WHY DOES THE BSA NEED VOLUNTEER SCREENING?
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
Who will be checked?
New applicants for ANY volunteer position with the Boy Scouts of America will be checked Effective April 1, 2003, (this will include Merit Badge Counselors).
Will a Social Security number be required?
YES. One of the Checks the system makes is to ensure the applicant has a valid Social Security Number, which insures accurate identification. If individuals decline to provide their Social Security number, they cannot register with the Boys Scouts of America.
Does a potential volunteer have to give permission for the background check?
Yes. The BSA’s adult volunteer application includes authorization for conducting a criminal background check. The BSA Adult application has been changed to provide “prominent notice” to the applicant on the front page of the applications; be sure this page is still attached when giving the application to a prospective volunteer.
Have there been any changes in procedures?
YES. Any adult application, including those for change of position, adult transfers, and multiple registrations must complete the application in its entirety, securing all appropriate unit signatures, etc. Only the Council Copy will show the SS # the others will be blacked out so the council MUST now receive the Council Copy - be sure your Committee Chairman and Charter Representative/Institutional Head sign Council Copy.
How will people know if they have been disqualified from serving as a volunteer?
As in the past, the council will communicate notice of disqualification to potential volunteers.
Can the person being checked see the results?
Yes. Individuals will be given the opportunity to review any information found on their record. The Select system will generate and send a letter to individuals notifying them a record has been found and communicated to the council. Individuals will have the opportunity to view a copy of that information.
Will a person’s name, address, and Social Security number be sent to any outside databases?
NO.
How can volunteer applicants be assured that no on will be given access to their personal information, especially their Social Security number?
As has always been the BSA policy, membership information is never sold, or offered to outside parties for use other than that directly approved for supporting BSA national and local council operations. Only the Council Copy will show the SS # the others are blacked out.
Is this screening process the only one to be used for potential volunteers?
NO. The criminal background checking process will supplement the current application process, reference checks and ineligible volunteer checking process already in place.
What happens if an application is not signed?
Applicants must personally sign the adult application giving informed consent to conduct a background check. If the required information is missing, the application will be returned to the unit for completion.
Can my unit continue to use up the older adult applications we have in our possession?
NO! Applications must be the most current version available so that the correct notification to the applicant, etc is present. This means that after April 1, 2003 only applications with the version along the front edge must say 28-501V -ADULT REGISTRATION APPLICATION -1.140MM1002 (or newer). If an older application is submitted by a unit after April 1, 2003 it will be returned to the unit along with the appropriate version of the adult application. It must be completely filled out including obtaining the signatures of the CC and CR/IH so it is in the best interest of the units and the council to submit the correct application the first time.
How can I quickly tell if I have the “new” application?
There is a box in red on the front of the new adult applications that states: By submitting this application you are authorizing a criminal background check of yourself. This check will be made from public record sources. You will have an opportunity to review and challenge any adverse information disclosed by the check.
The Social Security Number now says it is required, rather than optional as on previous versions of applications.