VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Purpose of the Handbook and How to Use It
Nuts and Bolts
Volunteer Onboarding
Organization Information
Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities
Volunteer Opportunities
Important Policies and Procedures
Volunteer Application
Release of Liability
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Photo/Video Release
Purpose of the Handbook and How to Use it
This handbook is designed to introduce you to Foster Village Memphis and to provide a basic overview of the practices and procedures for our volunteers. As our organization grows and changes, there may be a need to modify the practices, procedure, and other information described in this handbook. When such changes occur, you will be notified by and announcement or update. Please keep current and stay informed about practices and changes that affect you.
VOLUNTEER ONBOARDING
BECOMING A VOLUNTEER
Connect with our Volunteer Coordinator
After you’ve filled out the Volunteer Interest form on our website, our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to schedule a phone call to connect and find a way for you to plug in with us. From there, you’ll receive further training based on your volunteer interests and availability
Group Leader Info Meeting
If you are interested in bringing a group into our Resource Center for a group service project, you'll need to connect 1:1 with a member of our leadership team to receive a quick training on what project you can complete and receive information sheets to distribute to your team.
Quarterly Volunteer Gatherings
Our quarterly gatherings exist for you to connect with our Village of Volunteers. As we are normally spread across the city serving families and kids, we hope this time gives you a place to rest and be with people who have the same heart for foster care as you! There will always be a meal provided, and a time to share any helpful updates or reminders.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Foster Village Memphis is to come alongside children who have been impacted by the child welfare system and the families who are caring for them to create a village of support, provide for their basic needs, and show them they are not alone.
We are here to be a community beyond the system.
WHO DOES FOSTER VILLAGE MEMPHIS SERVE
Foster Families:
Foster homes are licensed through CPS or private agencies in Shelby County. They have completed TN Key Trainings and go through additional trainings to recertify every two years. They receive a financial stipend, but it often takes several weeks for it to become available to the family In the mean time, they have to provide for the children placed in their care We provide the basic necessities so they can focus on things like appointments, visits, and transitioning the child into their home.
Kinship Families:
Kinship families are relatives or have a close family connection to the children being placed in their home Typically these families are taking children in a crisis situation and have had no opportunity to prepare These families typically do not receive any financial support unless they become licensed foster families. We provide basic necessities to the families and children in kinship situations and ongoing support as needed.
Reunifying Families:
Biological parents must complete a court-ordered plan that is evaluated and monitored by social workers, judges, and attorneys in order to regain custody of their children. This process may include parenting classes, job/home stabilization, drug rehabilitation, and more. When the parent has done the work to become a safe place for their children by completing this plan successfully, they are reunited with their children This process typically takes 12+ months When reunifying with their children we help ensure that the tangible needs of the children are being met
Children Impacted by the Child Welfare System:
Any of the children impacted by the child welfare system are eligible for services.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
EQUIP
WelcomePackCenter:
FosterVillageMemphishopestoalleviatesomeofthestressthatcomeswiththose firstdaysbyprovidingthecriticalresourcestoaidinahealthytransitionforchildrenin crisisandthefamiliescaringforthem.FVMvolunteersshowupondoorstepswithin 48hourswithWelcomePacksthatprovide4-5daysworthofnewandlike-new essentialandcomfortitemsprimarilygatheredthroughdonationsfromcommunity members Largeitemssuchascarseatsandbedsareavailableonanasneeded basisforcaregiverstakingemergencyplacementofchildren,especiallysibling groups Wealsohelptoprovidetherapeutictoolssuchasweightedblankets,swings andwhitenoisemachinesthatcanhelpeaseanxietyforchildren
CONNECT
CaregiverGatherings:
FosterVillageMemphishostsmonthlygatheringsforfoster,adoptive,andkinship Moms,Dads,andFamiliestogainconnectionandsupportfromothercaregiverswho areparentingchildrenfromuniquesituations.Connectionandsupportarethethings thathelptheseparentsfeelliketheycankeepgoing.
Wealsohostregularfamilygatheringsthroughouttheyearsuchasourbirthdayparty, fallpicnic,goatsnuggles,andmore.
ADVOCATE
CommunityAwareness
Thoughmosteveryoneisawareofthechildwelfaresystem,themajorityofpeoplein ourcommunitiesdonothavepersonalexperiencewithit.Therearefewwaysto connectwithandgettoknowchildreninfostercarewithoutpersonallybecominga fosterparent.Thisoftencreatesagapbetweentheneedinthecommunityandthose wholivetheirlivesunaffectedbyit.
Wecreateempathyandawarenessbetweenfosterparentsandchildreninfostercare andthecommunityatlarge,helpingshedalightontheneedthroughresearchand storytelling.Wealsospeakatbusinesses,churchesandcommunityorganizationsto helpeducateonhowthecommunitycanbeinvolvedwithfostercare.Bybuilding awareness,encouragingcompassionandpresentingneeds,wegivenamesandfaces tothoseinvolvedinfostercare,thusbuildingabridgebetweenthose“inthesystem” andthecommunitymemberswhounderstandthatwecanmakeadifferencewhen weworktogether
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WELCOME PACK CENTER VOLUNTEER
2-8 HOURS A MONTH
Upkeep and Organization of our Welcome Pack Center
Assemble & Deliver Welcome Packs for families within 48 hours of receiving a request
Assistance with large item delivery when needed
Social Media Ambassador
Volunteer and Support recruitment
CHILDCARE VOLUNTEER
2-5 HOURS A MONTH
Childcare provider for monthly caregiver gatherings
Engage and provide childcare assistance at our large family gatherings
MEAL TEAM VOLUNTEER
Stocking and organization of our Welcome Pack Freezer
Assist with providing or delivering the meal for our caregiver gathering
GROUP SERVICE PROJECT
If you have a group who is interested in serving Foster Village Memphis for a one time service project, contact our leadership team to receive the information about how your group can work alongside us.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Donor recruitment
Event planning
Grant Writing
VOLUNTEER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
RIGHTS
To be treated as a valued co-worker who can make unique contributions.
To be given guidance, training, and direction.
To have volunteer time used wisely, with a clear understanding of the job-including duties, responsibilities, support person structure, and time commitment.
To proper working conditions
To freely discuss problems, as questions, or make suggestions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
To carry out duties promptly and reliably.
To be punctual, and notify your support person of emergencies as quickly as possible.
To accept the guidance and direction of the support person and other volunteers.
To participate in any training required by Foster Village North Texas
To respect the confidentiality of the children and families we serve.
To follow all policies and procedures set forth by this handbook and any addendums made to this volunteer handbook.
To be a mandatory reporter if there is evidence of child abuse by caregivers.
IMPORTANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
BACKGROUND CHECKS
FVM requires a background check for all volunteers. Background checks are completed by Checkr via Planning Center.
CHILDCARE SAFETY
Volunteers may not be alone with a child for any reason unless they are a certified foster parent with a current license, a CPS employee, or social worker with a licensing agency. We have a two person policy for bathroom breaks and diaper changes. Children may not be in areas where they can not be observed at all times and visual supervision and awareness is essential First aid kits are required at every event hosted by FVM. If an accident or injury takes place during childcare FVM leadership should be notified immediately and a full incident report should be written. Foster parents and FVM will retain copies of incident reports. When an injury occurs (biting, hitting, etc) as a result of another child, the volunteer will not disclose the name of the other child/children involved to the caregiver for confidentiality purposes.
IDENTIFICATION
Volunteers should wear either a Foster Village shirt or badge at all times while working in the resource center, at childcare events, or delivering items to families. Our team should be easily identifiable by children and families.
DRUG-FREE/SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
Volunteers will commit to remaining drug free while affiliated with the Foster Village organization. Volunteers and staff may not be impaired by any substance while carrying out any duties associated with Foster Village Memphis. Smoking in or around homes or facilities where events are taking place and children are nearby is not permitted due to exposure of secondhand smoke. Volunteers will not smoke in the vehicles where items are being transported to families we serve.
BEST PRACTICE IN CHILDCARE POLICY
ACKNOWLEDGE AND PRAISE
When you notice positive behaviors, recognize it! Walk over to the child and praise them. Giving high fives and big smiles make children feel special. This often promotes other children to share as well to get this attention.
REDIRECTION
Redirection is a great way to stop the inappropriate behavior by changing the child's activity without them realizing it. Simply give the child two choices that will cause them to change their behavior. Offer only two choices. Asking questions and giving choices not only respect the child but bring about the feeling of success
REGULATION
Regulation is the term used to describe our ability to calm our body, respond to our needs, and react to our environment. Preparing a child for activities, transitions, schedules, and returning to their parents is helpful in keeping them focused and regulated. Offer movement breaks, or a simple walk to help if a child needs a break. Many children who have experienced trauma stay in a heightened state of arousal which can cause them to react more strongly to experiences that may seem normal to you
Additional Childcare Practices
Additional childcare practices and policies will be taught during our Childcare Team volunteer training.
