Policy - In carrying out its mission Catholic Charities includes a special and careful concern for the well-being

of the client population it serves. In hiring employees and encouraging the participation of volunteers, the agency understands the need for a thorough screening process to closely examine the background of individuals who seek positions that have contact with vulnerable service recipients. This policy establishes the background screening process that will be used for all employees joining the organization and for those volunteers that have direct contact with children. Fingerprint Criminal History Background Check 3.1 Employees and volunteers, who are covered by the following definitions, are required to undergo a fingerprint criminal history background check in addition to the criminal records review screening process. 3.1.1 An employee who, by the nature of his/her job description or in actual performance of duties, maintains substantial and direct interaction with children on a consistent basis; or has, or could have, individualized contact with children. 3.1.2 A volunteer who provides uncompensated services to the agency who by the nature of his/her assigned duties, maintains substantial and direct interaction with children on a consistent basis; or has, or could have, individualized contact with children. 3.2 In applying these definitions, these additional considerations should be kept in mind. For employees or volunteers, if interaction with children is limited to a group setting and is not longer than one or two hours per week, a fingerprint criminal history background check is not required. However, if there is a potential for individualized contact, particularly if the interaction with children will involve overnight activities, the background check will be required.