Rotary Youth Exchange Background Checks Presented at the USA-CANADA CONVENTION MARCH 10, 2006 Eric Marcus, District 6670 Tamara Sanchez, District 5930

What is our Biggest Challenge! Acceptance and going forward with objectives Keep up to date with State, Federal, National and Rotary International requirements What criteria should be used to select Volunteers and or Host families. How do we get background checks. What is the “ Best Way” to do this.

Why we are reluctant to run background checks! Most volunteers are Rotarians Rotary is selective with membership Many Rotarians are community leaders Most volunteers have made significant financial and personal commitment to Rotary Many volunteers come from business and professional management backgrounds Most host families are known by a Rotarian

Criteria for Volunteers and or Host Families ! Hand selected vs. cattle calls via advertising Word of mouth Church School Work Referral by a Rotarian or already is a Rotarian

Changes are taking place in US with Youth Programs State Department regulations for the issuance of J-1 visa National youth organizations are implementing background checks National Council of Youth Sports Boy Scouts of America Big Brothers, Big Sisters Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Purpose of Background Screening Protect our Youth and deter predators to Volunteer Protect our clubs members and fellow Rotarians Protect Rotary International from potential financial, legal and public image. Meets the Four Way Test.

What is the “Best Way” and at what Price! Determine what your local laws will permit and deemed appropriate by your District. What do you look for in a provider Areas to question with a provider?

What to look for in a Provider Criminal & sex offender convictions Cost-effective Compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act State Sex Offender Registry Web – based ordering and delivery Comprehensive search and reporting system

Questions to consider with a Provider How is the vendor receiving and updating their data base How accurate and current is the data Who will be held liable for errors Will the vendor issue a letter of rejection What type of security features are provided for the data results How long is the data stored How will invoicing be handled

How do we get background checks done Not – Internet sex offender registries Research Background Check Providers via internet, local law offices, referrals by other youth organizations already using a background check system Vendors at this convention include: Choice Point Intelius Spectrum Security

Risks to consider when Selecting a Background Check Company Ease of entry into the business creates a dangerous environment for consumers. Discrepancies in numbers of records, frequency of updates, validity of information, legality of sources. Regional strengths, yet communicate “national coverage” leading organizations to a false sense of safety. Data is difficult to decipher (conviction codes) and easily misinterpreted by the organization. Results returned may not apply to the subject being verified. The responsibility is on the organizations to make the call. Information provider by a Third source

Risks to consider when Selecting a Background Check Company Providers are not organized with youth organizations as their core business or competency. Providers do not share in the indemnification process with the client organizations. FCRA is a difficult process, with minimal support offered by most providers. General attitude of providers that if not being responsible for the data or any problems arising from it. False sense of safety in organizations results from misinformation that conducting background checks alone is the answer. Youth organizations need a complete solution to risk management. Information provider by a Third source

What is Next – Recommendations USA-Canada should research and summarize options Define what constitutes a background check Establish guidelines for background Provide recommendations on the Best Practices and Procedures Create a “Preferred Vendors” list Volunteers to assist – Contact Neil McDonald

AT THE END OF THE DAY Rotary Youth Exchange is a program that helps provide Better Understanding and World Peace Thank you for all you do! A few faces that have been touched by Youth Exchange Past, Present and Future!

Contact Exhibitors @ show ChoicePoint – Robert May 901-261-2785 Robert.may@choicepoint.com Intelius – Jeff Sears 425-974-6126 jsears@intellius.com Spectrum Security Ltd. 315-476-6279 Leigh Hunt leigh@securedbyspectrum.com or Noah Felice noah@securedbyspectrum.com

Update: 3/9/06 The State Department has determined that an expansion of program will not be authorized for next year unless a sponsor has submitted written confirmation to Stanley Colvin that it has implemented procedures for criminal background checks for all members of host families ages 18 and over for the 2006-2007 academic year. http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges Per: Nancy Starr Program Designation Officer Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Washington, DC 20547