Each year SAFE volunteers dedicate thousands of volunteer hours, extending our reach and capacity to support survivors and families in our community. Due to the complex and sensitive nature of our mission and work, careful training, screening and placement of volunteers is essential. Providing a comprehensive, trauma informed training program offers support and helps build critical advocacy skills for direct service volunteers. It is a key step towards ensuring optimal care and safety for the children, youth and adults we serve.
To that end, there are costs associated with volunteering at SAFE. It is very important to note, payment is not required to be a volunteer at SAFE.
Volunteer Fees and Reimbursement Options
Criminal Background Check Fees: Costs Vary – It typically starts at $10 and can go up to $43
Background checks are required of most direct service volunteers. This is essential for the safety of our clients, staff, and our volunteers.
TB Testing (may be required for SAFE youth programs): Costs Vary
Our child care licensing requirements require that SAFE volunteers interacting with some youth-centered programs undergo a TB test prior to beginning their volunteer service.
40-Hour Core Advocate Training Fee:
SAFE’s Core Advocate Training brings together experts in the fields of sexual and domestic violence, child welfare, trauma-informed care, and prevention work. This foundational training and covers topics ranging from The Neurobiology of Trauma; Power, Privilege and Oppression; Effective Advocacy Skills for Working with Survivors, and integrates the powerful voices of those with lived experience in a Survivor Panel. It is full of experiential activities designed to build community and offer a starting point to those interested in doing direct service work with children, youth and adults affected by trauma.
- Training Fee for Outside Organizations + Community Members: $300
Background Check Reimbursement Options:
if the background check fee is a financial hardship, we are able to discuss options for background check costs. To discuss background check fees, contact the Volunteer Services Team at SAFEvolunteer@safeaustin.org.
