Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Encourage and teach with patience

Frequently Asked Questions on Background Checks

Who must follow the policy?

All employees of the Diocese of Arlington and contracted employees must complete Criminal History Record Checks and annual training in child protection. Volunteers of the Diocese of Arlington having “substantial contact with children” must also complete Criminal History Record Checks and annual training in child protection.

What is “substantial contact”?

Because of the numerous and varied opportunities to serve the Church a common sense approach to determining who has “substantial contact” with children is necessary. The definition to be used in determining who falls into this category is two fold.

Substantial contact is:

• contact that is not incidental, or
• the service is such that it is reasonable to think that the person may at some time have contact with children outside the sight or hearing of other responsible adults.

What are some examples of contact that is “not incidental”?

A person who volunteers for service that is designed to minister to the young automatically falls under the category of significant contact. Some examples of this are any activity in schools, coaching, volunteer service in parish CCD programs, participation in youth retreats, and chaperones for youth activities.

What are some examples of the second criterion?

Others, while not volunteering for activities designed to minister to youth, may be considered as having significant contact if it is reasonable to think that they may at times have contact with children outside the sight or hearing of other responsible adults. Some examples of this might be the parish sacristan who (it is reasonable to think) will at points have contact with children in his/her duties. Other examples might be maintenance volunteers with access to school or parish education areas, parish office volunteers, and landscaping volunteers if such activities take place while children are present.

Why do volunteers who have a substantial contact with children have to undergo a Criminal History background check?

The bottom line is child safety. Since 1991, all employees and volunteers have had to complete a background questionnaire, which included a question on the applicant’s criminal history record. We believe the vast majority those who volunteer or work with children would never harm a child. Sadly, however a small percentage do.

I already have security clearance at my job. Why isn't that enough?

Security clearances are unique to a specific position and your employer cannot share your personal information with the diocese.

I’m worried about confidentiality. Where do the results go?

The results from background checks will be sent to the diocesan office for Child Protection and Safety. Only those persons specifically designated by the bishop will have access to any background information.

I would like to volunteer with children, but I am not documented to work in the United States. What can I do?

Unfortunately, we cannot make any exceptions to the Criminal History background check requirement so you would not be able to volunteer or work in a position that requires significant contact with children.

The background checks are processed by law enforcement agencies and the information is not shared with Immigration services. Background checks are routinely submitted for persons who do not have a social security number and can be successfully completed.

What would disqualify me for diocesan employment or volunteer service?

The Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes a number of crimes as being disqualifying from service in relation to children. These crimes are delineated in the Code of Virginia 63.2-1719. Basically these crimes are: a) any violent crime, b) any sexual crime, c) drug trafficking, d) production, distribution or possession of child pornography, e) crimes involving abuse and neglect. The diocese will consider these crimes as disqualifying for service in any diocesan organization. Other convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How will I know what is on my background check?

Background checks for persons with no past histories contain no information except for that fact. If any background check should be returned with any other information, a copy will be forwarded to the applicant and a request for further information will be provided.

How do I start the process to complete background checks?

You may receive the necessary forms for background checks from the parish, school or other diocesan organization for which you work/volunteer. Each set of forms includes detailed instructions on how to complete the checks.