Background Check Frequently Asked Questions

From AFSWiki

Frequently Asked Questions This page details some frequently asked questions (FAQ) and their corresponding responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated as of April 2008

AFS-USA requires anyone over the age of 14 applying as a host family member or volunteer to undergo a criminal background check. Parental permission is required for all minors.

Why national criminal backgrounds check?

• To continue our ability in maintaining the highest level of quality in our programs and to ensure the safety and welfare of our AFS participants.
• It is important for us to do a national check as people move between states and might have a criminal record in a different state from where they are currently living.
• It is common practice for any organization that work or have direct contact with youth/minors to require criminal background checks.

Who pays for the criminal background check?

• AFS USA will cover the cost of the criminal background check for volunteers and host family members

Are AFS-USA staff members required to undergo a national criminal background check?

• Yes, all staff in AFS-USA must undergo an annual criminal background check

How does the criminal background check process work?

• An online process for conducting criminal background checks has been established through a secure website.
• Each member of the host family household and volunteer applicant over the age of 14 at the time of student arrivals in the US will be asked to sign (either on paper or electronically) a consent form authorizing AFS-USA to conduct a criminal background check.
• Generally the checks conducted by IntelliCorp, Inc., takes less than 72 hours to be completed from provision of details to generation of a report.

What information will be required to run a criminal background check?

• The provider of the criminal background check will need the legal name, social security number and date of birth of all individuals 14 years and older.
• The approval of a parent or legal guardian will be required to conduct criminal background checks on all minors.

What is included in a national criminal background check?

• The criminal background check report will show whether or not an individual is a registered sex offender and/or possesses any convictions.

What convictions would prevent me from volunteering or hosting with AFS-USA?

• The following list of convictions that if revealed in the criminal background check would prevent an applicant from hosting or volunteering:

• • Sexual abuse, molestation, assault, exploitation, neglect of a minor
  • Homicide
  • Arson
  • Sale, distribution, transportation of controlled substances
  • Possession or use of controlled substances (within past five years)
  • Burglary, robbery or grand larceny
  • Aggravated assault
  • Rape or sexual assault
  • Kidnapping

• If a criminal background check report reveals a conviction of a crime other than those listed above, it will be reported to the Vice President of Intercultural Education and Quality who will make a decision in consultation with AFS-USA Legal Counsel

What happens if my application to host or volunteer with AFS-USA is rejected due to a conviction on my criminal background check report?

• In these cases, AFS-USA will forward you a copy of your criminal background check report, along with an “Adverse Action” letter which will outline the appeals process and who to contact at Intellicorp Records, Inc., and AFS-USA.
• This mailing will be sent through a traceable mail system (UPS, registered or certified mail)

Will I have to undergo a national criminal background check with AFS-USA if I already have had a background check due to my job or other volunteer roles?

• Yes. Even though you may have undergone a criminal background check as required by your job or other volunteer work, you will still have to go through a national criminal background check for AFS USA.
• There are many different types of background checks and every organization and company’s background check requirements may be different (i.e. require credit checks and criminal background check but no sex offender, etc) and they also may have different criteria by which an applicant would be accepted or denied.