The summer time is approaching and for many families that means time for summer camps.  During the summer break children across the country will participate in a wide variety of activities in away-from-home destinations.  Some camps are day time only while others include sleep overs.  Such camps and programs can be great experiences for kids and a time to learn more about themselves and how to get along with others.  However, whenever there is an occasion where adults spend unsupervised private time with children the threat of abuse exists.

It is difficult enough for a parent to let go of their child for any extended stay away from the family.  But the concern of an adult abusing their child is even greater.  This is why parents should demand that the organization or camp that they will be entrusting their child too has gone through a thorough and reliable background check.  This should also include all volunteers as well.  Volunteer background checks are just as important as performing background checks on full time staff and employees.

In Massachusetts local government is facing pressure to expand background screening for volunteers and has developed plans to implement expansion.

From the Eagle Tribune (Apr. 12, 18):

Workers at summer camps, preschools and day care centers that get federal grants may soon need to be fingerprinted and subjected to national criminal background checks.

A plan filed by Gov. Charlie Baker expands background check procedures for the Department of Early Education and Care to comply with new federal rules, which require a check on the National Sex Offender Registry.  eagletribune.com/news/state-under-pressure-to-expand-background-checks/article_83c3c960-0c9b-56ae-8a63-047e27ce4124.html

Background screening is an invaluable tool to assist Camp Program managers in protecting children from potential predators.

Often a well-defined and well-publicized pre-volunteer or employment background check can prove a first line of defense against predators.

Organizations that take the extra step with a thorough volunteer background check are providing that line in the sand against potential malfeasance.  Often understanding that a camp performs background checks on its volunteers is enough of a deterrent to give a predator pause before pursuing a volunteer role.

It is essential that parents ask the summer camp or organization they are leaving their children with about the background screening program in place and demand thorough criminal background checks and other essential background checks on not just full time staff and employees but volunteers as well.  Children are considered an at-risk population and making sure due diligence is performed helps protect the youth from malfeasant individuals.

To read more about this subject read the recent press release found here: Avoid Summertime Blues and Conduct Volunteer Background Checks