What Would You Do – Incomplete Training

Friday, March 20th, 2026

You are helping lead a youth group when a new volunteer shows up, eager to jump in and help. As you check your records, you realize they haven’t completed their Safe Gatherings training yet. They seem ready and willing, and the group could use the extra help, but you know the importance of following proper procedures. What would you do?

Answer: While it may feel uncomfortable to turn away help in the moment, it’s important to prioritize safety and compliance. Thank the volunteer for showing up and for their willingness to serve, but do not allow them to work directly with children until their training is complete.

Offer a solution by guiding them toward next steps, such as getting started with the online training right away so they can be ready for the next session. Be sure to document the situation for compliance tracking, and ensure that all children remain under the supervision of approved, trained volunteers.

Taking these steps helps protect not only the children, but also the volunteer and your organization.