Program Requirements and Guidelines

Sec. 2109.004. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES. (a) A volunteer program must include: (1) an effective training program for paid staff and prospective volunteers; (2) the use of paid staff to plan and implement the volunteer program; (3) an evaluation mechanism to assess: (A) the performance of the volunteers; (B) the cooperation of paid staff with the volunteers; and (C) the volunteer program; and (4) follow-up studies to ensure the effectiveness of the volunteer program. (b) A volunteer program may: (1) establish a program to reimburse volunteers for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of volunteer services; (2) establish an insurance program to protect volunteers in the performance of volunteer services; (3) cooperate with private organizations that provide services similar to those provided by the governmental entity; and (4) purchase engraved certificates, plaques, pins, or awards of a similar nature, with a value that does not exceed $75 for each volunteer, to recognize special achievement and outstanding services of volunteers. (c) This section applies to a volunteer program of a governmental entity, regardless of whether the governmental entity provides human services. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.