To OK PTO Mom: Oklahoma actually has an online database for Sexual Offenders. It's broke down into counties. I believe you can check it by zip code or by name and it tells the offense. This might be a first step for your group and it is free.

I was wondering who pays for the background checks? How much if the parents pay? In Oklahoma, background checks are not required yet but we have really been hearing alot about PTOs doing them now.

I've got to say, I understand the concern and why background checks may be an option but on the other hand (and why I don't support them with being a school volunteer)

1. Absolutely no volunteer should ever be alone with a child. Background checks only find those with priors but what about those who have never been caught? Do we then move on to phsychological profiles and evaluations?
2. Should a parent not be allowed to be involved with their children in school if they have a record for a felony like writing bad checks? Do they have any less of a right to be involved with their children? Does anyone with children not have a right to be involved in their children's education based on their past transgressions?
(I know there is the concern with possible predators but again I go back to #1)
3. In the case of immigration, parents who would perhaps not be here legally would be discouraged from being involved with their children. Regardless of their legal situation, it is better for any child when their parents are involved.

There are other ways to safeguard your parents, children and staff without excluding anyone. Again, no volunteer should ever be alone with the children or given too much free reign. But background checks (in my opinion) should only be required of volunteers that might be in a situation where they would be alone with children and even then, there are no guarantees.

Our school was just required to start backround checks this year also. Our school is a small Catholic school and the check was requested by the Diocese - not the individual schools. But, if you are in the Diocese - you need to do it. In addition to the check, all volunteers are required to take a 2 hour class on recognizing sexual abuse. So far we haven't seen a huge drop in the volunteer numbers - hopefully it stays that way. It is sad that in todays world locked doors and backround checks are becoming a way of life - but, the bottomline is the safety of our kids.

I think it is a state law here for every employee and volunteer to have a background check. I love this idea. I am a sub aide and a volunteer. Not only that but in order to volunteer in our school you must go through confidentiality training. That takes about 5 minutes. Staff and volunteers have to have this every year at our school, I'm not sure about the rest of the district, but I think so.

The only problem I had as a PTO prez/volunteer coordinator is that I couldn't know if a background check came back bad. My principal said she would take care of that, she talked to them personally, and she also said that principals are allowed to use their own discretion.

Our background checks are required every two years. As volunteer coordinator, I have to make sure everyone who comes into the school to volunteer has a volunteer badge. The only way to get a volunteer badge is by filling out the paperwork and waiting (usually two weeks) until you are on file (passed). The school secretary is responsible for sending the forms in to be checked, so if she isn't on the ball things take longer and people get frustrated. In turn she gives me an updated list every two-three weeks and I make a badge for the new volunteers who are on the list.

They are really cracking down on volunteers (and visitors) at the school without a volunteer badge (or visitors badge). Our parents have been informed that if you are at the school without your badge on, you will be approached. Parents haven't had a problem with this, because they know it is all done for the protection of their child. Besides, I wouldn't want someone volunteering at my child's school who hasn't been "checked". Anyone who has a problem filling out a background check (it takes about 2 minutes) may have something to hide!! As far as I am concerned, they can just stay away. I'd rather do everything myself, than have one wacko up there.