DCF: What Happens When a Report Is Made?
The “Protective Intake Policy” framework was designed “to clearly articulate a primary and immediate focus on child safety in screening and…
Screening Toolbox: Written Job/Volunteer Application & Statement of Suitability
Home / Screening & Hiring / Screening Toolbox: Written Job/Volunteer Application & Statement of Suitability
A written application provides you with the information you need to assess the background and interests of applicants for your organization’s paid and volunteer positions. The questions you ask should help you determine whether applicants have mature adult relationships, as well as clear boundaries and ethical standards for their conduct with children and youth.
The written application should include a statement of interest or cover letter in which applicants are asked to describe their interest in your organization and the position for which they are applying. You may want to also consider requiring a more in-depth statement of interest from individuals, particularly youth, for whom work history is minimal and/or criminal history is unavailable.
Here are some suggestions for questions to include on your written application and a sample Statement of Suitability.
Other Reading You Might Be Interested In
Reporting
Massachusetts Law on Reporting Requirements
Mandated reporters are required to immediately report suspicions of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families…
Safe Environments
Safe Environment Strategies: Transportation
Your youth-serving organization may provide transportation to children and youth—either on a regular or occasional basis. If you’re a larger…
Reporting
When to Report Abuse and Neglect
With some exceptions, a single incident or observation of suspected abuse or neglect may not necessarily trigger the need for a call to the…
Sustainability
What is Sustainability?
Long-term organizational change is a process of continuous review, evaluation, and communication. It includes regularly examining what is working…
Screening & Hiring
What is Screening and Hiring?
Finding staff and volunteers you can trust to work with children includes additional steps beyond interviewing and checking references. …
Policies & Procedures
What are Policies and Procedures?
Policies and Procedures are an essential backbone of your prevention strategy at your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO), providing an overarching…
Safe Environments
Safe Environment Strategies: Visibility
Safe Environment Strategies: Visibility Whether or not you can control the design of your space, physical safety depends on your ability to…
Screening & Hiring
Screening Toolbox: Reference Checks
By checking a candidate’s references, you can obtain additional information about applicants and help verify their previous work and volunteer…
Training
Incorporating Training Programs into Organizational Culture
Effective abuse prevention training provides learners with new information, knowledge, and skills. Your leadership is critical to the ways in which…
Sign Up to Access Your Learning Center
Customized child sexual abuse prevention guidelines to meet the unique needs of any organization that serves children.
- Evidence-informed guidance
- Actionable prevention steps
- Keeps track of your progress
- Tailored learning tracks
