June 14, 2023
Q.
How do agencies determine if an agency staff member or staff member of a community-based organization is qualified?
A.
115.21(h) provides that “a qualified agency staff member or a qualified community-based staff member shall be an individual who has been screened for appropriateness to serve in this role and has received education concerning sexual assault and forensic examination issues in general.” Appropriateness should be based on factors such as temperament, background, interest level, listening skills, empathy, cultural competence, and schedule availability and not merely the person’s position such as psychology or counseling staff. In addition, it should be voluntary to take on this role.
Standard