NY A02089

Youth organizations must conduct sex offender registry checks through the Division of Criminal Justice Services before allowing volunteers with direct youth contact to serve, using a special telephone number established under Correction Law Section 168-p.

All active volunteers with direct youth contact must have registry inquiries completed by January 1, 2022, with subsequent checks conducted at the organization's discretion.

Youth organizations must notify volunteers before conducting registry checks and provide them the opportunity to cease volunteer services before the inquiry is initiated.

Organizations are prohibited from allowing any person listed on the statewide sex offender registry to volunteer in positions with direct youth contact.

Willful violations are subject to civil penalties of up to $100 for first offense and up to $200 for subsequent violations, enforced by the Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services.