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What If Something Happens: A Guide to Risk Management and Insurance Options for Community Service Programs

NCJ Number
127508
Author(s)
C Van Keulen
Date Published
1988
Length
95 pages
Annotation
Community service programs, aware of their potential liability for injuries sustained by offenders performing community service work, are developing risk management program policies and procedures. Measures include the development and dissemination of program policies, maintenance of commercial or self-insurance, implementation of State laws pertaining to immunity or claim mechanisms, and waivers of liability.
Abstract
Good program policies and procedures ensure a reasonably safe and responsible environment for community service programs, thereby reducing the chance for accidents and the resultant claims of liability. Options for offender accident coverage include workers' compensation, accident and medical insurance policies, and requirements by community service programs for worksites to provide coverage. Topics related to community service program liability coverage include commercial liability insurance policies, self-insurance for general liability, risk-pooling entities, State laws providing immunity from liability, and State laws permitting claims for compensation. The report further discusses professional liability of program staff, liability waivers, and liability protection for offenders. 11 appendixes