Youth Protection Policy

The Youth Protection Policy is in place to ensure to the best of our ability, that the UVM Community Horticulture program does its part to provide a safe environment for youth engaged in our gardening programs. The program's policies and procedures are informed by UVM's Protecting Minors Policy. Our policies are in place to guide us in carefully selecting and supporting our volunteers.

All active volunteers, regardless of their interaction with youth during their volunteerism, are required to complete our Minor Protection Training (as of Feb 2023, we are asking volunteers to take the training just once -- subject to change based on University protocols).

All volunteers must also complete a Volunteer Application form (as of Feb 2023, this is a one-time request for active volunteers).

All volunteers must also complete a Background Check (if you are new to Vermont, have lived in the state for less than 1 year, you must also complete federal Fingerprinting) -- these are completed every three years.

See below for forms and instructions.

Note: All transfer and re-activating certified Master Gardener/Composter volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application, Minor Protection Training, and a Background Check (plus fingerprinting for new Vermonters) through UVM before starting in a volunteer position.

Working with Youth

  • All UVM Extension Master Gardener/Composter projects and activities directly engaged with youth must always have at least two adults present at all times.
  • If a project partner is not able to ensure a proper staff/volunteer adult ratio or ensure that all volunteers have gone through a background check then that project will no longer be able to serve as an official volunteer project that counts for volunteer hours.
  • All Master Gardener/Composter Volunteer Project Site Partners are responsible for making sure that any Gardener or Composter volunteers who have not completed a background check DO NOT under any circumstances volunteer on a youth master gardener project without another adult present, (Staff, Teacher, Parent).
  • Projects that are "directly engaged with youth" are defined as projects where volunteers will be supervising 1 or more youth without their parent or guardian present.
  • Project leaders are responsible for making sure that youth activities have at least 2 adults present at all times.
  • Project leaders are responsible for making sure that all Extension Master Gardener/Composter volunteers working with youth have gone through the background check process and are up to date on renewal.

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer Application

All students, transfers and re-activating volunteers are required to fill out this form .

Minor Protection Training

Instructions to access the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Minor Protection Training

  • Go to: https://campus.extension.org/course/view.php?id=2204
  • You will need to Log In to access the training. Press continue or log in.
  • If you have taken any Extension Master Gardener or Master Composter courses on the Extension Foundation online campus in the past, you should have an account. If not, follow the instructions under “Is this your first time here?” to create an account. (Note: since we do offer a number of courses and trainings through the Extension Foundation Online Campus, this step is time well spent).
  • Once logged in, select “Enroll Me”.
  • Follow the instructions in the training – there are three steps to take (1. Familiarize Yourself with our Youth Protection Policy, 2. Take the two Training Modules, and 3.) Determine If you need a Background Check). You will select “Mark as Done” as you complete each step and when all steps are complete, you will receive a certificate of completion you can keep for your files.

Background Check Consent Form

Beginning in 2020, all volunteerism with the program is contingent upon completing a background check through the Vermont Criminal Investigation Center (VCIC), Sexual Offender Registry, and Child Abuse Registry. All new volunteers are also expected to fill out and sign the volunteer application. UVM does not accept background checks completed through partner organizations.

Instructions

All volunteers MUST complete the form before volunteering.

Fill out the background check consent form.

Please fully complete all questions on the form -- be sure to include your full address with town and state, etc. If items don't apply to you, enter "NA".

Print and have the form, dated and stamped by a Notary Public. You can find a Notary Public at your local Post Office or Town Clerks Office, or contact the Secretary of State office @ 802-828-1505.
Program staff can also verify the form remotely -- look for dates/times when remote verification is scheduled or contact staff directly to schedule a time. 
 
Once complete, follow the instructions located at the bottom of the Consent form to send to the office.

Federal Fingerprinting (for new Vermonters)

If you live in Vermont but have only been in the state for 11 months or less, you must complete the Federal Fingerprinting process outlined below, in addition to the Background Consent Form (see link above).

Step 1: Fill out and sign these two forms below:

1. Fingerprint Authorization Form

2. Fingerprint Date/Location Form

Step 2: Get Fingerprinted

Take the signed Fingerprint Authorization Form  (#1 above) when you go to your county ID center (see locations below). Call ahead to make an appointment. The cost to you will be up to $35. We do not pay for your fingerprinting processing.

Step 3: Contact the Office

Please scan or photograph & email the Fingerprint Date/Location Form (#2 above) to Lisa @ master.gardener@uvm.edu. If necessary, you may mail the form to: UVM Master Gardener Program, 63 Carrigan Dr, Jeffords 206, Burlington, VT 05405. Please notify Lisa if you plan to mail the form.

Additional information and tips for fingerprinting:

  • You may go to any county ID center, regardless of where you live.
  • It is best to call ahead for an appointment; in case they are busy and to ensure someone will be available.
  • It is recommended you leave children and infants at home, as it will be difficult to watch the children while you’re being fingerprinted.You will need at least two pieces of identification, one of which must be a current government-issued photo ID. In addition to the photo ID (driver’s license, non-driver ID, government ID card), other acceptable forms include a passport, credit card with signature, student ID with signature, or check-cashing card with a signature.

FBI Fingerprinting Locations in Vermont

Please click here for more information

Providing Fingerprints While Outside of Vermont

If you live out of state and need to get fingerprints done in a state other than Vermont there are special instructions also attached below. This may be necessary due to COVID travel restrictions that do not allow out-of-state residents to come to Vermont for fingerprints.

Please view this document for more information

Photographing or Videoing Minors

We love to see your work with Vermont youth who benefit from volunteers' efforts! If you take photos or videos of minors, we need to have a release form completed and signed by the youth's parents or guardian(s). You can find the form on our Forms page.

Photo/Video Release