Questions about the Background Check Process?
Please call the Office of Recreation and Parks Community Outreach Liaison at
410-887-5889
Purpose
Baltimore County Government is invested in increasing the safety of participants and families while they are participating in Recreation and Parks activities and programs. This commitment is extending our efforts to include conducting background investigations for all volunteers who participate in Recreation/Nature Council, Therapeutic, PAL, and other County-sponsored recreation programs.
The background investigation will be conducted by a nationally recognized security screening firm, the Southeastern Security Consultants, Inc (SSCI). This screening is a review of each applicant’s criminal history. The results of the screening will determine each volunteer’s eligibility to volunteer in our programs. To protect the privacy of all volunteers in the program, Baltimore County staff will not have access to any information regarding this background screening. SSCI will only provide a list of passed applicants to Recreation and Parks staff.
This program is a preventive measure. It is not meant to take the place of parental involvement and participation. It is meant to work in partnership with parental efforts to ensure that their children and all constituents enjoy programs and activities in a safe environment.
Who must complete the background investigation:
Board of Recreation and Parks Members
Recreation/Nature Council Board Members
Recreation/Nature Council Chairpersons
Head and Assistant Coaches
Instructors and Assistant Instructors
Volunteers who have care, custody or control of children
Volunteers who have access to confidential information (example: registration forms, financial information)
PROCESS
ï‚· Access the Volunteer Application by going to the following website :
BaltimoreCountyMD.gov/RecreationVolunteers (Note: you will need the access code that is contained within the instructions document which can be found at the bottom of this page; the code for 2017 is BCGRec18)
ï‚· Public computer labs are located at the Randallstown Community Center, Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center, Dundalk Community Centers, and all Baltimore County Public Libraries.
ï‚· If you are unable to access the internet please obtain the Volunteer Background Application Forms from your community recreation office or Recreation or Nature
Council.
ï‚· Once the applications has been submitted in person or on-line, it takes up to 5 business days to receive the results.
ï‚· If a report comes back with information preventing you from volunteering, SSCI will contact you directly to report the findings and/or request additional
information by email or mail.
ï‚· If you are approved for participation your name will be listed on the County’s website at:
BaltimoreCountyMD.gov/RecreationVolunteers
ï‚· Volunteers must complete this process prior to each program season.
ï‚· There is no cost to applicant
CRITERIA
Any person found guilty or with a conviction or pending charge for any of the following disqualifying offenses will not be approved:
ï‚· Inclusion on the National Sex Offender Registry
ï‚· Felony or First Degree Assault
ï‚· Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
ï‚· Indecent Exposure
ï‚· All Sexual Offenses
Click on the links below for the appropriate form:
How to get to the volunteer background check on Baltimore County's website
Instructions to Fill Out the Volunteer Web form - acces code is BCGRec20.