Greg's Blog

Having an application process for children's ministry (including background checking) is not an option these days.  If you are a children's ministry leader, find a way to make sure you screen ALL volunteers before putting them in a place of service.  One part of that is doing reference checking.  Most applications have a place to list references, but I've found that, often, they do not get checked.  Make sure you follow up.  Recently I was called by someone doing a reference check on one of our former volunteers.  This gentleman happened to be a judge and said these were the questions he was required to ask when doing a reference check. I don't know if these are "legal requirements" or not (can anyone clarify?) but, nonetheless, they are a good template for a reference check conversation.  The questions are:

• How long have you known <applicant> and in what capacity?
• Have you observed <applicant> working with children in the past?
• Would you recommend <applicant> in a teaching capacity with children?
• Do you have any reason to believe any child in <applicant> care would be in any danger?
• Do you know of any accusations against <applicant>, particularly relating to children or child abuse?
• Is there anything else you can think of that we should know about <applicant>?

Answers to these questions should give you everything you need to know from a reference check phone call.