Procedures for Conducting Background Screening on 4-H Volunteers
Upon receipt of an application to serve as a volunteer for the University of Connecticut
4-H program, the 4-H staff member will take two action steps. The staff member or their
designee will fax to Nancy Wilhelm at the State 4-H Office (860-486-0264) the cover
page of the volunteer application along with the last page of the application which
includes signed authorization to conduct a background screening investigation. All faxed
information will be stored in a secure file upon completion of the background
investigation to preserve the confidential nature of the paperwork.
A background investigation will be conducted through First Advantage, Volunteer
Advantage. Once the results of the investigation have been received by Nancy Wilhelm,
she will contact the 4-H staff member via email to either proceed with the application
process or to place a hold on the application.
Second, all references listed on application will be contacted by phone and if not
available, sent letters requesting written summaries of applicant’s character and ability to
serve the 4-H program; references must sign the questionnaire before submitting it.
All registered 4-H volunteers in Connecticut are required to also participate in a
mandated reporter training session sponsored by the Department of Children & Families.
Adults serving as chaperones for overnight events must complete this training before
attending the overnight event, as well as complete the screening background and
reference check.
For potential volunteers employed by a school or community agency who have been
screened by their employer, a letter from the person who employed them, on the school
or agency letterhead, can be provided in lieu of conducting the second step. A sample
letter has been created for school administrators or agency human resources personnel.
If the agency or school does not require staff to undergo mandated reporter training, the
volunteer applicant will be required to participate in such training either on line or attend
a workshop. (Information can be provided).
4/30//2015