What's New for October 2012

This month’s focus is on liability issues and background checks for volunteers:

Here are Huntington Beach’s Guidelines for Volunteers Working with Children which include a place for volunteers to sign that they understand what’s appropriate, and also, their background checks procedures.

From San Jose – Volunteer Fingerprinting Procedures.

Paso Robles City Library’s new Volunteer Handbook includes mission statement, objectives, expectations and policies and procedures. 

A brief document identifying some things to think about when considering implementing volunteer background checks

Q&A on Background Checks by John Patterson, Senior Program Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center -- The Nonprofit Risk Management Center receives many questions concerning the screening of staff and volunteers using criminal history record checks. Criminal history record checks are important risk management tools but must not replace other risk management strategies designed to lessen the opportunity for abuse of vulnerable service recipients.

P.S.  If you’re not a member of the “Get Involved: Powered by Your Library” listserv, you can keep up to date on all things library volunteers by sending an e-mail to clehn@library.ca.gov and requesting to be added.