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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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!

15. Contact Exhibitors @ show
ChoicePoint – Robert May
Intelius – Jeff Sears
Spectrum Security Ltd
Leigh Hunt or
Noah Felice

16. 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 academic year.
Per:
Nancy Starr
Program Designation Officer Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Washington, DC 20547