Criminal Background Screening

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. Screening out inappropriate individuals may help protect clients from harm and reduce the risk of lawsuits filed against agencies by demonstrating "due diligence."

Since 1995, Texas Volunteer Centers have permission to access all records maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The background checks can be performed for approved, nonprofit 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.

Thanks toSouthern Union Company for their support of the Criminal Background History Screening Program.

For more information, please contact Terri Royer at 713-964-0225 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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