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 Learning for Life Q&A

Q1: When does the Youth Protection change go into effect?

A1: As of June 1, 2010, all registered adult volunteers no matter what their position entails must complete Youth Protection training prior to beginning their volunteer service and show proof of completion of the training.

Q2: Why a new training policy on such short notice?

A2: Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the Learning for Life. It is important to implement this training at all levels of the organization. Learning for Life is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program and the best training are offered. Learning for Life’s Youth Protection training has been in existence long enough for it to be understood and accepted as required training for registered adult volunteers.

Q3: What is the deadline to meet the new Youth Protection training standard?

A3: All registered adult leaders should take or renew their Youth Protection training so that it is current as of today. A postwill not be able to recharter without its key registered adults being up-to-date on their Youth Protection training. No individual leader will be able to register without being up-to-date on his or her Youth Protection training.

Q4: Is there a grace period to get all adults trained?

A4: No. If a leader's Youth Protection training is not current, the volunteer must take or renew this training immediately.Every effort should be taken so that all registered adults involved in Learning for Life programs have a current certificate of completion of the Youth Protection training.

Q5: Does "all volunteers" mean District/Council Committees

A5: Yes. The goal is to have all registered volunteers Youth Protection-trained. This is an important statement for Learning for Life as a youth organization and reinforces our commitment to the well-being of all youth members and volunteers.

Q6: I am sure I know all there is to know about youth protection. Can I "test out" by only taking the Youth Protection online quiz?

A6: No. You must complete the entire online training in order for your Youth Protection certificate to be valid. This ensures you receive the latest information on Youth Protection.

Q7: Does the executive officer (institutional head) of a Post need to take Youth Protection training?

A7 No If the executive officer is not a registered leader; he or she is not required to complete Youth Protection training,although it is strongly recommended. If the executive officer is a registered member/leader of the post in Learning for Life, then they are required to take the training.

Q8: Are all Explorer Instructors (non registered volunteers) required to take Youth Protection Training?

A8: No, Individuals who provide instruction to the youth and are not required to register are not required to take the YouthProtection Training, however, if they are presenting numerous training sessions then it is recommended they take the training.

Q9: The new policy indicates that a Youth Protection certificate of completion must be submitted "at the time of application." What does that mean?

A9: All Exploring Adult applications should be collected from prospective leaders with the completed form and a copy of the individual's Youth Protection certificate of completion. Both documents should be submitted together to the council service center.

The On-line Youth Protection training for Explorers can be taken before the application is processed. If there is no member number, the training can be taken and a certificate of completion can be printed as documentation, however, the software will not update your record until you are registered with a member number. In this case you will have to manually record the training.

 
10: Do leaders need to wait until they have final clearance on the background check to meet with youth?

A10: No. As long as their application is fully completed, submitted to the council service center, and approved, their fee is paid, and their Youth Protection training has been received by and acknowledged by the council, they will be able to interact with youth members while the criminal background check (CBC) is still pending.

Q11: Can posts that have some adult leaders who have not completed Youth Protection training be renewed?

A11: In order for a post or group to be renewed, it must have all the required positions filled with Youth Protection trained adults. Adults who do not have current (within the past two years) Youth Protection training will not be allowed to participate in Learning for Life programs.

Q12: Will the new adult applications have this information?

A12: Yes. All new applications will reflect these changes.

Q13: How do these new requirements affect Curriculum Based Learning for Life (nonregistered) volunteers?

A13: Curriculum Based volunteers in Learning for Life who have had Youth Protection Training as a part of teacher/leader development are not required to retake Youth Protection Training. However, if there was no Youth Protection Training completed in staff development they are required to take a course through the participation organization on Youth Protection or the Youth Protection Training for Curriculum Based Programs found on www.learningforlife.org.

1. Teachers and Volunteers participating in Learning for Life summer programs must complete the Power Point Youth Protection Training and turn in their certificate or record of attendance before conducting activities.

2. Local councils will ensure that the Youth Protection Training for all teachers/aids/volunteers is provided along with their curriculum training prior to beginning classes.

Q14: Will both Learning for Life Exploring and the BSA leader versions of Youth Protection training meet the requirement?

A14: Yes the Exploring Training on-line will meet the requirement as will the BSA version of Youth Protection Training. As long as documentation can be produced, the BSA training will qualify, however at this time, the Explorer Youth ProtectionTraining will not meet the BSA training.

Q15: If a person is not a registered leader, how can he or she log in and take the Youth Protection training?

A15: A person does not have to be a registered volunteer to take the Explorer Youth Protection training. To take the training log on www.learningforlife.org click on Explorer Leader Training where you will enter Myparticipation. After you have confirmed your new account user name and password, log on e-training to begin the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate to submit with a completed adult leader application to your local council representative for processing. Remember to keep a copy for your records.