Q: How do we develop or update an effective worker screening policy?

A: You should work with an attorney to establish effective screening procedures.

Your screening policy should include the following elements:

• A written application form
• Criminal background check
• Reference checks
• A personal interview
• A waiting period of at least 6 months before volunteers can work with minors

Your screening procedure should include a criminal background check.

Recommended Resources

If you found this information helpful, you might be interested in these other resources from Brotherhood Mutual:

• Read about the process of Selecting and Screening Volunteers.
• Learn how to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse in the Church.
• Develop a screening and supervision program with help from our Guidelines for Ministry Workers resource.
• Find out how screening works at our Background Screening Web resource.

*Important information: Brotherhood Mutual is pleased to provide Legal Assist as a complimentary resource. The services we offer through Legal Assist are intended to provide general legal information to our current and prospective policyholders.

The information we provide is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. Accordingly, no attorney/client relationship is created through this process, and no legal advice will be provided. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.