10031 Junior Canadian Rangers Personnel Screening

Cadets and Junior Canadian Ranger Group Order (CJCR Gp O)

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2021-03-19

Date of Verification: 2025-06-18

Application: This order applies to Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces personnel who provide support to the Junior Canadian Rangers program.

Supersession: Junior Canadian Rangers Administrative and Training Orders 63-02, Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) Programme Screening Policy

Approval Authority: This order is issued under the authority of Commander Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers.

Office of Primary Interest: Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel

Enquiries: Directorate Canadian Rangers 4 – Junior Canadian Rangers Program Advisor.

2. Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Complete Word or Phrase
CA	Canadian Army
CAF	Canadian Armed Forces
CF Mil Pers Instr	Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction
CJCR Gp	Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group
CI	Civilian Instructor
CO	Commanding Officer
Comd	Commander
CR	Canadian Ranger
CRPG	Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
ETS	Enhanced Training Session
HQ	Headquarters
JCR	Junior Canadian Ranger
JCRI	Junior Canadian Rangers Instructor
NDSI	National Defence Security Instruction
OIC	Officer in Charge
VSS	Vulnerable Sector Screening

3. Definitions

Civilian Instructor.

See QR (Cadets), section 1.02.

Junior Canadian Rangers Instructor.

Holding the rank of sergeant or warrant officer, this CRPG staff member is assigned to a certain number of JCR Patrols in order to provide mentorship and guidance to Patrol Leaders, adult staff and volunteers as well as JCRs.

Junior Canadian Rangers Officer.

The officer who oversees support and delivery of the JCR Program for each CRPG. Sometimes also called the Training Officer or JCR Training Officer.

Patrol Leader.

The CR in charge of a JCR Patrol, usually a master corporal.

Supervisor.

A fully screened adult, such as a CI or Volunteer assigned to the supervision of an approved JCR activity and responsible for the wellbeing and welfare of JCRs.

Vulnerable Sector Screening.

The VSS permits the disclosure of conviction records for sexual offences listed under the Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act in respect to which a pardon has been granted (Art 4(3)). Such records may be provided to an organization if an individual working for that organization has a position of authority or trust relative to children or vulnerable persons. A VSS automatically includes a police records check.

4. Policy

Context

• 4.1 The protection and safety of youth is paramount and cannot be overstated. CJCR Gp has a moral, ethical and legal obligation to put in place a process to prevent wrongdoing or abuse of youth participating in the JCR Program.

Policy

• 4.2 All adult staff and volunteers who will or may have direct contact with a JCR must be screened as described below.
• 4.3 CRPG COs are responsible for screening all adults who require screening in their area of responsibility.
• 4.4 No adult will be employed or engaged in JCR activities until the appropriate screening is completed.
• 4.5 A valid and up-to-date screening is required for continued employment or engagement.
• 4.6 When submitting a VSS as part of an initial screening or a renewal, the original VSS must be submitted within 6-months from the date of completion by the local police service.

5. Screening

Screening Levels

• 5.1 Screening requirements are based on the type of support or engagement to the JCR Program and the level of interaction the adult has with JCRs. Examples of adults who would not require a screening are: a visitor to the training location who will be supervised at all times during their visit, or other users of a facility who do not interact with JCRs unsupervised.
• 5.2 The two types of screening are:
  1. Full Screening. The screening level required for any adult who has direct unsupervised contact with a JCR or where direct unsupervised contact is probable, as well as all Patrol Leaders, Patrol 2ICs, and JCRIs. This may apply to CAF members, DND employees, volunteers, and civilian contractors in accordance with their type of engagement.
  2. Contract Screening. Contracts for services in direct support of JCR training activities are to include a screening clause when their personnel are required to interact with JCRs. Personnel who oversee, coordinate and/or authorize these contracts are to ensure this is included. This would not normally apply to contractors in logistic type support roles such as infrastructure maintenance, food services or similar activities where no direct and/or unsupervised interaction with JCRs is expected. Personnel employed as civilian contractors (personnel service contract) who interact with JCRs, require a screening clause in their contract.

Screening Validity Period

• 5.3 The period of validity for a screening is five years from the date of completion, or when a performance or conduct concern requires renewal. CRPGs are responsible for tracking and informing the adult before their expiration date in order to initiate a renewal.

Screening on Request

• 5.4 A renewal or upgrade of a screening level may be requested at any time at the discretion of the ETS OIC, Patrol Leader, CRPG, or CA due to change in type of employment or following an administrative measure.

Screening Review

• 5.5 Any performance or discipline concerns relating to criminal activity/involvement will cause a renewal and rescreening to Full Screening level.

Change of Circumstances

• 5.6 At any time, an applicant or screened adult must report to their Patrol Leader or chain of command should they commit or be implicated in any type of activity that could change their status for the VSS, in accordance with this policy. Such disclosures will initiate a review.

Screening Responsibilities

• 5.7 The following are responsibilities associated with screening:

  Position	Authority/responsibility
  Comd CJCR Gp	Approves and issues the policy.
  CA HQ	Informs CJCR Gp HQ of any exceptions to VSS (adverse information).
  Division Commander (or delegate)	Approves all exceptions to VSS (adverse information).
  CRPG CO (or delegate)	Ensures all adults are screened within area of responsibility. Approves all screening within area of responsibility, includes record keeping. Oversees CRPG level contract screening. May make local arrangement with police for VSS request process.
  CRPG JCRI	Supports JCR Patrol and CRPG in the screening process.
  Patrol Leader	Initiates and supports screening.

6. Screening Process

Screening Process Checklist

• 6.1 New or renewal screening will conclude with the successful completion of the requirements outlined in the following table:

  Step	Activity	Full	Contract
  1	Recruitment and Application	yes	n/a
  2	Initial interview	yes	n/a
  3	Reference checks	yes	n/a
  4	VSS	yes	yes, through contract clause
  5	Final interview/feedback/answer questions	yes	n/a

• 6.2 Any exceptions to this process, such as a community which is unable to process a VSS, will be identified by the applicable CRPG. The reasons for the required exception and mitigating factors, will be sent to the appropriate CA Division for recommendation and forward to CA HQ. Approval of any exceptions will be via Comd CJCR Gp.
• 6.3 Steps 3 and 4 can be conducted concurrently.
• 6.4 In the case of a renewal, only Step 4 must absolutely be repeated. The remaining steps are optional depending on the need and the situation, at the discretion of the Patrol Leader or the employing authority.

Screening Process Requirements

• 6.5 Step 1 Recruitment and Application. Patrol Leaders support recruiting and initiate screening. New applicants will complete the application form, DND 6074, Adult Screening Application Form. Patrol Leaders will review the application, and arrange for an interview.
• 6.6 Step 2 Initial Interview. The purpose of the interview is to discuss the potential implications of screening and role requirements, and the rights and obligations with the adult before moving forward in the process:
  1. the Patrol Leader or CRPG employing authority will conduct the interview and will proceed to the next step only if the applicant is deemed suitable and agrees. The application form, with the Patrol Leader or CRPG employing authority’s recommendation, is forwarded to the CRPG HQ;
  2. Regular Force members must be informed of the requirement of  CF Mil Pers Instr 03/10, Regular Force Members Supporting Cadet Programmes;
  3. applicants will be provided a letter to support their VSS request, or informed if there is a centralized arrangement; and
  4. adults deemed unsuitable during the interview will be notified. Patrol Leaders or the CRPG employing authority will notify the CRPG HQ. CAF members and their chain of command will be notified.
• 6.7 Step 3 Reference Checks. The CRPG HQ will contact references as provided on the application form.
• 6.8 Step 4 VSS. The VSS will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and the Privacy Act. The adult will proceed to their local police station to obtain a VSS. In situations where there is an arrangement in place between the CRPG and the police, the applicant must be informed of the appropriate process:
  1. the original VSS will be given to the Patrol Leader or CRPG employing authority who will forward it to the CRPG HQ for record keeping; and
  2. a VSS with no incidents noted will be recorded at the CRPG. Should adverse information be revealed, see Section 7 below.
• 6.9 Step 5 Final interview and approval. A final interview with the Patrol Leader or CRPG employing authority will conclude the screening process and will provide an opportunity for additional feedback and questions and review the next steps. The Patrol Leader or CRPG employing authority will inform the CRPG and recommend the approval of the screening. CRPG HQ will ensure record keeping is completed and data entry made.

7. Adverse Information on Police Checks

• 7.1 The guidelines in this section are to be used in the event that an adult’s VSS reveals information that calls into question their reliability and suitability to work with or to continue working with JCRs.
• 7.2 The discovery of adverse information during police checks will automatically initiate a detailed review of the applicant or member’s file. It is important to note that not all cases will lead to a finding of unsuitability or termination. Therefore, the review process must be done with diligence and fairness. The nature of the information divulged will dictate the action to be taken.
• 7.3 For cases where a VSS reveals any information or criminal conviction in relation to the exploitation of vulnerable persons or to any of the offenses listed at Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act, the CRPG will render an automatic “unsuitable” decision. The CRPG will terminate the process and record the information for future reference.
• 7.4 In all other cases, the CRPG will forward the file to their respective Division Commander who is the authority to determine if an adult is deemed suitable. The Division Commander will ensure Comd CJCR Gp is informed of any adverse information. In those situations, the adult will be given an opportunity for review and explain or refute the information divulged.
• 7.5 The CRPG CO will coordinate the review of the adult’s file. The Division Commander may engage other CAF organizations, including CJCR Gp, to evaluate the offences to recommend if the adult is fit to continue engaging with the JCR Program.
• 7.6 CAF members whose VSS reveals offences that are listed in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act will be subject to an administrative review in accordance with DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review. Any disclosure involving conduct deficiencies, harassment or crimes of a sexual nature or involvement with illicit drugs must be referred to Director Military Careers Administration.

8. Record Keeping

• 8.1 The CRPGs will:
  1. maintain screening records; and
  2. make data entry in Guardian/Monitor Mass, if applicable.

9. Confidentiality

• 9.1 The adult’s privacy and the confidentiality of the information must be protected in accordance with the Privacy Act and NDSI 27, Classification and Designation of Information. Personnel having access to the information will be kept at a minimum and on a need-to-know basis.

10. Cost of Screening

• 10.1 The CRPG will be responsible to pay for all mandatory VSS requests from their allocated C120 funding envelope.
• 10.2 CAF members will cover the cost of their VSS and will be reimbursed. No other expenses such as temporary duty, paid day, etc. will be authorized.
• 10.3 Police forces will usually waive the VSS fee for volunteers. Should payment be requested, the volunteer should present the receipt to the JCR Patrol Leader for reimbursement.
• 10.4 Where CRPGs have an arrangement with local law enforcement on processing or the cost of VSS, adults will be advised of this process.

11. Publication

Frequency of Publication

• 11.1 A periodic review of CJCR Gp Os will be initiated every three years, or more frequently if necessary.

Errors/Omissions or Suggestions

• 11.2 Users of CJCR Gp Os are encouraged to identify any errors, omissions or suggested orders to the attention of CJCRPol-PolCRJC@forces.gc.ca.

12. References

Source References

• Privacy Act
• CF Mil Pers Instr 03/10, Regular Force Members Supporting Cadet Programmes
• QR&O 19.56, Report of Arrest by Civil Authority
• The Screening Handbook, Tools and Resources for the Voluntary Sector, 2012, Public Safety Canada

Related References

• CJCR Gp O 10011, Junior Canadian Rangers Program Safety
• Criminal Code of Canada
• Criminal Records Act
• DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review
• NDSI 27, Classification and Designation of Information

Annexes

Annex A

VSS Request Letter Template

Forms