Before a volunteer or contractor from another organization can have contact with children, what must be true?

• A. Before contact, the volunteer/contractor must meet the relevant requirements of your policies and procedures; or you must confirm that the organization provides adequate screening, training, and supervision.
• B. They must be a licensed physician
• C. They must be a relative of a child in care
• D. There are no requirements

Answer: (A)

Safeguarding children hinges on ensuring anyone who will be in contact with them has been properly vetted and monitored. The correct approach is to verify that the external volunteer or contractor meets your agency’s policies and procedures, or to confirm that the organization they come from provides adequate screening, training, and supervision. This means background checks, appropriate training, and ongoing oversight are in place, even when the person is not directly employed by your agency. It’s not about them being a licensed physician or a relative, and it’s not acceptable to say there are no requirements. The emphasis is on documented safeguards and clear accountability through either your own standards or the partner organization’s safeguards.