Council approves policy to screen and train youth workers; mandatory reporting rules to apply

The Payson City Council voted to adopt employee policy amendments requiring that any employee or volunteer who works with or supervises minors be screened against state and national registries and complete youth protection training.

Staff presented two proposed policies: one establishing youth‑worker eligibility checks (running prospective employees’ and volunteers’ names against applicable offender registries) and a second establishing mandatory training and reporting procedures for individuals who work with youth. The policies implement state law placing certain youth‑serving organizations and volunteers under mandatory‑reporter obligations and require that disclosure and reporting go directly to law enforcement or Child Protective Services, not only to a supervisor.

Councilors discussed operational details such as whether rechecks should occur. The adopted version includes a council‑requested clarification that registry checks will be performed every two years for continuing volunteers and employees and that new volunteers must complete training before engaging in youth activities. Staff said the training will be tracked and that the city will require attestations and documentation from volunteers and employees.

A councilor moved to approve the resolution with the two‑year recheck language included; another councilor seconded. The roll call vote recorded "Yes" from Councilor Hyatt, Councilor Moss, Councilor Rowley, Councilor Heulick and Councilor Christiansen and the motion carried.

Ending: Staff will finalize policy language for the personnel handbook, coordinate training delivery and begin implementing registry checks for current and new youth workers.