Thank you for your continued commitment to the Youth Justice Committee (YJC) program and for the positive impact you make in the lives of young people we serve.

This form must be completed annually by all YJC volunteers. Please review the information below before you begin.

Important Instructions

• You may begin filling out the form and return to it later - your progress will be saved.
• The form must be completed and submitted no later than January 31, 2026.
• All required sections (marked with a red asterisk *) must be completed before submission.
• Incomplete or late submissions may result in a temporary suspension of volunteer duties until the required documentation is received.

What’s Included in This Form
You will be guided through the following sections:

• Personal Information
• Oath of Confidentiality
• Volunteer Standards and Expectations (formerly “Code of Conduct”)
• Offence Declaration Form
• Volunteer Handbook Acknowledgement
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector (if required) 

Volunteers may submit a fee waiver form when making the request for their Criminal Reference Check. To download the fee waiver, click HERE.
Please note: Requests must be completed online. Payment is made up-front and your credit card will be reimbursed once the check has been processed.

Click HERE for instructions on how to submit a Criminal Reference Check.

Final Sign-Off
At the end of the form, you will be asked to provide your electronic signature. This signature confirms that you have read, understood, and agree to all sections contained within this form.

If you have any questions while completing this form, please contact Victoria Melo at vmelo@bgcdurham.com before submitting.

Thank you once again for your dedication, professionalism, and for helping us strengthen our community through restorative justice.

I, hereby undertake, as a condition of my volunteer position with BGC Durham, to keep in strict confidence any information regarding any client or employee of BGC Durham that I may come to have knowledge of now or in the future. I also agree to keep in strict confidence any administrative information regarding the operations within BGC Durham.

In the event I leave my position with BGC Durham, I will abide by this Oath of Confidentiality and will not discuss any information related to or obtained during my employment/volunteer position without the express agreement of the Organization.

I will not engage in discussion of confidential client, employee, or administrative information within or outside the office except as required for the appropriate conduct of my business with BGC Durham.

I also undertake that I will not remove any confidential material from the premises of BGC Durham unless under orders or agreement of the Organization to do so.

Furthermore, I understand that all program resources, including but not limited to program manuals, training materials, internal documents, templates, online platform login information, and other proprietary materials, whether provided in hard copy or electronic form, are and shall remain the sole property of BGC Durham. I will not share, copy, reproduce, distribute, or otherwise make available any such materials, nor grant access to any external party, without the express written permission of the Program Director or their designate.

Restorative Practices
The Youth Justice Committee (YJC) program is grounded in restorative justice principles that emphasize respect, accountability, repair, inclusion, and relationship. Volunteers play an essential role in facilitating meaningful dialogue between youth, victims, and community members. Through restorative practice, volunteers help foster understanding, promote healing, and encourage youth to take responsibility for their actions while supporting their reintegration into the community.

Purpose and Scope
This document outlines the standards and expectations for all volunteers of BGC Durham’s Youth Justice Committee (YJC) program. It establishes clear behavioural, ethical, and professional guidelines to ensure a consistent, safe, and effective program for everyone involved in the process.

Definitions
Confidential Information: Any identifying or case-specific information about youth, victims, or families involved in the YJC process.
Professional Boundaries: Clear limits that protect both volunteers and clients from inappropriate relationships or conflicts of interest.
Misconduct: Any action or omission that violates these standards or undermines the integrity of the program.

Roles and Responsibilities
Volunteers facilitate restorative justice meetings, model accountability and respect, and uphold the values of fairness, safety, and cultural sensitivity. They must collaborate with staff, attend scheduled meetings, and act in a manner that reflects positively on BGC Durham, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Durham Regional Police Service and the justice system.

Training and Competency Requirements
All volunteers must complete mandatory orientation, observation, and Ministry-approved training prior to active facilitation. Volunteers are also required to participate in additional development sessions to enhance their role as a facilitator (per the volunteer handbook).

Conduct and Professionalism Standards
Volunteers must act with integrity, impartiality, and respect in all interactions. They are expected to use inclusive, non-judgmental language, maintain objectivity, and avoid personal bias.

Attendance, Scheduling, and Engagement

• Confirm availability within ten (10) days of receiving schedules.
• Attend a minimum of two (2) conferences per month unless otherwise approved.
• Notify the Youth Diversion Coordinator immediately if unable to attend a scheduled session at the last minute.
• If unable to attend a shift, volunteers must do their best to find a facilitator to cover their shift and notify the Youth Diversion Coordinator of this change.
• Three (3) uncommunicated absences may result in removal from the volunteer roster.

Dress and Presentation
Volunteers are expected to dress professionally and appropriately. Prohibited attire includes graphic t-shirts, ripped or dirty clothing, short skirts or shorts, and leisurewear. Undergarments must remain discreetly covered at all times.

Confidentiality and Privacy
Volunteers must respect and protect all confidential information in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and BGC Durham’s confidentiality policies (per the volunteer handbook). Information obtained during the program must not be discussed outside of authorized channels or recorded for personal use.

Boundaries and Interactions with Youth and Victims
Volunteers must maintain professional boundaries at all times. They must not engage in personal relationships, social media contact, gift exchanges, or private meetings outside of the program. Volunteers must report any boundary concerns to the Youth Diversion Coordinator immediately.

Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Safety
Volunteers must demonstrate cultural humility, treat all participants with dignity, and be mindful of systemic barriers faced by marginalized populations. Discriminatory language, behaviour, or attitudes will not be tolerated.

Safety and Risk Management

• Always position yourself within reach of the emergency call button during in-person meetings.
• Never facilitate one-on-one meetings without staff approval.
• Wait a minimum of ten (10) minutes after in-person meetings before leaving the premises.
• Report any safety concerns or incidents immediately to program staff. 

Use of Technology and Social Media
Volunteers must not post, photograph, or discuss any program-related information on social media or electronic platforms. Personal cell phone use during meetings should be limited to emergencies or program-related communication.

Conflict Resolution and Incident Reporting
Volunteers should attempt to resolve minor conflicts respectfully and report any concerns to the Youth Diversion Coordinator. Serious incidents, breaches of conduct, or ethical dilemmas must be documented and reported immediately.

Prohibited Conduct
Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Breach of confidentiality or disclosure of identifying information.
• Harassment, discrimination, or verbal abuse.
• Arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Taking unauthorized photos, videos, or recordings.
• Failure to follow staff direction or program policy. 

Accountability and Disciplinary Process
Failure to comply with these standards may result in corrective action, including retraining, suspension, or dismissal. All violations will be reviewed by the Youth Diversion Coordinator and Program Director, and disciplinary actions will be based on the severity and frequency of the infraction.

• I have read the Volunteer Guidelines and Expectations above.
• I have completed all required training and understand my role as a YJC volunteer.
• I will act respectfully, impartially, and without judgment during all conferences.
• I will confirm my availability promptly and attend all scheduled meetings on time.
• I will dress appropriately and professionally for all meetings.
• I understand that all case information is confidential and cannot be shared.
• I will maintain professional boundaries and will not contact youth or families outside of the program.
• I will follow all safety protocols and report any concerns immediately.
• I will treat every participant with dignity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
• I will not post, photograph, or share any YJC-related content online.
• I understand that failure to meet expectations may lead to retraining or dismissal.

I attest that I have advised the Program Director if I became the subject of any criminal investigation, if I became the subject of any child welfare investigations or if any charges were brought against me, even if the charges are pending.