Risk Management
4-H Youth Development Programs
What is Risk Management?
It means the 4-H
club, group or
planning committee
anticipates potential
risks as the activity is
planned and decides
ways to manage
these risks.
When We Pay Attention to
Risk Management Issues…



It becomes an important
educational component of
our programs, focusing on
safety and prevention.
Participants can focus on
learning in a safe,
comfortable environment.
Volunteers limit their
liability exposure.
Important Risk Management
Terms
Liability
Legally bound or responsible. Something for
which one is liable; an obligation, a
responsibility, or a debt.
Forms of Liability

Negligence
Failure to use that degree of care which an ordinary
person of reasonable prudence would use under the
given or similar circumstances.





Assault and battery
False arrest and imprisonment
Invasion of privacy
Defamation (libel and slander)
Violation of constitutional rights
Risk Management Process
Phase 3:
Risk Review
Monitor and
Evaluate Risk
Plans
Phase 1:
Risk Analysis
Risk Identification
Evaluation &
Measurement
Phase 2:
Risk Response
Risk Control
Financing &
Communication
Risk Management Strategies
Reduce
To lessen in extent,
amount, number,
degree, or price. To
gain control of.
Modify the program or
facility, such as adding a
fence to separate the
public from animals in a
show ring
Risk Management Strategies
Transfer
Shifting all or part of
a risk to another
party. Insurance is
the most common
method of risk
transfer, but there
are other means.

Charter a bus instead
of using personal
vehicles

Hold meeting in a
public place instead of
your home
Risk Management Strategies
Avoid
Taking steps to
remove a hazard,
engage in an
alternative activity, or
otherwise end a
specific exposure.


Replace night hike
with day time activity
Discontinue high risk
event
Risk Management Strategies
Assume
To take upon oneself;
undertake.
Decide all necessary
precautions have been
taken and conduct the
event
Volunteer Liability Protection



State Statutes limit volunteer liability
Personal insurance is primary
Secondary liability insurance offered in most
counties
Volunteer Liability Protection
Insurance
In most situations, the
volunteer’s personal
homeowners
insurance and
automobile insurance
is considered primary
liability insurance.
Special Areas for
Consideration
Have a Risk Management Plan!
The risk management checklist on the 4-H
Youth Development website is a helpful
tool.
 Involve adults and youth in developing the
risk management plan so everyone is
thinking about safety.

Chaperones




1 adult for every 10 youth is recommended …
required for overnight events. Lower ratio for
younger children.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Adults and youth should not stay in the same
room.
Chaperones for overnight events must complete
the Youth Protection Process.
Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency:
 Your first priority is to provide medical
attention to the injured.
 Contact the parent or guardian.
 Contact the 4-H Youth Development staff
member.
 Prepare an incident report.
Finances


Federal regulations governing the
continued use of the 4-H name and
emblem require annual financial
reporting and accountability.
4-H Money = Public Funds
All money received by a 4-H club is
public money since 4-H is a public
organization.
Finances
Money raised in the
name of 4-H must be
deposited in a public
financial institution in
an account bearing
the 4-H name.
Finances


Checks should require two signatures: the club
treasurer (youth) and an adult leader. The
individuals should not be parent and child.
Use good money handling practices:


Writing a receipt for all monies received.
Depositing all monies into the bank account
promptly.
Finances


Members need to approve payments.
A payment approval form should be used and
the receipt from the purchase should be
attached.
Finances
Financial records should be kept up-todate and reported at each club meeting.
 4-H Club Annual Financial Report MUST
be submitted on time each year to the
UW-Extension Office.

Fund Raising


Money raised in the
name of 4-H must be
used for 4-H
purposes.
Fund raising should
only be conducted to
meet a club goal.
Transportation



Drivers transporting youth should be at least 18
years of age with 2 years of successful driving
experience (must be 21 if arranged by Extension
staff).
Avoid transportation of only one youth.
Use of 12/15 passenger vans is highly
discouraged (Extension staff are prohibited from
driving these vans).
Volunteer and Member
Accident Insurance


Primary accident insurance is highly
recommended.
It can be purchased reasonably for individual
4-H events or for a full 4-H year:
 American Income Life Insurance is an
example.
 Note: This is accident insurance, not liability
insurance.
Working with Youth

Work in open places.

Always encourage parents to attend.

Two adults present when possible.

Post and communicate safety rules.
Provide written guidelines and rules.
Supervise youth at all times.


Working with Youth

Never use physical punishment or deny basic
needs.

Be alert to physical/emotional needs.

Respect privacy of youth.

When physical contact is needed to demonstrate
a skill or technique first ask for permission from
the child.
Resources
Contact your county 4-H
Youth Development staff
when questions or
concerns arise.
They have access to
county and university
resources to assist with
your question or
concern.
Resources
4-H Youth Development – Risk Management
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/resources/mgt/risk.cfm

Risk Management Guidelines

Links to State Statutes

Q & A regarding risk management and insurance

Link to sample waiver

Links to other resources
4-H Youth Development – Money Matters



http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/clubs/money.cfm
Treasurer’s Handbook
Financial Handbook for Leaders
Financial Accountability and 4-H handout
Presentation Developed by:
Donna Menart
4-H Youth Development Assistant State Program Leader
Revised January 2007
With Credits to:
René Mehlberg, Winnebago County 4-H Youth Development Educator
Sue Pleskac, 4-H Youth Development Volunteer Leadership Specialist
Dawn Schneider, Langlade County 4-H Youth Development Agent
An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides
equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title
IX and Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. © 2007 by
the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.