New Volunteers:

WELCOME! The 4-H Youth Development program is pleased that you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer. We appreciate your interest and look forward to your involvement. The purpose of this process is to help you know more about 4-H and to help us know more about you. It is a necessary step in providing protection for youth and volunteers.

Our screening process includes completion of an electronic criminal background and registered sex offender check through our partner volunteer system – Sterling Volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, in addition to completing the below forms, please contact the staff person listed on this page and they will send you Sterling Volunteers registration information.

The University of Illinois Extension requires all volunteers who work with youth to complete and agree to the following:

• Volunteer Application
• An electronic criminal background and registered sex offender check through Sterling Volunteers.
• A child abuse and neglect tracking system check through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
• Three reference checks – one from a family member, one from a work/volunteer relationship, and one personal character.
• Verification of a valid driver’s license and current liability insurance card, if you drive as part of your official role as a 4-H volunteer.
• Completion of The Abuse and Neglect Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) training. A copy of the completion certificate must be turned into the office.
• Completion of the Agreement to Assume Risk form.
• Enroll in 4h.Zsuite.org as a club volunteer.
• Interview

Please complete all the forms and return them to our office as soon as possible.

After the application, all forms and the electronic criminal background and registered sex offender check through Sterling Volunteers has been completed and returned, and an interview has been conducted, you will receive a letter indicating your status as an Extension/4-H volunteer. This process can take 2 to 3 weeks or as long as 6 to 8 weeks – we appreciate your patience in completing this process.

Please note -- getting reference forms back to our office is the MAJOR delay in completing the approval process. Please follow-up with your references and call our office to find out the status of your application.

Rescreening:

Volunteers must be rescreened every five years. The McLean County 4-H Program Coordinator will contact you directly for information needed.

1. A Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) check through the Department of Children and Family Services.
2. An electronic criminal background and registered sex offender check through Sterling Volunteers. An invitation to complete the Sterling Volunteers screening will be sent via email from the company after the previous steps are completed. Keep an eye out for an email sent from Sterling Volunteers.
3. Enroll in 4h.Zsuite.org as a club volunteer.