Police Reference Checks
Yonge Street Mission provides services to children, youth and vulnerable persons (i.e., those who, due to age, disability, social circumstances, etc., are dependent on others or are at greater risk than the general population of being harmed by persons in positions of authority relative to them). It is our utmost duty and privilege to care for their well-being and safety in a responsible and secure manner. YSM has moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities to the people who use our programs and services, the people who provide those programs and services, and to the community at large.

All people who volunteer on a regular basis with Yonge Street Mission are required to consent to a police reference check (PRC) undertaken at the commencement of their volunteer time with YSM. The Volunteer Resources Department conducts vulnerable persons police reference checks for volunteers through the Toronto Police Service. YSM will not accept volunteers who refuse to comply with this request. When volunteers receive the results of their PRC from the police they are required to immediately share the original results with the Director of Volunteer Resources (as soon as received or within 11 weeks whichever comes first). Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the volunteer role.

Volunteers who reside in localities outside of Toronto will be responsible to secure a PRC for vulnerable persons with their regional police service and return the original results as well as a receipt (for reimbursement) to the YSM Volunteer Resources Department.

All people who volunteer on a regular basis and student placement candidates will consent to a PRC with the exception of:
     a. short-term special event volunteers
     b. group volunteers attending for short-term projects
     c. other short-term volunteers
     d. those under 16 years of age
     e. student placement candidates or health care professionals who have conducted a recent police reference check for vulnerable persons with their educational institution or regulating body (such information is to be shared with YSM)

Obtaining a PRC’s for all regular volunteers is considered a prudent measure as one element of a volunteer screening procedure and is used widely by most volunteer agencies serving children and other vulnerable people. A police reference check is only one element of screening for volunteers. 

For more information or questions on screening please speak to the Director of Volunteer Resources.

  I have reviewed and agree to respect YSM’s Volunteer Guidelines and Mission Statement.

  I give permission for YSM to contact my references as listed on this form and to obtain personal information from my references as listed. 

 

 I understand that filling in this application does not automatically constitute permission to begin volunteering.

  I understand that YSM strongly recommends that I receive TB Testing prior to beginning a volunteer placement and that YSM offers free TB Testing and TB Information Fact Sheets

  I understand that there are additional forms that I may need to sign in order to begin a volunteer placement.

  I understand that I will be presented with the YSM Child Protection Policy and that I will be tested on my comprehension of the policy prior to commencing a volunteer role.

 

 I understand that there will be a standard six-month probation period for each volunteer position I assume.

 I understand that the volunteer-organization relationship can end at any time by either party and that this is not a contract of employment.

 

 For those applicants who are under 18 years of age: I understand that my parent/guardian must sign my application on my behalf if I am under 18 years of age which will indicate their authorization of my volunteering with YSM and understanding of YSM’s screening policies, processes and recommendations as outlined.