CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS - FAQ

What is a Criminal Background Check and how is it done?

In this case, a “Criminal History Record Background Check” means a determination of whether a person has a criminal record that should preclude him/her from working with children.  Names and fingerprints are cross-referenced with those on file with the FBI and the NJ State Police.

Why are we requiring checks?

Parents enroll their children in a league or program fully expecting that they will be safe from harm.  Child abusers are almost always known to the victim and commonly hold positions of trust and confidence in the community.  Sports and other youth activities present an ideal opportunity for abusers.  Incidents do irreparable harm to children who are victimized, and they have the potential to destroy the integrity and financial stability of youth-serving organizations.

How are we responding in Hopewell Valley?

We have amended the Hopewell Township Ordinance on “Parks, Public Lands and Open Spaces” by adding a requirement for “Criminal History Background Checks for Recreation Employees and Volunteers.”  The ordinance requires youth organizations to have their volunteers obtain background checks as a condition of their use of township parks and playgrounds.

Who will be checked?

“Any non-profit, youth-serving organization, ….which operates a youth sports program that receives funding from Hopewell Township, or utilizes facilities owned or maintained by Hopewell Township, shall require all employees and volunteers of that organization who have regular, unsupervised contact with minors to obtain a criminal history background check.”

How will the check work?

Criminal Background Checks will be conducted through the New Jersey State Police using fingerprints, which will be collected and submitted by the Hopewell Township Police Department.

A person shall be disqualified from serving as an employee or volunteer of a non-profit youth serving organization if that person’s criminal history background check reveals a record of conviction in any of four categories of crimes and offenses.

What are the four categories?

You may request a more detailed list of the disqualifying standards.

What happens next?

If no record is revealed, the individual becomes part of a database of approved volunteers.  If a record of conviction is revealed, the Chief of Police will contact the individual to inform them they are disqualified from service.  The individual may separate from the organization by their own means, challenge the record, or file an “appeal based on rehabilitation.”

Will the results of a check be kept confidential?

Yes.  The Parks and Recreation Department will maintain a database of only those individuals who have been approved to work or volunteer.  Only the individual and the Hopewell Township Police Department will be aware if a person is disqualified for service.

What is the cost and who pays?

The cost of a first time check is $36.  The ordinance requires youth sports organizations to be responsible for the costs beginning in 2008.  However, the Recreation Committee has agreed to raise money to support the costs of all checks in 2007, and will be supported with a grant from the Megan Kanka Foundation.