Risk Management: Criminal Background History Screening
 

How do you control risk, protect your clients and your agency?

A comprehensive risk management program involving careful screening of staff and volunteers is an important step in the right direction. One tool that can be used in this process is a criminal background history check. This procedure may not be necessary for every individual involved in an agency, but can be appropriate when an agency's volunteers and staff work with vulnerable populations. Screening out inappropriate individuals may help protect clients from harm and reduce the risk of lawsuits filed against agencies by demonstrating "due diligence."

In 1995, the Texas Legislature granted Texas Volunteer Centers permission to access all records housed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The law states that background checks can be performed for approved, non-profit client agencies that "involve the care of or access to: a child, an elderly person, a person who is mentally incompetent, mentally retarded, physically disabled, ill or incapacitated." Checks may also be done on volunteers or staff who will perform services in a residence or have access to money or confidential information.

Volunteer Houston's Criminal Background History Screening service includes training to assist agencies in outlining a risk management process, and information about elements required to become an approved client agency and participate in the program. For more information, please contact John Manger at 713-964-0217 or by e-mail at johnm@volunteerhouston.org.

Click here for a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions) about Volunteer Houston's Criminal Background History Screening service.