Volunteering at School

What you need to know

The Ministry of Justice has introduced new regulations requiring ANY volunteer who comes near or works around children to complete a criminal record check, regardless of the time spent working near or around them. This new requirement involves a Criminal Record Search, valid for 5 years, which will include a Vulnerable Sector Search.  You must have criminal record check clearance in order to volunteer.

The reason for the change is to ensure the safety of our students at all times regardless of a position or purpose. This means that all volunteers must obtain the same CRC clearance as employees.  If you are planning to volunteer on a field trip, in a classroom, in the library, handing out hot lunch, to read, or to help in any way you will require a criminal record check completed.  These will be valid for 5 years. If you have a CRC done already your organization can share it with the Abbotsford School District through the government process but you still must go to the School Board office with your identification. 

1. Fill in the Volunteer Application form and the Understanding of Confidentiality form and send them back to the school. We will keep a copy for our records. (see below for the fill-in forms)

2. Fill out a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check form (attached below).

3. Visit the Abbotsford School District Office at 2790 Tims St. Come with your Criminal Record Check Form and  2 pieces of ID (see list below). More FAQ here

4. Contact the Swift office (604-853-7730) to let us know that you have submitted your form as we are required to keep track of this information.

If you have any questions, please contact the office.

What if I have completed a Criminal Record Check with another Agency?

The Abbotsford School District is required to be enrolled with the CRRP (Criminal Records Review Program). Other organizations which are also enrolled with CRRP are able to ‘share’ a CRC with the Abbotsford School District. The CRC must be within the past five (5) years and must have the same clearance to work with the same population, i.e., children and vulnerable adults.  Please note the CRRP only shares CRC’s not PIC’s.

Process: The volunteer will need to contact their organization and request to share their CRC from their organization with the School District. The School District’s authorized contact will then receive a copy of the CRC and will notify the principal/manager.

More information on sharing of CRC’s can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/criminal-record-check/sharing-results

How will I know I am cleared?

The school is notified when your record check is cleared. We will contact you.