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. Background screening helps your organization identify people with a history of inappropriate, harmful, 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 that include child protection questions. Detailed policies and procedures, including hiring protocols, comprehensive staff, student and parent training, and a robust program for responding to concerns or allegations of inappropriate behavior and staff misconduct are all part of a comprehensive child protection program.
- Beyond Background Checks Infographic (ICMEC)
- Criminal Background Check Procedures by Country (CPNI) Key Resource
- Additional countries may be found here
- Criminal Background Checks for EU Citizens in EU Schools
- 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
- National Sex Offender Quick Search for US Citizens (NSOPW, US Department of Justice)
- US Passports and International Megan’s Law (US Department of State) Key Resource
- US Educator Misconduct Lookup Sites (NASDTEC)
- Safe Teachers, Safe Schools: criminal background checks & screening essentials (ISS)
- What You Need to Know Background Screening US