GETTING STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER
The following must be submitted to the Front Desk at the school at least 24 hours before your first volunteer day (note, these must be completed each year)
- ICSAtlanta Volunteer Form
- Mandated Reporter Training Completion Certificate (training takes about 45 minutes)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does every volunteer need to complete these requirements?
Yes.
How often do I have to complete the requirements?
Mandated Reporter Training and Volunteer Forms must be updated every school year.
Why do I have to submit a Volunteer Form?
Per ICSAtlanta Board Policy, all volunteers who will be working with students must complete a Volunteer Registration Form each year. A school official will check all names against the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) sex offender registry.
Why do I have to complete Mandated Reporter Training?
No. House Bill 1176 was signed by Governor Deal on May 2, 2012. This Bill revised OCGA 19-7-5 requiring all school affiliated volunteers to become “mandated reporters” of suspected child abuse. ICSAtlanta is simply complying with a state law.
Is this process different from other public schools?
No. All public schools in Georgia check the GBI registry, and school volunteers are now considered to be “mandated reporters” of suspected child abuse.
What additional information is need to complete the volunteer registration process?
You will need to show an official government photo identification when you visit the school. This will be copied and maintained at the school. The volunteer code of conduct is included with the Volunteer Form and you should familiarize yourself with its contents.
I’ve made a mistake in the past, will that exclude me from volunteering at ICSAtlanta?
Not necessarily. The question on the informational form are very specific about past felony offenses. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, the School will contact you for further information. These offenses will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the ICSAtlanta Board. Individuals on the GBI registry will be automatically excluded from volunteer opportunities.
Is the GBI registry available to the public?
Yes. In accordance with OCGA 42-1-12, the GBI is the central repository for Georgia’s Violent Sexual Offender Registry. You may visit their website for more information: http://gbi.georgia.gov/georgia-sex-offender-registry.
I have concerns about someone within my community. What should I do?
Contact your local police department with any questions. The municipal law enforcement agency is tasked with investigating community concerns, not ICSAtlanta.