Introduction

Care Team Ministry
Replication Education Module

Background on Care Team
   Concept Development
History of Care Team Ministry
Definitions
Description and Parameters
Where Can Care Team Ministry
    Be Established?
How Do Teams Work?
Why Only 1-2 Hours?
Referrals
Calling Volunteers
Risk Management/Background
    Checks
Training
Care Team Established
Support of Volunteers
Ongoing Reporting
Cycle of Care Teams
Lessons Learned
Forming a Care Team Ministry -
    How to Get Started
Orientation for Organizations:
    Step 1, 2, 3
Media Information
Research & Resources
Conclusion and Sending Forth
Care Team Ministry Forms

Care Team Ministry
Volunteer Guidebook

Risk Management/Background Checks

In today’s society, most organizations providing service to individuals are expected to screen volunteers. This is especially important for programs serving seniors who can be considered “vulnerable adults.” Faith communities and non-profit organizations, like other organizations, have been instituting risk management practices, which include background and driving record checks for volunteers. While some may balk at faith-based programs having to do background checks, it is a protection device for all concerned—the Care Receiver, the Volunteer, and the Program.

Normandale Care Team Ministry has potential Care Team volunteers complete a Volunteer Application (pdf 44KB) and Background Information Form (pdf 40KB), which Normandale designed for this purpose. A copy of Normandale’s form is included in this module, as well as a description of the process to conduct a background and/or driving record check. Normandale’s program does two checks: one to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and one to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division. Copies of the Background forms are kept by the Care Team Coordinator under lock, and kept confidential.

Examples of the forms used by Normandale Care Team Ministry are found in the Forms Section of this module.