Minor Agreement & Waiver for Disaster Response Teams

This sample Minor Agreement and Waiver is designed for parents or legal guardians authorizing a minor to participate as a volunteer in church-led outreach, community service, and disaster response activities.

The agreement provides parental or guardian permission for the minor to serve and addresses the hazards that may accompany volunteer and disaster response work. Examples identified in the agreement include travel-related accidents, physical exertion, ladders and lifts, vehicles and trailers, heavy equipment, machinery, chainsaws and other tools, downed utilities, elevated work, electrical hazards, environmental contaminants, extreme temperatures, contagious illnesses, and falling materials or debris. 

The document includes assumption of risk, release and waiver of liability, and indemnification provisions made by the parent or guardian in connection with the minor’s participation. 

It also addresses the minor’s health and ability to participate, authorization for emergency medical transport and treatment, photography and media consent, continuing agreement terms, amendment and revocation, dispute resolution, and confirmation that the signer is the minor’s legal parent or guardian.

Churches and disaster response organizations can use this resource as a reference when developing participation and waiver documents for minors serving on volunteer teams.

Because requirements involving minors, parental waivers, medical consent, liability, and age of majority vary by jurisdiction, this sample should be reviewed and adapted by the organization’s legal counsel and insurance provider before use.