Vulnerable Sector Checks are intended to protect communities, but overreliance on them can unintentionally exclude potential volunteers—especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Restorative justice calls for a more balanced approach that values growth, equity, and inclusivity. Thank you to VA Volunteer Jose Guevarra for writing this article and shedding some light on equity and inclusivity in volunteerism.
By Jose Guevarra
Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSCs) have long been a requirement for many volunteer positions, particularly within social service nonprofits and other organizations that work directly with vulnerable populations. While the intent of VSCs is to ensure community safety, the checks often carry unintended consequences—particularly for the BIPOC community. From a restorative justice perspective, the overreliance on VSCs creates institutional barriers that undermine many social service nonprofits’ goals of inclusivity by prioritizing risk-averse measures over trust-building and equitable opportunities. This approach disproportionately discourages potential volunteers, especially those with stigmatized histories, by perpetuating exclusionary practices rather than addressing underlying systemic inequities. By failing to recognize the potential for growth and change, these practices perpetuate stigmatization, limit access to volunteering opportunities, and overlook the potential of inclusive community engagement.
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is a way of addressing harm that focuses on healing, accountability, and community support rather than punishment. It brings together everyone involved, including the person harmed, the person responsible, and the community, to discuss the impact of the harm and find ways to make amends. This approach encourages people to take responsibility for their actions, repair relationships, and work towards understanding and reconciliation. The goal is to resolve conflicts and build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Impacts of Vulnerable Sector Check
The current overreliance on VSCs for screening often conflicts with the values of inclusivity and equity that many social service nonprofits aim to uphold. While VSCs are typically viewed as necessary safeguards, they also come with financial cost. For many potential volunteers, especially individuals from marginalized backgrounds, the fees associated with these checks can be a substantial barrier. Asking someone to pay to volunteer feels contradictory, especially in organizations rooted in social justice. Beyond monetary concerns, there’s an often-overlooked human cost involved—the invasive nature of these background checks can cause distress and deter people who might otherwise contribute to the community.
A Vulnerable Sector Check is a comprehensive level of screening and includes a Police Record Check. In some jurisdictions, however, Police Record Checks may include records of mental health apprehensions, raising concerns about the disclosure of sensitive and potentially stigmatizing information (Canadian Civil Liberties Association, 2014).
For instance, in my experience working in patient watch at a hospital, I have observed how individuals can find themselves in contact with law enforcement through mental health apprehensions1. These interactions often happen during an incredibly vulnerable period in their lives. When they are brought to the hospital under the Mental Health Act due to concerns that they may pose a risk to themselves or others, they undergo a comprehensive evaluation. If the physician determines they present a danger to themselves or others, a hold may be issued, temporarily preventing them from leaving the hospital to ensure their safety.2
During these assessments, patients may sometimes be subjected to physical restraints, which can be deeply traumatic, particularly for those already dealing with significant challenges such as mental health struggles, homelessness, addiction, or unstable living conditions. These experiences can compound existing trauma, leaving lasting emotional and psychological effects, especially during a time when they are already feeling vulnerable and in crisis.
The psychological toll from these events is significant. Requiring individuals to undergo a VSC, which involves contact with law enforcement agencies, can re-traumatize them by forcing them to revisit some of their lowest moments, leaving them feeling perpetually defined by that difficult period in their lives. Such practices run counter to the ethos of restorative justice, which emphasizes personal growth and reintegration over constant judgment.
Restorative Approaches to Volunteer Screening
From a restorative justice standpoint, screening should prioritize the person as a whole, taking into account their growth and positive change over time. It is about seeing individuals as more than just their past actions, particularly actions that occurred during times of crisis. VSCs, in their current form, often fail to recognize this growth, thereby deterring individuals who fear the risk of judgment or re-traumatization.
VSCs are not the only way to ensure a safe and productive volunteer environment. By exploring alternative screening methods, we can make volunteering more accessible while still safeguarding our communities. View these resources to learn more:
- A Goals-Based Approach to Volunteer Screening
- Do I Need a VSC? Webinette
- Navigating a Background Check Webinette
- Risk Assessment Matrix and Template
To truly embody the values of restorative justice and inclusivity, it’s time for organizations to reevaluate the role of VSCs. Rather than defaulting to VSCs as a one-size-fits-all solution, we must consider more compassionate and flexible approaches. Instead, we can implement alternative screening practices that balance safety with dignity, particularly for equity deserving groups. By fostering a volunteer screening process that invites everyone committed to positive change, we can honour restorative justice values and create a more inclusive and supportive community.
1 A Form 10 allows peace officers (police) to apprehend individuals believed to pose a mental health-related risk to themselves or others and transport them for assessment
2 A Form 1 is issued by a qualified health professional, which permits the involuntary admission of an individual to a facility for up to 24 hours for further evaluation and treatment.
About Jose Guevarra
My name is Jose Guevarra, and I am in my fourth year of Sociology, minoring in Psychology. My academic journey has primarily focused on research-related fields specifically looking at social programs and services among the marginalized community. Alongside my degree, I am also pursuing an Applied Social Science Research Certificate and a Community Service Learning Certificate. My interest in research and analytics stems from a class that introduced me to evidence-based data, which emphasizes making informed decisions through factual and reliable data collection and analysis.
While being a full-time student, I work as a casual guard at the University of Alberta Hospital. My role involves patient (security) watch for individuals who are at risk of harm to themselves or others. This includes ensuring their safety and de-escalating potentially volatile situations to help maintain a secure and controlled environment for both patients and staff.
Outside of academia, I am always open to learning new things. My hobby is trying out new hobbies. I began a tradition of learning a new skill every year, and it allowed me to explore a variety of interests—from building a pc, snowboarding to sewing. A fun fact about me, my current next goal is to achieve something that’s been on my bucket list for years—getting my skydiving license!