Background checks may include a variety of verifications including identity, education, previous employment, professional licenses, social media, drug and health testing, credit and criminal checks. Screening helps prevent people with a history of violent or criminal behavior from gaining access to children in your organization. Background checks will be governed by national law and may only identify those convicted of a crime. Checking only sex offender lists is insufficient. A recent U.S. national study determined that most school employees convicted of sexual offenses against children were not added to sex offender lists.
Background checks must be coupled with thorough interviews and reference checks, detailed policies and procedures, comprehensive staff, student and parent training, and robust protocols for responding to allegations of inappropriate behavior and staff misconduct.
- Criminal Background Check Procedures by Country (CIS)
- Criminal Background Checks for EU Citizens
- FAQs for UK Citizens or those Employed in UK (Home Office)
- Flowchart Suitable Checking of Staff (DCI)
- Global Overview of Sex Offender Registration and Notification Systems
- Guidelines for Background Checks US
- Keeping Children Safe in Education UK
- National Sex Offender Quick Search for US Citizens (NSOPW, US Department of Justice)
- Passports and International Megan’s Law (US Department of State)
- Safe Teachers, Safe Schools: criminal background checks & screening essentials (ISS)
- What You Need to Know Background Screening US