I dont understand the cost issues some of you describe...there is even a national sex offenders registry that is publicly accesible, online, and free. You enter a name and it scans all state registries.

WHy cant the schools run at least THOSE checks, and not have to charge the volunteer?

Its not a criminal backgrd check, but it at least shows if someone is a sex offender, or was registerd as such, in any state.

I dont understand the cost issues some of you describe...there is even a national sex offenders registry that is publicly accesible, online, and free. You enter a name and it scans all of USA registries.

WHy cant the schools run at least THOSE checks, and not have to charge the volunteer?

Its not a criminal backgrd check, but it at least shows if someone is a sex offender, or was registerd as such, in any state.

We are not fingerprinted and we are not charge a fee, but...
Our school district use the Raptor system, when anyone comes to the school they need to provide there drivers license, It is then scanned against a national database for sex offenders instantly. If the persons name comes up, our school district police in notified instantly and dispatch out to the school.

As a volunteer, they use the same system, and they will do a back round check. There is a form that you need to fill out that will ask you for personal info. This take about a week before you are approved.

I like this system, at first parents complained because they had to take out there drivers license, everytime they came to the school. But We've had the system for a couple of years and everyone has gotten use to it.

As least I know that the people that are at the school are not sex offenders.
The school districts don't want to he help accountable for letting a criminal element on there school campus. You hear to many times, people that have been volunteering at the school for years that are so wonderful, end up committing crimes and they did have a criminal history, and maybe with a backround check all of that can be prevented.

Our town does it for all recreational sports and all visitors for assemblies or guest speakers must go through it at the schools. I have a strong feeling the PTO volunteers will eventually be asked to do so as well. Since we do have one registered offender in our town, I would not be against it if it ensures the overall safety of the children and piece of mind of parents.

Our school requires fingerprint/background checks and the volunteer pays a $10 fee for the state background check and the district absorbs the rest of the cost.

Our biggest problem is that fingerprinting must be done at the police station in your muncipality. Our school covers two cities and some unincorporated county areas. The most common complaint is when they get to where they thought they were supposed to go they are in the wrong place.

The district is looking into having volunteer "fair" nights where you can get it done on the premises. Our volunteer numbers have dropped by about 25% because of the hassle and confusion. It is a new program so I suppose growing pains are expected.

psatt2004;131418 wrote: IN Florida you have to Pay for it and it lasts for 3 years. You have to get fingerprinted and have a background check for all public schools.

In our county, this is not true -- only for employees and contractors. Schools do a 'background check' on all volunteers for free. They compare your name to a few criminal web sites. If you have this done, you get a badge that allows you to enter school without an escort as long as you sign in and have your badge.