We believe that in order to maintain the trust of the American people and provide them with the best quality service, all Red Cross employees and volunteers must undergo and clear background checks that include a verification of the social security number and a search of the National Criminal File. The following statements help support and explain this effort:

 Red Cross takes its accountability to the American public very seriously and is dedicated to implementing tools and procedures to help ensure that accountability.

 The background check is a tool increasingly used by profit and not-for-profit organizations nation-wide. The Non-Profit Risk Management Center recommends background screening for all businesses.

 Background checks are used solely for the purpose of evaluating an individual’s suitability for employment or volunteer service with the Red Cross. Access to the information gather is limited to only those with a need to know and remains on the vendor’s secure website.

 The required Red Cross background check includes a verified social security number and a clear criminal history for the past 7 years (in most states) from the date of disposition, release from jail or prison, or release from probation or parole, whichever occurs latest.

 The standard minimum Red Cross background check does NOT include a credit check, and consent for the Red Cross to run a credit check was removed from the Disclosure and Authorization form. If a Red Cross unit wants to run a credit check on a specific volunteer or employee (for a valid business purpose), the unit administrator must obtain a second, written and signed release to do so.

MyBackGroundCheck