Volunteer Waiver

I agree that I will be working with the Hope Center on a voluntary, non-paid basis. I agree not to hold the Hope Center liable for any injuries or damages I may incur while acting as a volunteer. I realize that I am responsible for my own safety and that the Hope Center is not responsible for any negligence on my part.

I attest that the information on the Volunteer Application is true to the best of my knowledge and give permission for the Hope Center to verify its authenticity. I understand the volunteer opportunities available and am able to perform these duties, and I will respect and observe the volunteer schedule. I agree to the Confidentiality Clause, Safety Protocol, Workplace Harassment form, and I will not engage in Dual Relationships with any Hope Center client.

I grant permission for the Hope Center to use my photograph in marketing materials and in social media. I understand that I am not allowed to make any public statement about the Hope Center, and understand that filling out this application does not guarantee volunteer placement.

The Hope Center reserves the right to refuse a volunteer placement. The Hope Center accepts the service of all approved volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the Hope Center. Volunteers agree that the organization may, at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the Hope Center or to make changes in the nature of the volunteer’s assignment.

To learn more and review ALL terms and conditions, please read through our Volunteer Handbook.

Understanding the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) for Volunteers

The Kentucky Department of Corrections mandates zero tolerance toward all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
Many Hope Center Clients are court-ordered into our Recovery Programs. As a volunteer, you may have staff supervised interaction with our Department of Corrections clients, and all volunteers who volunteer with DOC clients are required to submit the following form. This form states that as a volunteer, you will not have any sexual or romantic contact with Hope Center clients, as they may fall under the federal PREA laws.

What is PREA?
The Prison Rape Elimination Act of September 4, 2003 (Public Law 108-79) was enacted by Congress to address the problem of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment in all US penal facilities. PREA supports the elimination, reduction and prevention of sexual assault/rape within our prisons, community corrections centers and local jails. PREA applies to Offender-on-Offender and Staff-on-Offender sexual misconduct. Any resident or inmate of a KDOC facility or its contractors is considered to be at disadvantage, and is not legally capable of consent to any sexual activity.

What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is defined as any type of undesired behavior of a sexual nature. This includes any unsolicited attempted sexual contact, any voyeurism, or coercion to engage in any sexual act. When sexual contact is accomplished or solicited through fear, threat of bodily harm or implied threat, it is considered to be sexual abuse.

What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is defined as any undesired contact of a sexual nature. It is against Kentucky state law for any staff member, contractor or volunteer to engage in any type of behavior or act of a sexual nature with an offender or resident. This includes any sexual contact or intercourse of any kind.

What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual Harassment is defined as undesired verbal statements or comments of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is prohibited by offenders, staff members, volunteers, contractors, official visitors or agency representatives, and includes any demeaning reference to gender or derogatory comments about body or clothing: profane or obscene language or gestures.

What To Do If You Have Been Sexually Abused?
If you have been abused, get to a safe place. Any victim of sexual abuse is encouraged to report any necessary event as soon as possible. It is important to know that victims do not have to identify their assailant. But, all staff and authorities are required to report any criminal activity to Law Enforcement.

The Department of Corrections provides multiple ways to report sexual abuse or sexual harassment: Written report to any staff member, Verbal report to any staff member, Call the confidential PREA Hotline (855-700-7732)

If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, DO NOT: Shower, brush your teeth, use the restroom, change your clothes, eat, drink or smoke. Doing any of the above prior to reporting the abuse may destroy important evidence.

How Can Individuals Avoid Incidents of Sexual Abuse?
Stay away from isolated areas such as closets, stairwells, and isolated/unoccupied restrooms.
Stay within the eyesight of facility staff member whenever possible.
Be aware of your body language.
Avoid conversations involving sexual topics, family relationships, sexual experiences, financial status.