New volunteer screening requirements are the results of changes to numerous Florida Statutes that were implemented in August 2010. To read the specific statutes changed, click here for the 56 page document which shows the deletions and additions.
The background screening requirements are complex and require each organization who engages volunteers, particularly those who work with vulnerable populations, to review the information to determine if there is an impact.
Here are some agency links and contacts who may be of assistance:
Department of Elder Affairs Background Screening
Contact: Dean Kowalchyk
Agency for Health Care Administration Background Screening
Contact: Molly McKinstry
Department of Children and Families Background Screening Process
Contact: Tom Rankin
Department of Juvenile Justice Background Screening Unit
Contact: Myra Burkes
Department of Law Enforcement Volunteer and Employee Background Checks
Contact: Martha Wright
Below is information from Department of Children and Families and Agency for Health Care Administration that may be helpful in understanding the new background screening requirements:
- Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) (pdf, 68KB) Details who is required to be screened.
- Chapter List for Screenings (doc, 558K) Details who needs to be screened according to service type (includes specific information about volunteers).
- Overview Matrix (doc, 512KB) Broad matrix of screening requirements.
- Programs for Children (doc, 556KB) Lists types of settings and screening requirements.
- Child Care (doc, 24KB) and Child Care 2 (pdf, 24KB) Lists types of child care facilities and screening requirements.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health (doc, 512KB) Lists types of facilities in these categories and screening requirements.
- Key Background Screening Coordinator contacts (doc, 28KB) May be helpful during disasters.
Matt Howard, DCF General Services Director is the DCF Disaster Coordinator and would be key point of contact for any assistance needed during emergencies. He is the designated disaster coordinator assigned to work with the Governor's Office / Emergency Operations during such events. Office: (850) 921-4922 Cell: (850) 251-7825 Fax: (850) 487-4682.
New Legislation 2011 |
