What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate the impact of a new volunteer screening process on youth development programs.

May 28, 2026

Screening Youth Volunteers

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate the impact of a new volunteer screening process on youth development programs.
Implemented a statewide screening process for volunteers in Fall 1989.
Collected data on the acceptance criteria for volunteer participants.
Evaluated the safety protocols associated with the new screening process.
Enhanced volunteer screening was associated with improved perceptions of safety among program participants.
Extension reported a commitment to child welfare as a result of the screening process.

Abstract

Until recently, being an interested, warm body was the main criteria for accepting an adult as a volunteer in Extension 4-H youth development programs. In Fall 1989, Washington State Cooperative Extension implemented a more stringent volunteer screening process. Washington is in the second year of using a statewide screening process and firmly believes that having an Extension volunteer screening process says that Extension cares about the safety of the children and youth participating in its programs.

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Authors

Janet H. Hiller

Washington State University

Journals

Journal of Extension

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Washington State University

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Screening Youth Volunteers

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Abstract

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