4-H Volunteers - Screening

Giving time and commitment directly from the heart

4-H Volunteer Screening
University of Missouri Extension Policy

Missouri's 4-H youth development programs are committed to offering the highest-quality educational experiences available to young people.  In order to achieve this, faculty and staff from University of Missouri (MU) Extension work closely with thousands of volunteers each year.  These volunteers dedicate their time, talents, and personal resources to work with Missouri youths. 

Because these recognized volunteers contribute in so many ways to the work of 4-H as a part of MU Extension, they are covered by the University’s Defense and Protection Policy if they are sued for their good faith actions within the scope of their volunteer service to the University.

All persons who work with 4-H youth development programs believe that the protection of young people is essential.  Since 1992, Missouri 4-H has employed a volunteer protection policy that included a written application that was reviewed and evaluated according to 4-H standards.  Effective Fall 2003, this review process includes annual screening of every 4-H volunteer applicant to determine if the applicant has any substantiated charges of child abuse or neglect or criminal convictions relevant to his or her service as a 4-H volunteer.  The steps in the process include:

• Completion of a Missouri 4-H Volunteer Application Form LG636  (PDF fillable) by persons who wish to serve.

• Submission of the application information to the state 4-H office at the University of Missouri.

• Screening of the applicant data using two sources:

1. VolunteerSelect, a national screening organization endorsed by the National Collaboration for Youth, for felony or misdemeanor convictions.

2. Missouri Department of Social Services, Children's Division, for substantiated charges of child abuse or neglect

• Notification of the applicant and the county 4-H professional staff of the results.

• Action by the county 4-H professional staff to activate the volunteer or reject the application.

This process has been developed in consultation with the University of Missouri Office of the General Counsel.  The process has been designed for the purpose of protecting the young people served by the Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs as well as the volunteers and MU Extension.  The information obtained in the application and screening process will be utilized for that purpose.