As an added security precaution it is highly recommended that each church verify an applicants social security card before sending completed forms to the conference office.

Recuiting/Screening process for Volunteers who meet the MINIMUM age requirements

A. All persons at least 21 years of age and at least five years older than the oldest child participating that are employed or volunteer to serve in a supervisory capacity* in conference programs involving children, youth or vulnerable adults working together (such as Salkehatchie or UMVIM trips), shall:

*18-20 year olds will not function in a supervisory capacity. 
Camps and Retreats may utilize 18 year-olds as employed or volunteer leaders of younger children when combined with adequate training of the Conference policies and procedures and in keeping with American Camp Association guidelines for training and supervision.

B. All adults 18 years of age or older (participants, volunteer or staff persons) who have regular and direct contact with children, youth and vulnerable adults, shall:

C. During the first year of this Policy’s implementation staff persons & volunteers will submit to the screening procedures prescribed by this Policy. Following the first year of this Policy’s implementation, all new applicants, persons who have a break in service of one or more years and those with 3 or more years since their last background check shall submit to the screening procedures.

D. All forms and reference reports shall be kept as a part of an applicant’s personnel file.

E. All applications and related forms must be completed prior to service.

F. In the event that a reference follow up is accomplished by phone, detailed notes of the conversation should also be included in the personnel file.

G. For all Conference activities, the care of records will be maintained by the Office of Connectional Ministries of the Annual Conference.  Staff, volunteer and paid, records for Camps and Retreat Ministries will also be maintained by this ministry.

H. When the Conference is hosting an event for which the local church is responsible for chaperones, all communications regarding the event will contain language specifying these procedures as MINIMUM BASIC GUIDELINES for all adults serving as chaperones at the event.