Criminal Background Re-Checks and Updated Forms
In 2020, the BSA will implement periodic criminal background checks on a five-year basis.
Since 2003, background checks have been conducted on every new adult when they apply to register, and in 2008 a background check was conducted on all currently registered adults. In 2020, the BSA will implement periodic criminal background checks on a five-year basis. The first periodic recheck will take place next January.
In preparation for this, the required disclosures and authorization documents are being updated to ensure compliance with current local, state, and federal laws.
The National Service Center sent an email with three separate background check disclosures and authorization form documents around October 7th to all currently registered adults who have a valid email address listed in their ScoutNET person profile.
Those documents are:
- Background Check Disclosure;
- California State Law Disclosures (Non-Credit); and
- Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization (requires signature).
All currently registered adults need to receive each of these documents. These forms will be available at roundtables or other applicable gatherings for registered adults who do not have an up-to-date or accurate email address listed in the BSA membership system. A new, signed authorization form is required before annual registration will be processed. Note: These three items will be provided to volunteers as separate documents (i.e., not stapled or otherwise attached to one another).
A new, signed Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization form must be collected before any adult’s annual registration is processed. Councils must collect and retain the signature page of the authorization form in accordance with the BSA’s retention schedule. The Pacific Skyline Council will collect these documents with recharter.