Notarized Permission Slips?

[sam_gordon]

My oldest is a freshman in HS. I also have a 3rd grader and a first grader (all went to Kindergarten). So between the 16 years (combined) they've been in school, DW & I have had to sign a bunch of permission slips for various field trips (to say nothing of the "beginning of school paperwork").

We started at a new church about 6-8 months ago and oldest joined the youth group. When the youth group takes a field trip, they want parents to sign a permission slip. They also want it notarized.

This is not a big deal. One of my coworkers is a notary so I can go knock on her cubicle, she does her signature & stamp thing and we're done. I just wonder what the rationale for it is.

I'm not talking about out of country mission trips, I'm talking weekend (at most) trips. The permission slips are "forms" where you fill in the event (surprised they don't have you do a date), so it's not like it's a "special" form a certain trip.

Anyone else have to get permission slips notarized for their kids (church or school)?

Yes, if that's what the church wants, that's what they get. I'm just curious if others have similar experiences (and the 'why').

 

[bankgirl05]

My oldest is a freshman in HS. I also have a 3rd grader and a first grader (all went to Kindergarten). So between the 16 years (combined) they've been in school, DW & I have had to sign a bunch of permission slips for various field trips (to say nothing of the "beginning of school paperwork").

We started at a new church about 6-8 months ago and oldest joined the youth group. When the youth group takes a field trip, they want parents to sign a permission slip. They also want it notarized.

This is not a big deal. One of my coworkers is a notary so I can go knock on her cubicle, she does her signature & stamp thing and we're done. I just wonder what the rationale for it is.

I'm not talking about out of country mission trips, I'm talking weekend (at most) trips. The permission slips are "forms" where you fill in the event (surprised they don't have you do a date), so it's not like it's a "special" form a certain trip.

Anyone else have to get permission slips notarized for their kids (church or school)?

Yes, if that's what the church wants, that's what they get. I'm just curious if others have similar experiences (and the 'why').

Maybe they ran into an instance of a child "forging" a parents signature to go on the weekend trip. School trips are usually just one day, during (mostly) school hours, and the school already has your signature on file for other things, but a church youth group might not.

A weekend trip or even overnight trip is much more serious to some parents, seeing as how it can lead to certain "co-eds" cohabitating. (and yes it has happened on church trips!!!) I am sure they are just trying to cover thier Butts!!!

 

[powellrj]

anytime my kids leave the state we have to have permission slips notarized. School, performing choir, church, they all have had them. We just go to the bank and they do it for free, but it is a pain.

 

[java]

Yes here too. My daughter does Model UN they travel out of state and need the permission slip notarized. (which my bank does for free) but still a bit of a pain. Particularly when they want to have ID for her- she is only 15 no drivers license yet- school id wouldn't work. Annoying. Went someplace else and my word that she was who she said she was good enough.

Why? I am assuming liability reasons.

 

[Wendy31]

When my DH was a youth pastor, we always asked for signed, notarized permission slips whenever we took our youth group kids on any overnight trips.

In addition to the form being a permission slip to take the child on a trip, it was also a medical release form (which was mainly why the notarized signature was needed), so that we would have permission to authorize medical treatment for the child should some kind of emergency arise.

I also asked for copies of the insurance card under which the child was covered.

 

[leight]

My dd12 has to get a new notarized medical release form for each soccer season- its a rec league so only lasts about 4 months. I don't mind getting the notarized release once a year but they require a new one for each season- so it can be 2 or 3 per year. Its more annoying as dh is a coach and has to hassle parents to get it notarized or the kids can't play. I think its an insurance requirement more than anything else.

 

[Southernmiss]

Notarized permission forms/medical release forms are required by our diocese for overnight trips. Same minus the notarization is required for day trips and I am required to keep them in a file for 3 years!! Lots of CYA going on since the pedofile scandals (no pun intended).

 

[Sadie22]

I had to do one of these only once, when minor DS was going skiing with a group. The form stated I would not sue the facility if my son were injured. My attorney employer said he would be happy to notarize my signature, since one parent could not sign away the other's right to bring suit. DS had a great time and there were no injuries.

 

[tvguy]

Notarized permission forms/medical release forms are required by our diocese for overnight trips. Same minus the notarization is required for day trips and I am required to keep them in a file for 3 years!! Lots of CYA going on since the pedofile scandals (no pun intended).

Wow, my kids went to Catholic school, went to Spain and France, Las Vegas, Washington D.C. never needed to notorize anything.

 

[aaarcher86]

Maybe they ran into an instance of a child "forging" a parents signature to go on the weekend trip. School trips are usually just one day, during (mostly) school hours, and the school already has your signature on file for other things, but a church youth group might not.

A weekend trip or even overnight trip is much more serious to some parents, seeing as how it can lead to certain "co-eds" cohabitating. (and yes it has happened on church trips!!!) I am sure they are just trying to cover thier Butts!!!

I'd agree with this.

I've forged enough notes/permission slips in my day to know it's safer to be overly cautious!

 

[Disney Doll]

Maybe they ran into an instance of a child "forging" a parents signature to go on the weekend trip. School trips are usually just one day, during (mostly) school hours, and the school already has your signature on file for other things, but a church youth group might not.

A weekend trip or even overnight trip is much more serious to some parents, seeing as how it can lead to certain "co-eds" cohabitating. (and yes it has happened on church trips!!!) I am sure they are just trying to cover thier Butts!!!

This.

 

[NHdisneylover]

When DD flew back to the US to go to the Girl Scout Convention, we had to have the form notarized. That is the only time though.

Never for school, or other scout trips (including working as a counselor for a scout owned camp for girls with disabilities).

Good thing we do not normally need them for scout trips---living in Germany we have to make an appointment with the embassy, drive 90 minutes to get there, pay to park, spend about an hour to hour and a half with security and waiting and pay $50 per form for notary services (we did this for the one scout form and also for forms when we sold our house).

 

[Marymom]

We have to sign notarized forms that are good for the year at our church. I know I just needed to fill out one form for the year at the school for my son and his numerous debate trips. If it is a recurring activity, see if the form can be made generic enough to cover all trips. They are a nuisance!

Mary

 

[bigbabyblues]

When I worked at hospital ER, a signed note was not enough for us to treat a minor without a parent present, it had to be notarized. Not sure if that is part of it or not?

 

[soccerdad72]

I guess it's a CYA thing, but it's a new one to me. I don't seem to recall having to get any school or activity form notarized, including my older son's class trip to Chicago for next month (he's 6th grade).

 

[sam_gordon]

When I worked at hospital ER, a signed note was not enough for us to treat a minor without a parent present, it had to be notarized. Not sure if that is part of it or not?

Maybe that's it. There's a separate medical form kept on file, but the permission sheet does say if leaders/adults on the trip can't reach guardians, the leaders/adults can allow a doctor to hospitalize, secure medical treatment, order an injection, anesthesia, or surgery.

Next paragraph says the church isn't responsible for the cost of medical treatment.

Last paragraph says guardians can't hold the church, leaders, etc liable for "damages, losses, diseases, or injuries".