Background Screening Mechanisms

[Rich Littleton]

Okay, Okay, I'll be nice(r).

BTW, since I publicly urged volunteering in e-mail when I was
"discussiong" this issue, I am honor-bound to publicly tip my hat to Janos
who has lept into the breach and is helping out (as we speak?) at the Lake
City library e-mail tonight.  Good show, Janos.

While I obviously think b.g. checks are a diversion from needed stuff,
still, Joe makes a point (as he frequently does).  Sooo, if there is big
interest in b.g. checks, would not the following be a prudent list of
steps to pursue?

1.  What situations are the sort that lead organizations to have such
checks?  (I think the "sole control" [giving the controller the chance
to abuse the fragile people) is essential, but check it out.)

2.  Would there need to be a structure that dealt with these populations,
as opposed to chance encounter of an elderly person in random e-mail
classes. 

3.  Would there need to be a single person in control, or is the
likelihood that the 2-3 e-mail teachers, for example, would conspire to
abuse?

4.  If the background checker makes a mistake, would that checker be
subject to a lawsuit?

5.  If the background checker makes a mistake, would that SCN be
subject to a lawsuit?

6.  How would it be done? (there are several types of background checks.)

7.  Who would keep the records?

8.  Where would the records be kept?

9.  How would the records be kept secure?

10. Which voluteers would qualify for the checks?  (I have heard of some
super vols. who handle the minute-taking and transcribing for scn board
meetings;  I doubt we'd need to give them b.g. checks.)

11. Which tasks/activities would require vols. b.g. checks?

I would think those questions should be answered before SCN(A) does any
serious planning for such checks.  

So, if there is a group of people interested in this issue, let each other
know, coordinate, dig up the info, and let the rest of us know.

(However, my hope is that you all help with volunteer recruitment instead.
What can I say  (grin)....)

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Rich


______________________________________________________________________

*****  Unless stated otherwise, this message may be forwarded.  ******

On Wed, 27 Oct 1999, Joe Mabel wrote:

> How about rebuttal instead of rebuttle.  Let's stick to real words. If I 
> used smileys I'd put one here.
> 
> But your point is well taken.
> 
> Rich, I seem to be pretty much on your side of this, but I don't think 
> anyone on the other side is acting in bad faith.  I just think it's 
> important that we end up with a policy appropriate to our organization, and 
> it would seem to me that would be a policy which makes as little use of 
> background checks as we think is congruent with continuing to operate (e.g. 
> yes, we probably need a bonded treasurer, no, we probably don't need to vet 
> everyone to see if they're someone you'd hire to babysit).
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Janos Szablya [SMTP:janossz at scn.org]
> Sent:	Tuesday, October 26, 1999 9:33 PM
> To:	Rich Littleton
> Cc:	scn at scn.org
> Subject:	Re: Background Screening Mechanisms
> 
> 
> Rich,
> 
> Let's stay civil, This type of comment does not lend itself to
> strengthing your point of view. You make valid comments and then shatter
> credibility in my eyes...
> Let's stick to the rebuttle of the topic and not the person.
> 
> J
> 
> 
> On Mon, 25 Oct 1999, Rich Littleton wrote:
> 
> >
> > Joel?
> >
> > Hello?  Hello?
> >
> > You are jumping the gun.
> >
> > First quote to us the wording that shows that SCN is in the category that
> > NEEDS to have background checks.  Giving us info on HOW TO DO CHECKS is
> > premature.  You haven't shown (you've just alleged) that we even need
> > background checks.
> >
> > Next you'll be sending us plans for fallout shelters. ....
> >
> > Rich
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________________
> >
> > *****  Unless stated otherwise, this message may be forwarded.  ******
> >
> > On Sun, 24 Oct 1999, Joel Ware IV wrote:
> >
> > > The attached info from a Department of Justice publication, written by
> > > several lawyers, lists some volunteer screening mechanisms that may be
> > > used.  At this time, SCNA is not doing all of the "Basic" level items.
> > > Since we DO work with children, the elderly, and individuals with
> > > disabilities, "due diligence" requires that we look into this area.
> > >
> > >
> > > Joel Ware, IV        jw4 at scn.org
> > > Volunteer Coordinator
> > > Member of Governance, HR, Board, ExComm
> > >
> > > --------------------
> > >
> > > Basic Screening Practices
> > > o Employment reference checks.
> > > o Personal reference checks.
> > > o Personal interviews.
> > > o Confirmation of education.
> > > o Written application.
> > > o On-the-job observation.
> > >
> > > Frequently Used Practices
> > > o Local criminal record check.
> > > o State criminal record check.
> > > o FBI criminal record check.
> > > o State central child/dependent adult abuse registry check.
> > > o State sex offender registry check.
> > > o Nurse's aide registry record check.
> > > o Motor vehicle record check.
> > > o Professional disciplinary board background check.
> > >
> > > Infrequently Used Practices
> > > o Alcohol/drug testing.
> > > o Psychological testing.
> > > o Mental illness/psychiatric history check.
> > > o Home visits.
> > >
> > > from a US Department of Justice publication:
> > > Guidelines for the Screening of Persons
> > > Working With Children, the Elderly,
> > > and Individuals With Disabilities
> > > in Need of Support
> > > April 1998
> > >
> > > Authors:
> > > Noy S. Davis, Esq., Project Director
> > > Kathi L. Grasso, Esq.
> > > American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law
> > > with
> > > Kimberly Dennis, M.P.H.
> > > Susan J. Wells, Ph.D.
> > > Marsha B. Liss, Esq.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
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