When are criminal history record checks warranted?
When a staff or volunteer position allows considerable opportunity for the criminal victimization of a vulnerable service recipient, the organization should consider conducting a criminal history record check. One-on-one contact between the service recipient and an employee or volunteer that extends over a period of time would be an example of exposure that justifies a criminal history record check. For workers caring for infants or small toddlers on a daily basis, a criminal history record is generally required. Positions that involve home visits to elderly clients or individuals with disabilities could also justify criminal history record checks. While the above examples focus on opportunities for personal injury such as sexual assault, other risks may also be screened using criminal histories. Individuals responsible for handling the organization s money may be checked for prior convictions for theft, embezzlement, forgery, or fraud. What are the downsides to conducting criminal his
