AB 506 Process - 3 Easy Steps
January 1, 2022, California Law AB 506 took effect. The law was created to provide a safer environment for ALL youth who participate in youth programs in California. The law adds training and background check requirements to youth organizations such as youth sports, church youth groups and Scouting. While Scouting has its own comprehensive youth protection program, we are required to follow the State Law which adds additional requirements for volunteers and staff.
Working with the other Scout Councils in California, we have created the California Scouting web portal (www.CaliforniaScouting.org) that will be your point of reference to help answer questions about AB 506 and connect you with the resources you will need to fully comply with the law. Please note that the website is subject to change as we learn more and fully set up all its functions.
The law requires volunteers and staff of Youth Service Organizations to complete training in child abuse & neglect reporting and undergo Live Scan background checks. All registered BSA volunteer positions and employees must comply with AB 506. In addition, other volunteers who are 18 years of age or older and who have direct contact with, or supervision of, children for more than 16 hours a month or 32 hours per year must complete the training and background check as well. For questions on if your specific situation requires training and background checks, please visit the FAQ page.
Below is the 3-step process to be in compliance with AB 506. We ask that all volunteers that have not already completed all steps, do so IMMEDIATELY.
AB-506 VOLUNTEER PROCESS
1. REQUIRED STATE MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING
Effective January 1, 2022, All Registered Adult Volunteers and Regular Volunteer positions identified as requiring training shall complete the California Mandated Reporter Training: Volunteers The training is available online and will take about 2 hours to complete. NOTE: This training is in addition to BSA Youth Protection Training.
2. UPLOAD COMPLETED TRAINING
Once you have finished the training, upload your state Mandated Reporter Training Certificate to the Ventura County Council page on the California Scouting portal. https://californiascouting.org/vcc/ or email it to vangie.sexton@scouting.org
3. LIVE SCAN FINGER PRINTING & BACKGROUND CHECK (coming soon)
The council has received authorization from the California Department of Justice to receive state summary criminal history information. NOTE: Each organization requires their own live scan, so you will still need to complete this step even if you have been fingerprinted for another organization.
You will only need to complete your live scan once for the council. There are many Live Scan locations throughout the council. It is expected that the Live Scan will cost approximately $10-$40. The council will provide scholarships where possible for this step.
Thank you for your commitment to protecting our youth. Together, we are providing a safe Scouting program for thousands of youth across California.
If you have any additional questions please contact your District Executive (Sean or Caleb) at 805-482-8938.