Volunteer Screening
NOTE: No other sports or organization VSCs will be accepted for GPMHA volunteers. We have confirmed from UOV OPP Detachment Admin that multiple VSCs can be submitted in a short amount of time (soccer, swimming, school clubs... it does not matter).
What is screening?
Screening is an on-going process designed to identify any person (volunteer or staff) who may harm children or vulnerable persons. Volunteer screening serves two main purposes:
1. to create and maintain a safe environment
2. to ensure an appropriate match between volunteer and task
Though a relatively new concept, volunteer screening is being adopted by a growing number of organizations. The process includes assessing risk, writing position descriptions, discerning suitability of an individual for a given task, providing training and, when necessary, modifying the setting and arrangement of task.
Volunteers frequently have a highly public role on behalf of a non-profit organization; they are persons that individuals dealing with the non-profit organization see first and most often. We can manage several risks by effectively screening, evaluating and placing volunteers.
Why screen?
Any organization that provides programs to vulnerable people has an obligation to appropriately screen people who for them, including volunteers. Screening is not only the right thing to do; it is legally required under the principle of “Duty of Care.”
Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
All Team Bench Staff and Volunteers must have a Criminal Record Check - Vulnerable Sector Screening within the last 3 years before participating in any Minor Hockey activities. Once returned to you, your stamped CRC-VSS paperwork can be forwarded to [email protected] and your document will be retained on file.
Residents who live in the Town of Petawawa can visit the OPP website linked here http://opp.ca/recordchecks and follow the instructions to submit their no-cost volunteer application. Print and fill in the Association request letter, linked below, with the date,
your name and your volunteer position. Simply scan or photograph your filled in letter and attach it with your application.
Example Team Manager Job Description "Interacting with children in relation to hockey team activities including practices and games, at times providing supervision in the dressing rooms and assisting children on and off the ice. "
The OPP will not accept in-person applications unless you fall under exceptions listed on the website.
Residents that live on the Canadian Forces Base can visit the Military Police Station on Somme Rd., CFB Petawawa. You will need this letter and proof of residence within the PMQs.
How to submit/apply for VSC for Minor Hockey
Hockey Eastern Ontario has started a new process for VSCs for all minor hockey associations this year. To make sure your VSC is tracked, please follow these 3 steps:
- Request a VSC through your local police services (OPP if you live off base, MPs if you live on base in North or South Side PMQs). A formal letter is required. Here is the link to HEO’s letter
- Police Services may send your completed VSC document via e-mail. Please note that this email could be directed to your junk or spam folder and there will be an expiry date to download the document. Police services tend to take several weeks to process your VSC. It is your responsibility to check your email folders. HEO does not have the ability to help in getting access to an expired document. You will need to work back with Police Services if this occurs.
- Once you have your completed VSC document from your police services, begin the Screening Submission process by clicking here. Ensure that on the first question, you select HEO as your Ontario member.
HEO has provided an excellent resource to cover all aspects of their new VSC screening process. You can visit their website here.