Is a minor who volunteers for a business still subject to the Child Labor laws?
Most likely. The definition of “volunteer” is quite vague under Indiana law. If a minor is “permitted or suffered to work,” the Bureau of Child Labor considers that minor an employee and not a volunteer. Essentially, if a minor performs a task that in any way furthers the prosperity of a business, the minor would still be considered an employee for the purposes of the child labor laws. We would recommend following all of the Child Labor laws including restrictions on underage employment, work hours and Prohibited/Hazardous Occupations. Minors must also obtain a work permit before beginning work or attending training. In Indiana, a minor must be at least 14 years of age before beginning work in an established business. The only jobs available to someone under the age of 14 are actor, performer, model, golf caddy, newspaper carrier, domestic service worker (babysitter) and farm laborer.
Most likely. The definition of “volunteer” is quite vague under Indiana law. If a minor is “permitted or suffered to work,” the Bureau of Child Labor considers that minor an employee and not a volunteer. Essentially, if a minor performs a task that in any way furthers the prosperity of a business, the minor would still be considered an employee for the purposes of the child labor laws. We would recommend following all of the Child Labor laws including restrictions on underage employment, work hours and Prohibited/Hazardous Occupations. Minors must also obtain a work permit before beginning work or attending training. In Indiana, a minor must be at least 14 years of age before beginning work in an established business. The only jobs available to someone under the age of 14 are actor, performer, model, golf caddie, newspaper carrier, domestic service worker (babysitter) and farm laborer.
