Background Check Resources

What about Background Checks? 

One important component of abuse prevention is holding ministry leaders to high standards. Appropriate screening for staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers is essential. Along with an application, an interview, and reference checks, a criminal background check should be part of the screening process, especially for those who work with children, youth, and vulnerable populations. It’s one small step that can help maintain a safe environment. Yes, it will require some effort, time, and money. But if you’ve ever dealt with the horrific impacts of abuse, you will understand that these efforts are very worthwhile. Different options are available; each congregation must weigh the risks, benefits, and costs in determining the best course to take in securing background checks.

In order to provide accurate records to these agencies:

• If you are volunteering with World Renew: in the U.S. click here for required background checks; for required background checks in Canada, click here
• If you are volunteering with World Missions: in the U. S. click here for required background checks; for required background checks in Canada, click here

The following organizations have been successfully used by CRC congregations and ministries to help secure background checks:

myBackCheck – My Back Check provides Canadians the opportunity to obtain background checks online and share them wherever they work or volunteer (Based in Canada).

Plan to Protect – At Plan to Protect, our priority is abuse prevention and vulnerable sector protection.  Plan to Protect equips your team with effective and customized policies, procedures, and training (Based in Canada).

Sterling Volunteers –  Is a global background screening company with 40+ years of expertise, to partner with us in developing an innovative screening platform with decades of experience working for and with nonprofits and service organizations in risk mitigation. Sterling Volunteers is recommended by Plan to Protect as a screening organization based in the United States. 

Protect My Ministry – Protect My Ministry is committed to helping faith-based organizations maintain a safe environment, so they can focus on fulfilling their mission. Protect My Ministry offers a process, products, and solutions that work for churches (Based in the United States). 

ScreeningONE – Screening One offers a comprehensive suite of screening solutions (Based in the United States).

Please contact Safe Church Ministry ([email protected]) or your safe church representative for more information.