Attention Master Naturalists who plan to work with youth
If you are a Master Naturalist volunteer working with partners on a project in which you will directly supervise youth, Missouri state law requires that you first undergo a background check screening. Please read the background check screening disclosure statement below and then select the button at the bottom of the page to begin the screening request process.
Exemptions:
- Master Naturalist volunteers who have elected not to supervise youth programs are exempt from this policy.
- Volunteers who are asked to act in the role of a guest presenter in a school setting or at a third-party organized youth event are exempt.
If you do not plan to be a Master Naturalist volunteer that supervises a program or volunteer project that is directly responsible for teaching youth participants, you do not need to request a background screening. For example, if you are an invited guest speaker, providing expertise on a project, program or event with an entity or organization in which there are other adult instructors involved, then you do not need to request a screening. Only those volunteers who intend to work directly and supervise youth need to complete a background screening.
(opens in new window)Disclosure regarding volunteer background report
University of Missouri Extension may obtain from Sterling Volunteers a background screening (“REPORT”) that contains background information about you in connection with your Master Naturalist volunteer training application or with current Master Naturalist volunteers that intend to work with youth. If you are Master Naturalist volunteer that is working with youth, to the extent permitted by law, the MU Extension Director of Volunteer and Risk Management may obtain from Sterling Volunteers further reports through periodic rescreening during your time as a Master Naturalist volunteer without providing further disclosure or obtaining additional consent.
The REPORT may include, but is not limited to, criminal and other public records subject to any limitations imposed by applicable federal and state law. This information may be obtained from public records including government agencies and judicial records.
If you give consent to have a background screening conducted, select the “Go to Sterling Volunteers” button below to begin the process.