When a young person joins the Air Cadet program, they and their family will enjoy many unique and fulfilling experiences that are available to young Canadians! And they likely won’t be doing it alone.

Most families play an active role in support of the young Cadet in the family, from ensuring they arrive at the weekly program on time, have their uniform in pristine condition, or support their goal of studying for an important exam on their way to their glider or power license.

The Air Cadet League has many volunteers who operate the Squadron Sponsoring Committee, help with fundraising, and support many program activities throughout the year. Many of our volunteers are parents of the Cadets and enjoy some of the same rewarding and positive experiences of the programs that their children do.

Some parents decide to be an active part of the Squadron, either registering as an official member of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee that helps to plan and organize other volunteers, fundraising or some training activities. Others take a different and important direction and decide to become a Civilian Volunteer or Civilian Instructor, both these positions work under the direction of the Commanding Officer of the Squadron and help out in the formal program elements. These positions involve more hands-on support to Cadets as they move along in the training program and towards new ranks and responsibilities.

If nothing else, having an Air Cadet in the family usually means a busy week, busy training year and a fulfilling few years as you watch your son or daughter grow into a disciplined, skilled and mature citizen as they confidently move into their adult life.

396 Parent Handbook

Screening & Registration for Volunteers

Screening Information

Without members and volunteers many activities in a Squadron would not take place. Members and Volunteers give their time in a variety of ways, for example: running the canteen, driving Cadets to and from events, publishing a newsletter, coordinating a mess dinner, helping with special events, assisting with summer course selections and promotion interviews, coordinating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards program, being a band master, a Web Master, a photographer or a media relations representative for the Squadron and so on. They want the Squadron to be successful and to be part of making that happen.

The Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) welcomes a large number of volunteers at the Squadron level and in the Air Cadet Program as a whole. The Air Cadet League of Canada and its partner, the Department of National Defence (DND) jointly support the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a premier youth organization. The Air Cadet program is a comprehensive program, which is run in a structured, disciplined and safe manner. In this context, it is important to ensure all volunteers are appropriately selected, initially supervised, well- intended, offer skills which add value and complement the program, and are good role models for Air Cadets. Knowing the volunteers, their skills and talents, and their intended contribution is very important to the Squadron Officers, staff and Sponsoring Committee. A team effort produces the best results for the greater benefit of the Cadet Movement.

It should be understood that the League’s responsibilities for civilian volunteers compliment those of DND and are of a supporting nature. The Commanding Officer and his/her supporting staff have command and control of the Cadets and are responsible for supervision of the training program. To fulfill its responsibilities to the Cadets, DND is required to conform to rulings by the Supreme Court of Canada that defined the level of care required by any organization in protecting youth under its direction. This level of care has been defined as that which would be exercised by a prudent parent in protecting their child. As a full, active partner in this aspect of the Air Cadet Program, it is also reasonable that we should also ensure that our registration and screening protocols meet the same standard required by our military partners. The military will be responsible for screening the volunteers of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve as well as contracted Civilian Instructors.

In order to be properly acquainted with League volunteers and other volunteers, certain information is required. You are asked to complete the Volunteer Registration package. An interview with a League representative will be required after receipt of the completed form and an Enhance Police information Check (E-PIC). The ACL has executed an agreement with Sterling Talent Solutions to provide an EPIC for all potential candidates. Sterling Talent Solutions is an international screening company who provide Criminal Record Checks for Corporate clients, governmental agencies and numerous volunteer agencies.

A volunteer’s Registration/Screening is valid for five years as long as the volunteer remains in good standing. By applying and being approved, the Volunteer undertakes an obligation to report any subsequent change to his/her situation/circumstances that is of a nature to reasonably and usually require a re-evaluation and re-screening (example, a new criminal offence).

We thank you for your generous offer of volunteer services and hope you understand the legal and moral obligation of the League in reviewing the suitability of all individuals working or involved with youth.

Screening Handbook	Applicant Information Letter	Screening Checklist	Membership Application
Volunteer Status Form	Reference Check Form	Interview Form	Request for Police Check
CI Registration Form	Volunteer Agreement Form