Volunteering at School

What you need to know

The Ministry of Justice has introduced new regulations requiring ANY volunteer who comes near or works around children to complete a criminal record check, regardless of the time spent working near or around them. This new requirement involves a Criminal Record Search, valid for 5 years, which will include a Vulnerable Sector Search.  You must have criminal record check clearance in order to volunteer.

The reason for the change is to ensure the safety of our students at all times regardless of a position or purpose. This means that all volunteers must obtain the same CRC clearance as employees.  If you are planning to volunteer on a field trip, in a classroom, in the library, handing out hot lunch, to read, or to help in any way you will require a criminal record check completed.  These will be valid for 5 years. If you have a CRC done already your organization can share it with the Abbotsford School District through the government process but you still must go to the School Board office with your identification. 

1. Fill in the Volunteer Application form and the Understanding of Confidentiality form and send them back to the school. We will keep a copy for our records. These forms are completed annually (see below for the fill-in forms)

2. Email criminal.check@abbyschools.ca and request the online CRC application link.  Your request must include:

  • Your full name
  • Reason for request (employee or volunteer)
  • Do you have a BC Services Account Card

3.  a)  If you have a BC Services Account, you will confirm your identity through the BC Services Card Account

     b)  If you DO NOT have a BC Services Account, you must attend the Abbotsford School District Office 2790 Tims Street to come in with 2 pieces of ID (see list below).

If you have any questions, please contact the office.

How will I know I am cleared?

This can take a few weeks before CRC clearance is received.  Once you have completed the forms at the School Board Office, please check back weekly with the school to enquire if the approval has been received.