Background Check Policy
Purpose: Rise and Reach Project (the “Organization”) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all participants, including mentors, in accordance with Title 22 regulations in California. As part of this commitment, the Organization has implemented a background check policy to ensure the safety and well-being of its participants.
Scope: This policy applies to all mentors who provide services to the Organization, whether as volunteers or paid employees.
Background Check Process: All mentors are required to undergo a thorough background check before they are approved to provide services to the Organization’s participants. The background check process may include, but is not limited to, criminal history checks, sex offender registry checks, and other relevant screenings.
Consent and Authorization: Mentors shall be required to provide written consent and authorization for the Organization to conduct a background check as part of their application process. The consent form shall clearly state the purpose of the background check and the types of screenings that may be conducted.
Confidentiality: All information obtained through the background check process shall be treated as confidential and shall only be used for the purpose of evaluating the mentor’s suitability to work with the Organization’s participants. The information shall not be disclosed to any unauthorized individuals or used for any other purpose without the mentor’s consent, unless required by law.
Disqualification Criteria: Mentors may be disqualified from providing services to the Organization if the background check reveals any of the following:
a. Conviction of a crime that is relevant to the mentor’s ability to work with the Organization’s participants, as determined by the Organization in its sole discretion.
b. Registration as a sex offender or other relevant registry.
c. Other findings or information that, in the Organization’s judgment, may pose a risk to the safety and well-being of its participants.
Adverse Action and Appeal Process: If the background check reveals disqualifying information, the mentor shall be notified in writing and provided an opportunity to appeal the decision. The mentor may be required to provide additional information or documentation to dispute the findings. The Organization shall review the appeal and make a final decision, which shall be communicated to the mentor in writing.
Ongoing Monitoring: Mentors may be subject to periodic background checks during their tenure with the Organization, as deemed necessary by the Organization to maintain a safe and secure environment for its participants.
Compliance with Title 22 Regulations: The Organization shall ensure that its background check policy and procedures comply with all applicable regulations under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, including but not limited to Sections 101152 and 101154.
Recordkeeping: The Organization shall maintain records of all background checks conducted in accordance with this policy, including consent forms, findings, and any appeal or dispute resolution documentation, in a secure and confidential manner.
Training and Education: The Organization shall provide mentors with appropriate training and education on its background check policy, including the purpose of the background checks, the disqualification criteria, and the appeal process.
Review and Update: This policy shall be periodically reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and to maintain the safety and well-being of the Organization’s participants.
Implementation: This policy shall be communicated to all mentors upon their application and orientation process, and shall be made available to mentors for reference at any time.
Non-Discrimination: The Organization shall conduct background checks in a non-discriminatory manner, in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination.
By agreeing to serve as a mentor for the Rise and Reach Project, mentors acknowledge and agree to comply with this background check policy and authorize the Organization to conduct a background check.