Background Checks and Compliance

Volunteers and staff play a key role in creating a safe and supportive environment for our youth. Your support makes Girl Scouts a safe space for girls to thrive in San Diego and Imperial counties. Girl Scouts is a safe place for girls to learn, grow, and lead.

Together with Girl Scouts of the USA, we conduct criminal background checks on staff and volunteers. Learn more about our secure background check vendor and the background check process for volunteers.

Criminal Background Check

All Girl Scouts San Diego volunteers are required to complete a name-based criminal background check. Some volunteer roles also require an additional fingerprint-based background check and mandated reporter training to comply with California Assembly Bill 506.

Who needs to complete a background check? toggle arrow

Any person who plans to volunteer in the following capacities must successfully complete the criminal background check process:

Any person who will supervise girls
Any volunteer with financial responsibility
All service unit team members
Anyone who volunteers more than 16 hours a month or 32 hours a year will also need to complete Live Scan fingerprints as part of the background check process.

Who does not need to complete a background check?

A one-time speaker or presenter who is never left alone with girls and is not counted when considering girl/adult ratio
A parent or guardian who attends a family function (awards ceremony, family picnic, etc.) and is not counted when considering girl/adult ratio

How do I complete a name-based criminal background check? toggle arrow

Volunteers will be informed on how to submit a background check during their volunteer onboarding experience.

You will receive a personalized background screening request email from Asurint.  Follow the personalized link to complete the process. This will take about 20 minutes; it is secure, safe, fast, and confidential.

If you do not receive the email (please check your spam folder) or have any questions about the background screening process, please contact customercare@sdgirlscouts.org or 619-610-0821. 

What information is needed for the name-based criminal background check? toggle arrow

You must provide your name, contact information, date of birth, and social security number. Each check may contain criminal and/or civil records, reference verification, and Department of Motor Vehicle records.

If you do not have a social security number, please contact customercare@sdgirlscouts.org or 619-610-0821. 

What can I expect after I submit a name-based criminal background check through Asurint? toggle arrow

Most name-based criminal background checks submitted online take approximately 24 hours to complete; however, it can take longer depending on many factors outside of GSSD’s control.

A specially trained GSSD staff member will contact you if there are concerns about the results of your background check.

Background checks for most volunteers are valid for three years. Volunteers who work at day or sleepaway camps are required to complete annual background checks.

What is the cost of the criminal background check? toggle arrow

How much does a background check cost?

The average fee for Girl Scouts San Diego is $6.25. The actual fee amount will depend on your address history and former names over the past seven years. Your total cost will be itemized for you prior to checkout.

Is financial aid available for background checks?

If you are not able to pay the $6.25 fee, select "council pay" at checkout and GIrl Scouts San Diego will cover the cost. When you choose to self pay, you enable Girl Scouts San Diego funding to be used directly for girls in our community.

California Assembly Bill 506 (AB 506)

California Assembly Bill 506 (AB 506) toggle arrow

California Assembly Bill 506 requires youth service organizations to develop and implement child abuse prevention policies, including background checks and mandated reporter training.

Volunteers in leadership roles (i.e. troop leaders, assistant leaders, etc.) and those who spend 16 hours a month or 32 hours a year in direct contact with and/or supervising youth must comply with California Assembly Bill 506 (AB 506).

Comply with AB 506 by completing the following items (in any order):

Live Scan fingerprints - One time

Step 1: Download, print, and fill out the Request for Live Scan service form.
Step 2: Visit a Live Scan location and bring the document with you. Find a Live Scan location here.

Notes:

You must complete Live Scan fingerprinting specifically for Girl Scouts San Diego. Live Scan fingerprints from other organizations are not transferable.
Cost varies by location. Find a Live Scan location to assess costs for services near you.
Girl Scouts San Diego does not reimburse or cover out-of-pocket costs for Live Scan fingerprinting.

Mandated Reporter Training - One time

Step 1: Complete the Girl Scout Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention training here or through another third party (within the past 18 months).
Step 2: If you complete the training with a third party, log into gsLearn, search “Mandated Reporter Certificate Upload” in the Content Library, and upload your certificate of completion.

DO NOT continue with your application and screening if any of the circumstances listed below apply to you.

The following will automatically disqualify you from becoming a Girl Scout volunteer:

Any felony offense, regardless of type
Currently arrested or warrant outstanding
Misdemeanor crime against a child or dependent adult
Misdemeanor crime involving use of weapons
Misdemeanor crime involving violence
Misdemeanor crime involving theft, robbery, fraud or forgery
Misdemeanor crime involving arson
Misdemeanor crime involving public indecency
Misdemeanor crime involving DUI, DWI, possession of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia

Possible Disqualifications:

Other misdemeanors, including but not limited to traffic violations, shall be reviewed by Girl Scouts San Diego on a case-by-case basis. The decision whether to allow service shall be within the absolute discretion of Girl Scouts San Diego.

You must complete a Girl Scouts San Diego background check every three years. If you have questions about when to submit or renew your background check or for additional information, contact customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) toggle arrow

Why is Girl Scouts San Diego requesting a background check screening?

Protecting our Girl Scouts and keeping them safe is our top priority. Both name-based and fingerprint-based screenings are an integral part of our due diligence process and risk management policy. At Girl Scouts San Diego, the screening of volunteers (and employees) includes criminal background checks, which are performed by an independent, third-party background-screening agency.

How often do I have to renew a background check? How long are background checks valid?

Background checks for most volunteers are valid for three years. Volunteers who work at day camp or sleepaway camps must complete annual background checks.

How will I know when to renew my background check?

You will automatically receive an email to renew your name-based background check as long as you are a Girl Scout member. If you need support with renewing your background check, please contact customercare@sdgirlscouts.org

If I have already completed a background screening somewhere else, do I need to complete another one for Girl Scouts San Diego?

Yes, you will need to complete another background check for Girl Scouts San Diego. A background check is confidential; just as Girl Scouts San Diego would not provide information on your background check to anyone else, your place of employment or other volunteer organization will not release that information to us.

How will a troop leader know if a parent has completed the background check to volunteer with the troop?

Troop leaders have access to view expiration dates of name-based background screenings completed by adults in the troop by logging into their MyGS portal and clicking the tab “View My Troop.”  No other information about the background check is visible to the troop leader.

Where can I find more information on the company that performs the name-based background checks?

Asurint, our background service provider, proactively complies with all provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), Driver’s Privacy Protections Act (DPPA), and the Fair Credit Reporting Acts (FCRA). Asurint is committed to ensuring customer privacy by protecting the information clients provide. Identifiable information is securely maintained solely for contact purposes within Asurint and is not sold or transferred to other entities. If you would like to learn more about Asurint or have any questions, visit  asurint.com/#who-we-are or contact info@asurint.com.

Background Checks and Compliance

Criminal Background Check

California Assembly Bill 506 (AB 506)

DO NOT continue with your application and screening if any of the circumstances listed below apply to you.

DO NOT continue with your application and screening if any of the circumstances listed below apply to you.