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Volunteering at Your Child's School
Volunteering at your child's school could be complicated by a criminal record. Recently, an increasing number of employers are requesting record checks before hiring. Most prospective volunteers do not realize that they could also be subject to a criminal record check.
Volunteering at a child’s school is a fulfilling activity for many. You get to meet their friends and develop a closer relationship with the teachers. You can meet parents and make new friends. You can teach your child teamwork and be part of their hobbies. It can bring kids and parents closer together to work on a common goal such as winning a game or putting on a play.
However, many school boards do not allow people with criminal records to volunteer, even if the record is not related in any way to youth or even if the record is so long ago that it shouldn’t matter.
For example, Education Alberta and the Ontario Ministry of Education say it is expected that all volunteers will have a background check. Most school boards set their own policies on criminal record checks. In some cases you may only need a Vulnerable Record Check to volunteer at your child's school.
What is a Vulnerable Sector Check?
Children (under 18) are part of the vulnerable sector. Because of their age, they often interact with people who are in positions of trust and authority over them. Extra measures are taken to protect vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Canadian law approves Vulnerable Sector Checks for individuals working or volunteering with children. Teachers for instance are subject to regular Vulnerable Sector Checks. As a parent wanting to volunteer at your child’s school, you may also be asked to submit to this check.
A Vulnerable Sector Check discloses more than a regular record check. It reveals past convictions, pending discharges as well as some sexual and violent offences for which an individual has received a record suspension.
Because of its intrusive nature, the party requesting a Vulnerable Sector Check must provide reasonable explanation for their request. This includes obtaining your consent and verifying to the authorities that your volunteership would actually place you in a position of power over vulnerable individuals.
If You Have a Record
Even if your record does not relate to the vulnerable sector check minor infractions will also show up on a standard background check. In some cases, you may not be disallowed from volunteering at your child’s school unless the school can demonstrate that, given your criminal record, you would be a risk to the children in your contact. In other cases, school boards will have policies that no one with a record can volunteer.
Be Aware of Discrimination Laws
If you have a Record Suspension or pardon, school boards are not permitted to discriminate against you on a past criminal record. The one exception is the Vulnerable Sector Check. A pardon or Record Suspension does not conceal sexual offences for the purpose of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
Obtain a Record Suspension to Volunteer at Your Child's School
Apply for a Record Suspension. A Record Suspension allows you to pass a background check and apply for jobs, volunteer positions and other opportunities with confidence. Record Suspensions also help to demonstrate one’s rehabilitation. At the very least, a record suspension may allow you to volunteer at your child’s school with peace of mind.
If you are ready to seal your record and move forward with your future, contact us today for a free consultation at 1-866-972-7366.
