**IMPORTANT FIRST EMAIL BLAST**/Follow-up to the new FIRST Youth Protection and Adult

[Rich Wong]

Subject: **IMPORTANT FIRST EMAIL BLAST**/Follow-up to the new FIRST Youth Protection and Adult Leadership policy
Out to FLL Teams....

To FIRST LEGO League teams:

We are writing to follow-up on the announcement of the new FIRST Youth
Protection and Adult Leadership policy that was introduced at the end of
October. We have received additional comments on the volunteer screening
system, and have made some immediate improvements in response to that feedback.

TIMING OF THE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Several FLL teams responded that the implementation of the policy came too
late in the season. We acknowledge this fact, and apologize that it took
us this long to finalize the policy and screening system. FIRST felt
strongly that the screening process needed to be implemented, even at this
late date, to ensure the well-being and safety of the students and the
protection of team mentors.

ISSUES WITH DOWNLOADING THE DOCUMENT

Some Team Leaders have been unable to download and view the document in PDF
format. In response to this, we have also posted a version in Microsoft
Word format. Both versions of the policy can be downloaded at:

http://www.usfirst.org/volunteers/youthprotect/


TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH THE VOLUNTEERSELECT SYSTEM

We recognize that there are still occasional technical difficulties with
the VolunteerSelect system. If you experience any of these technical
problems, contact the VolunteerSelect Customer Service Line at 800-962-2091
for assistance with system-related questions.

EXEMPTION FROM BACKGROUND SCREENING

As the policy document explains, adults who have already been screened by a
public school system to work with youth are exempt from the background
screening and reference check process. All other Team Mentors are required
to complete the process to participate with a team. Individuals screened by
private or parochial schools, institutions of higher learning, other
organizations or companies are not exempt.

OTHER ITEMS FOR CLARIFICATION

We have made several edits to the policy to provide additional
clarification based on the questions we have received. These
clarifications cover a broad number of items including exemptions, the
screening process, and details about the privacy and security of personal
information. It is also important to note that the policy has been
reordered to emphasize the importance of implementing the appropriate
barriers to abuse within FIRST programs.

Again, we appreciate your cooperation and support in helping FIRST
implement a sound and secure screening process. We welcome your comments
and questions. Please contact us by email (volunteer@usfirst.org) or by
phone (603-666-3906).