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Who Should We Screen?
The first of three questions on How to Get Started
Question 2: What kind of screening do we need and how much will it cost?
Question 3: How do we do screening online?
Suggestion: Print this page as a reference guide.
Here is a basic two-step approach to determine who you should screen.
Step 1: Comply with Mandatory Requirements
First, determine if you operate any programs that require mandatory screening of employees or workers. You may need to check with a local attorney to determine this since these laws vary from state to state and can change at any time. Of course you will need to screen any worker for which screening is legally required.
Observation: Some states require some form of criminal background check if you operate a school, preschool, daycare program, health care program, professional counseling center, or an agency or program that requires a license or uses licensed professionals. Check with a local attorney or with your state licensing agency or other designated office to determine what mandatory screening requirements may exist regarding employment or service.
Step 2: Determine Who Else to Screen
To a large degree, the question of who else to screen is a risk management decision for the church. While screening may not be legally required, failure to screen may put the church and its leaders at jeopardy for a civil lawsuit if at some later date the church is charged with negligent selection. Such allegations most frequently arise when a worker harms someone, and screening would have informed the church of the danger that worker represented in advance. So while screening may not be required legally, it is increasing representing a standard of care that people expect for workers in certain higher risk positions such as working with children, driving vehicles, or handling money.
What are the implications for you and your church? First, think about what other organizations are doing in your community. Groups such as the YMCA, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers and many other service-oriented programs now screen workers. A standard of care is forming in your community. If your church faces an allegation of negligent selection, the test will be if you engaged in reasonable care. Screening will surface as an issue. As a result of these concerns, many churches now screen workers. The list of organizations that screen is growing daily.
A common approach for churches is to start by screening all paid employees including clergy. The reason is twofold. First, paid employees represent the church to the public and to the congregation. They are entrusted with the good will of the church to the community. Second, they have access to people, programs, vehicles, resources, and facilities. Screening provides help in selecting the best people, and reduces the danger of selecting someone who may cause harm. To whom much is given, much is required.
Next, many churches now screen volunteer workers who serve in higher risk positions. Often, the higher risk positions include the following: (1) those who work with children, youth, senior citizens, or the developmentally disabled; (2) counselors; (3) drivers; and (4) individuals with financial responsibilities. The risk increases for such volunteers when they serve frequently or without supervision. It's a good idea to review questions you may have about screening with your insurance agent.
Conclusion: Who Should We Screen?
1. Screen all workers with mandatory screening requirements.
2. It is now common and recommended that churches screen all paid employees, including clergy, and volunteers who serve frequently or without supervision in higher risk positions.
If you have more questions about why screening is important for churches read the following two articles:
To move on to the next two questions, select a link below:
Question 2: What kind of screening do we need and how much will it cost?
Question 3: How do we do screening online?
Churches may also choose to do other checks (see above under Additional criminal record checks and Additional checks associated with information collected on the employment application) based upon their own needs and circumstances. Each church should consult with its own legal counsel to determine what searches are most appropriate to use with specific positions.
Question 3
Once you have decided who to screen, and what checks to use, you are ready to move on to the third and final question. Simply select the link below:
How do we do screening online?
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