8.3. SR 03-04-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DRAFT FEBRUARY 2013 BACKGROUND SCREENING POLICY Background Screening: An Exercise of Reasonable Care The saying that a "bad volunteer is better than no volunteer" is untrue and dangerous, and should never be considered appropriate when selecting volunteers and employees, especially those who will work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. While municipal parks and recreation departments and youth organizations across the country depend on volunteerism, failing to take reasonable steps to screen employees and /or volunteers for risk factors related to the roles they will play leaves such organizations, their volunteers and employees, and most importantly, their participants at unacceptable risk. While no background screening process can be absolutely comprehensive, and none can offer a guarantee of safety, the City of Elk River hopes that by implementing a strong policy and procedures will enhance public safety, engender public confidence, and reduce the risk of exposure to liability associated with failing to conduct reasonable background checks. The City believes that a thorough background screening process will assist the City and the community to provide quality programming in which safety is always the top priority. Policy Coverage This Background Screening Policy shall apply to: All volunteers and applicants for volunteer positions with the City of Elk River All applicants, employees and volunteers of City Field & Facility Use Permit holders (referred to throughout this policy as "Permit Holders ") who are18 years of age and above and who will be, or who reasonably may expected to be, working directly with children, youth or vulnerable adults in connection with performing services for the Permit Holder • To the extent permitted under City ordinance, to all applicants for, and employees in, paid positions with the City's Parks and Recreation Department who will or might have such contact. Policy Purpose To protect the safety and well -being of children, youth, and vulnerable adults participating in Parks and Recreation programs of the City of Elk River as well