Volunteers

The Ministry of Justice has 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 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 this 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 advise the school office before you go to the School Board office with your identification. 

Volunteer & Criminal Record Check Process:

1. The applicant must complete the following forms and submit to the school office:

- AP 416-1 Letter of Understanding
- AP 416-2 Volunteer Application Form
- AP 416-4 Confidentiality Understanding

Volunteer forms are to be completed every school year.

2. The applicant will send an email to criminal.check@abbyschools.ca to request the online CRC application link. They will also need to provide their full name, whether they need an employee or volunteer application, & whether they have a BC Services Card account. 

3. The applicant completes the online CRC application. If the applicant has a "BC Services Card" account, they can confirm their identity through the BC Services Card app. If they do not have an account, they must visit the Abbotsford School Board office (2790 Tims St.) with two pieces of ID to confirm their identity.

The School Board office will receive the CRC results and will advise the individual school. Approval can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.

Already have a criminal record check completed? The front office can check to see if you already have a CRC on file with the School District.

If you already have a criminal record check through the CRRP (Criminal Records Review Program) which was completed within the past 5 years and has the same clearance to work with the same population, then you could request your organization share it with the school district.  

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