3.9: Staff & Volunteer Screening

Staff screening is an important safeguard when delivering Powerhouse®. Before programming begins, your organization should establish clear screening requirements for anyone who works directly with, or regularly interacts with, young caregivers. This may include paid staff, volunteers, placement students, contractors, and specialized service providers.

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

YCA strongly recommends Criminal Record Checks with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) for individuals who work directly with, or regularly interact with, young caregivers. Each organization is responsible for determining the screening requirements that apply to the roles involved in delivering Powerhouse®.

Your screening process should establish:

  • Who requires screening. 
  • When screening should be completed. 
  • How screening is reviewed and documented.
  • Any ongoing reporting or declaration requirements. 
  • How often screening should be renewed. 

When Screening Is Not Yet Complete

Your organization should also establish how situations involving pending screening will be managed. YCA recommends that individuals without completed screening are not left alone with participants or placed in unsupervised positions of direct authority or trust until the required screening is complete.

Keep Screening Current

Establish a process for tracking screening requirements and renewal dates according to your organization’s policies. Screening documentation should be stored securely with access limited to those responsible for managing these records.

★ Powerhouse® Tip: Maintain a central screening tracker so your organization can easily identify completed checks and upcoming renewal dates.

✅ Key Takeaway: Screen everyone who works directly with or regularly interacts with young caregivers, establish clear steps for managing participation while screening is pending, and track renewal dates to ensure required checks never lapse.