Organizations that work with minors often require background checks and, in some cases, fingerprinting. These tools help identify known risks, but what you get back depends on the sources searched, and the sources rarely cover everything. Think of screening like medical testing: one test can’t rule out every condition. County courts, state repositories, national databases, registries, and fingerprints each reveal different information.
Why Background Checks Matter for Your Ministry’s Hiring Process
When you bring someone new onto your team, whether as paid staff or a trusted volunteer, you’re making a decision that affects everyone in your ministry. The people you hire or place in leadership roles have access to your congregation, your finances, and often your most vulnerable members. That’s not a decision to make
Why Background Checks Are Essential for Vetting Coaches and Mentors in Kids’ Sports
In a perfect world coaches instill a strong work ethic, teach life skills, and leave kids and teens with a lifelong passion for their sport. Blindly trusting those wanting to coach children is never a good idea. News stories of sexual assaults, emotional or physical abuse remind us that coaches and mentors need to have
Five Years After McGirt v Oklahoma: Are Your Background Checks Keeping Pace?
In July 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a historic decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma. The case reaffirmed that much of eastern Oklahoma (over half the state) remains legally recognized as tribal land. The McGirt decision effectively restored reservation status to roughly 43–52% of Oklahoma land, allowing for the shifting of criminal jurisdiction away from local
Florida’s New Background Check Law
What Every Youth Sports Organization Needs to Know about Florida Statute 943.0438 Before 2026 When parents drop off their children for practice, they are entrusting your organization not only with their development as athletes but also with their safety. Since 90% of child abuse cases involve someone the child knows and trusts, Florida Statute 943.0438 aims to protect children
Protect My Ministry Background Checks: Now in Planning Center
Creating a safe environment for the children in your care is paramount. It requires diligence, attention to detail, and policies and protocols. With the new Protect My Ministry 2.0 add-on, you can track the background checks and safety training of your staff and volunteers right from within Planning Center. By connecting your Protect My Ministry
Creating a Safe and Fun Environment for VBS
Vacation Bible School is a cherished tradition in many communities. It offers children a fun and enriching experience while fostering their spiritual growth. As the summer approaches, the need for volunteers and employees to support VBS programs becomes increasingly crucial. However, while there’s an urgency to recruit volunteers swiftly, churches must also exercise caution to
5 Ways to Improve Children’s Safety at Your Church
Are the children in your church safe? The unfortunate reality is even within your church walls, countless threats exist that could potentially endanger the children in your care. While there’s no way to 100% guarantee safety, there are procedures, plans, and strategies you can put in place to help protect children. April is Child Abuse
Different Types of Background Checks and Their Risk-Mitigation Impact
Volunteers play a pivotal role in organizations across various sectors, contributing their time, skills, and passion to support causes that are meaningful to them. While the dedication of volunteers is invaluable, organizations must prioritize the safety and well-being of both volunteers and those they serve. A comprehensive background check process for volunteers is critical in
What Churches Need to Know About the National Criminal Database Search
Background checks are a critical safety and assessment tool. These screens ensure churches make informed decisions about the employees and volunteers they allow into their organization to work with children, congregants, and to access church resources. But exactly what types of background checks and searches are appropriate? When it comes to a strategic approach to