as quickly as possible so that the supervisor may take the appropriate
action.
Should a Foster Grandparent be accused of child abuse, CONTACT
THE FGP OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. Whenever possible, the program
director will be present during interviews with the volunteer. The
Program Director will contact The Corporation of National and
Community Services, the CIMA insurance office and the sponsoring
agencies to make sure that proper procedures are followed. The
volunteer will not work at their volunteer station while the matter is
investigated. The Foster Grandparent may not return to work until
the investigation is complete and the volunteer has been cleared.
Drugs and Alcohol
Any volunteer who is found to be using drugs or alcohol while serving
as a Foster Grandparent will be suspended from the program
pending further investigation by the Personnel Grievance committee.
The time of suspension will be determined by the
Advisory Council. At no time will a Foster
Grandparent purchase or provide transportation or
be the means to purchase alcohol or illegal drugs
for a child or adolescent. Reports of such activity
will be investigated and a Foster Grandparent found
in violation of this policy will be subject to immediate
dismissal.
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Smoking
Foster Grandparents may not smoke while at
their volunteer stations. Consult the volunteer
station supervisor regarding smoking policies
outside of the building. In some cases,
smoking may not be allowed even outside of
the building.
Seat Belts
Foster Grandparents will abide by the local and state laws governing
seat belt use and buckle up on every trip. Should a Foster
Grandparent transport other volunteers, those individuals must also
buckle up. Foster Grandparents are not to transport the children with
whom they work.
Voluntary Withdrawal
On occasion Foster Grandparents choose to leave the program. It is
suggested that the volunteer submit a written statement of resignation
stating the date he or she will leave the program, and the reasons for
withdrawal. It is suggested that volunteers give the volunteer station
and the Foster Grandparent Program a two-week notice prior to
withdrawal.
Disciplinary Action
The intent of the Foster Grandparent Program is to provide positive
and meaningful experiences for the volunteers and the children who
they serve. Unfortunately, occasions do occur where disciplinary
action must be taken to insure consistent quality in the Foster
Grandparent Program.
Actions That May Result in Disciplinary Action:
The following is a list of actions that may result in disciplinary action.
Items highlighted in italics may result in immediate dismissal.
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1. Violation of Confidentiality
2. Multiple, unexplained absences at in-service training
3. Repeated cancellation to work, cancellation without cause, or
cancellation without notifying FGP staff
4. Failure to accept supervision from volunteer station or FGP
staff
5. Failure to follow care plans or negligence in the performance of
volunteer assignment
6. Repeated refusal to take an assignment when not serving at
least 15 hours a week
7. Inappropriate behavior while on duty (uncooperative attitude,
sleeping, tardiness, excessive use of telephone, etc.)
8. Failure to report change in economic status after enrollment
9. Misrepresentation or falsification for enrollment, time sheets,
travel or meal reimbursements or other records
10.
Use of abusive, profane or threatening language toward a
child, staff, volunteer or others
11.
Unauthorized possession or use of drugs; bringing
alcohol or other intoxicants to work; reporting to work in an
intoxicated condition
12.
Possession of firearms or other weapons while at the
volunteer station
13.
Stealing or unauthorized possession of property
belonging to others; destroying or damaging property of others
14.
Hitting or hurting a child or volunteer staff deliberately or
through negligence
15.
Any other reason, which is deemed unlawful or
inappropriate and discredits the Foster Grandparent Program’s
service.
Disciplinary action
It is the intent of the Foster Grandparent Program to provide a
positive and meaningful experience for each volunteer.
Unfortunately, occasions do occur where disciplinary action must be
taken to insure the maintenance of a quality program.
Disciplinary Procedures
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Upon a first offense the Volunteer Station Coordinator should meet
with the volunteer to give a written warning to the Foster Grandparent
with a written memorandum that is placed in the Foster
Grandparent’s file and a copy given to the Foster Grandparent and
the FGP staff. This memo should include the date and time of
incidents, disciplinary consequences or a request for reassignment.
The following are examples of actions that may result in disciplinary
action:
1. Violation of confidentiality
2. Multiple unexplained absences
3. Repeat cancelation on clients, cancelation without
cause, or cancelation without notifying staff
4. Failure to follow the Client Care Plan
5. Failure to accept to supervision from volunteer station
and/or staff
6. Repeated refusal to take an assignment when not
serving 15 hours a week
7. Inappropriate behavior while on duty (i.e. sleeping,
tardiness, excessive use of the telephones, etc.)
8. Inappropriate behavior while off duty that may reflect a
volunteer’s poor judgment and inability to effectively
provide service to the community (i.e. abuse of illegal
substances, sexual misconduct, child or elder abuse,
etc.)
Immediate Separation from the Program
Arizona is an “at will” State and volunteers serve at the will of
Northern Arizona University. Should Northern Arizona University
decide, you can be terminated as a volunteer at the will of Northern
Arizona University at immediate notice
There is zero tolerance for volunteers who engage in the following
activities while on-duty:
9. Elder abuse
10. Child abuse
11. Sexual misconduct
12. Use of alcohol or illegal drugs
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13. misrepresentation of volunteer hours, mileage, or
meals to defraud the program
14. Financial misconduct with clients
There is zero tolerance for volunteers who engage in activities while
off duty that reflect poor judgment. These actions include, but are not
limited to:
1. Abuse of any elderly person
2. Abuse of any child
3. Abuse of illegal substances
4. Theft or embezzlement
5. Sexual misconduct
Reassignment
Reassignment is the change of a Foster Grandparent from a current
volunteer station assignment to another. Reassignment is made
solely by the FGP staff and depends on availability of service
opportunity at an appropriate alternative placement and acceptance
of the new assignment by the Foster Grandparent and by the new
volunteer station. The FGP staff may reassign a Foster Grandparent
when:
1. A decision is made to remove a Foster Grandparent from the
current volunteer station due to any incompatibility between
station and/or client and volunteers, and for reasons that in the
opinion of FGP staff would not preclude assignment to an
alternative volunteer station.
2. The Foster Grandparent requests a change to meet new
circumstances of health, transportation, residence, or for
reasons of convenience or preference in type or place of
assignment.
3. FGP staff requires changes due to program considerations
such as transportation costs, needs of another volunteer
station, termination of the current volunteer station’s
participation with the program, changes in the FGP focus or
objectives, etc.
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4. Mutual discussion of FGP staff, the volunteer station supervisor
and/or the companion, determine that the companion’s
opportunities of service would be improved or enhanced in an
alternate setting.
5. Reassignment actions will be preceded by a discussion
involving the FGP staff, the Companion and the appropriate
volunteer station(s).
Grievance and Appeals Procedures
The purpose of the grievance procedure is to provide a just and
equitable method for the prompt resolution of grievances without
discrimination, coercion, restraint, or reprisal against the Foster
Grandparent or the assignee/client being served who may submit or
be involved in a grievance. The procedure as follows:
Step one: The Foster Grandparent submits a written complaint to the
Volunteer Station Supervisor with a copy sent to the Foster
Grandparent Program Coordinator so the Coordinator is aware of the
complaint.
Stage two: If the complaint is not resolved, Foster Grandparent may
submit a written complaint to the FGP Volunteer Coordinator within
30 days after the action has taken place
Stage three: If further action is needed, or if the Foster Grandparent
disagrees with the outcome of the review, the Foster Grandparent
may submit a written complaint to the Foster Grandparent Program
Director of the program in order to appeal the Volunteer Coordinator’s
decision. The Program Director’s decision is the final decision; there
are no other options for appeal.
Permanent Separation
Permanent separation from the Foster Grandparent Program can
only result from official action and notification by the program director.
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Such notification will be made in writing to both the Foster
Grandparent and the current volunteer station.
Immediate separation may occur without advance notice to the
volunteer or volunteer station in the following circumstances:
1. A decision to remove a volunteer from the current volunteer
station under a procedure outlined in the grievance and appeals
procedure determines that the volunteer should not be
considered for alternative placement.
2. Excessive absence or absences from an assignment for 3 or
more consecutive days without notice to the FGP office or
volunteer station.
3. Theft, embezzlement or misuse of the funds or property
belonging to the agency, volunteer station staff or children
involved in the FGP.
4. Falsification, of documentation of hours, income statement or
information on the application form.
5. Abuse of clients of or volunteer station staff or property.
6. Action of the volunteer that endangers the health and safety of
the volunteer station staff, children, FGP staff or the Northern
Arizona University Regional Civic Service Institute.
7. Use of the Foster Grandparent position for personal gain.
8. The volunteer’s annual income increase to more then 20%
above the eligible level set forth by the Corporation for National
and Community Service.
Permanent separation from the Foster Grandparent Program may
also occur under other circumstances listed below. In these
circumstances, a separation action will be preceded whenever
possible by at least 2 weeks written notice to the volunteer. A copy of
the notice will be sent to the current volunteer station. When
appropriate, the 2 week period must provide an opportunity for
correction of the problems.
1. Reduction of total number of Foster Grandparents needed by
the Northern Arizona University Civic Service Institute Foster
Grandparent Program from funding limitations.
2. Failure of the volunteer to abide by the rules and policies stated
in the Foster Grandparent Handbook
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3. Refusal or the inability of the volunteer to carry out a
reasonable and necessary function of the Foster Grandparent
role.
4. A decision to remove the Foster Grandparent from the current
volunteer station has been made and no opportunity exists for
an appropriate alternative assignment.
Separation from the Foster Grandparent Program may result when
the volunteer notifies the program staff of resignation from the
program. The volunteer is requested to give notice in writing of the
effective date of resignation and to provide a minimum of 2 weeks
notice to permit other arrangements to serve children served in the
FGP. The FGP staff will inform the volunteer station supervisor
immediately of a volunteer’s verbal or written resignation notice.
Special Regulations
Non-Discrimination
We are an inclusive project. No persons shall be excluded from
participation in, or be denied benefits of participation in the Foster
Grandparent Program on the grounds of race, sexual orientation,
creed, belief, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or political
affiliation, as protected by federal law.
Religious Activities
Foster Grandparents will not give religious instruction, conduct
worship services or attempt to influence children or volunteer station
staff’s religious beliefs.
Political Activities
Foster Grandparents may not while on-duty or in situation when offduty while representing themselves as Foster Grandparents:
5. Influence the outcome of any election to public election to
public office.
6. Engage voter registration activities
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7. Transport voters to the polls or similar connection with an
election.
8. Participate in any unlawful demonstration or civil disturbance
9. Engage in lobbying activities.
Foster Grandparents, however, may be involved in legitimate group
activities of the organization to which he or she is assigned that may
involve legally-conducted petitioning.
Recognition and Social Functions
An annual volunteer recognition will be hosted for all Foster
Grandparents by the Foster Grandparent Program. Volunteers will
be given awards for service in the program. Volunteer stations are
encouraged to also formally recognize the Foster Grandparents who
volunteer at their agency.
Timesheets
Timesheets and business postage prepaid envelopes are sent to
volunteers at the beginning of each month. The timesheets are from
the first day of the month to the last day of the month.
Timesheets are completed with the following information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Volunteer name and station at the top of the timesheet
The date is provided
“D” = the number of hours volunteered
“T” = the number of hours for training, in-service, meeting,
workshops, conferences, etc.
5. “C” = the number of hours for community service projects
of events
6. “H” = the number of hours claimed for holiday leave.
7. “VL” = the number of hours claimed for vacation leave.
8. “SL” = the number of hours claimed for sick leave.
9. “Clients” – FGP Volunteers write the name of the client
visited.
“Activities” –FGP Volunteers write one worked describing
the activity i.e. “tutoring”, “reading”, “art”, etc.
10. Number of miles driven round trip
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If using Van Go or another type of senior center van,
please write the total amount paid round trip, i.e. $4.00
11. If brown bagging or purchasing a meal, write “1”
12. If the volunteer site donates a meal indicate the number of
meals donated to you that day.
At the end of the month, the station supervisor and volunteer must
sign the timesheet and mail it in as soon as possible.
Paychecks are mailed out about 1 week after receiving the timesheet
at the office. Paychecks may be picked up at the office if
arrangements are made with office staff. The checks are generated
by NAU accounting and so have the NAU insignia on the check.
Foster Grandparent Statement of Confidentiality
I fully understand that it is my responsibility to keep confidential any
personal, family, medical or financial information concerning any
client with whom I am in contact.
I will not discuss anything concerning my client with anyone other
than my supervisors. I will not divulge any information which may
identify the client or his or her family which may cause
embarrassment to him/her or to his/her family.
If necessary to speak of a client, I will use a first name only. I will not
give out a client’s name, address or phone number.
I understand that I can be held liable for willfully and knowingly
releasing confidential records or information about a client.
Signed
Date
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