All across the USA there are millions of family’s that send their kids to summer camp or other summer related youth programs.  These programs usually entail children spending unsupervised time with camp counselors or other youth program volunteers.  Since children fall into the at-risk population it is imperative that all those spending time with children undergo a criminal background check.  A volunteer background check should include a comprehensive national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and reference checks before being entrusted to an at-risk population.

Whether a camp involves overnight stay or just a day camp, all volunteers should be background checked.  A complete and thorough background check can act as a deterrent to predators.

In New Orleans the recent arrest of a volunteer baseball coach highlights a clear need for background screening.

From NOLA.com (Mar. 10, 16):

(1)               …questions about the screening process arose after… a former football, baseball and basketball coach who had volunteered for decades, was arrested in October. In February, a grand jury charged him with aggravated rape of a child younger than 13, four counts of sexual battery, four counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and nine counts of production of pornography involving juveniles.  nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/03/jefferson_parish_background_ch.html

This incident further highlights the importance of a thorough background screening of anyone spending unsupervised time with children including counselors, coaches and volunteers.  Combining court records/public records along with an in-depth interview and if relevant a credentials check these steps collectively will act as a deterrent against potential predators and will help weed out persons with a criminal past that may prove detrimental to at-risk populations like children.  This is why it is extremely important for organizations hiring volunteers to properly background check all their employees and volunteer help through a well-qualified third-party background screening company as a best practice for parents, volunteer groups and organizations.

To read more about this subject read recent press release found at http://www.criminalbackgroundrecords.com/news/2016-04-20-Summers-Coming-and-Its-Time-For-Camp.html