Why you should screen your employees and volunteers The importance of screening at the hiring stage cannot be overstated --especially when hiring for positions that require or facilitate regular contact with children. In the book, "It's O.K. To Say No!" authors Robin Lenett and Bob Crane state, "Because the abuse of children is a sexual preference formed relatively early in life, some offenders consciously or unconsciously choose career paths that will bring them regularly in contact with children. Others may volunteer to supervise children's sports or club activities." A significant number of cases involving employees and volunteers of Church Mutual policyholders would not have occurred if the church had screened out known offenders during the employment search. It is not unusual for an individual who has been terminated at one church or school to seek employment at another--in the same area or even in another state. You cannot be absolutely certain that you are screening out sexual abusers of children, but there are methods that help. These important guidelines should be considered seriously by any worship center, school, camp, day care center, and youth group when hiring any employee or seeking volunteers to work with children. Customer Support Assistance ChoicePoint offers customer and sales support assistance at (866) 399-6647, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.    Print Close