Background Checks | Girl Scouts of South Carolina

Which positions require a satisfactory background check?

We ask all people who would like to work directly with girls on an ongoing basis, including troop co-leaders, and/or serve as troop or service unit product sales managers to undergo a background check. Some other volunteer positions may also require a background check. You will receive an email if a background check is required for the position you select in the opportunity catalog.

Background Check FAQs

Why does Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands, Inc., conduct background checks? toggle arrow

Our council is committed to providing a safe, high quality program experience for girls. Conducting background checks provides an important safeguard for the girls in our care.

How will the information be used? toggle arrow

The council contracts with Sterling Volunteers, a GSUSA-recommended vendor, to conduct the background check that reports whether the individual has a criminal and sex offender history. The information is used to determine eligibility for placement. When provided, the applicant’s Social Security number will not be used for anything other than confirming the identity. This helps to prevent misidentification during the background check.

Why Sterling Volunteers? toggle arrow

Sterling Volunteers is one of the world's largest background check screening companies and partnered with Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. Their background check platform is tailored to the specific needs of the service sector and the first online community to mobilize repeat, vetted volunteers. For more information about Sterling Volunteers contact 1.855.326.1860, email info@sterlingvolunteers.com, or visit sterlingvolunteers.com.

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act? toggle arrow

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act was enacted in 2003 and amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FACT Act entitles consumers to obtain one free copy of their consumer files from certain consumer reporting agencies during each 12-month period.

If Sterling Volunteers has prepared a background screening report in your name for one or more of our clients, you have access to that report at any time via Sterling Volunteers’ platform. Log in to your account to read your report.

What information is included in the background check? toggle arrow

This background check includes criminal records, searches of convictions, court records, sex offender registries, and terrorist watchlist.

What if you receive criminal history or sex offense results that indicate I have a conviction record? toggle arrow

The decision to exclude or limit an individual’s participation as a volunteer remains at all times at the discretion of the council. Factors that may be considered in making such determinations include, but are not limited to, the nature and severity of the criminal offense, length of time since the criminal conduct occurred, and the opinions of those the prospective volunteer offers as references. Girl Scouts of South Carolina–Mountains to Midlands, will review each criminal record on a case-by-case basis.

A volunteer will be automatically disqualified from volunteer participation if convictions include, but are not limited to:

Registered sex offender
Crimes against children
Felony offenses against persons or family members
Crimes involving weapons or arson
Violent crimes or felony drug related charges (exceptions may be granted, as indicated under discretionary disqualification).

A volunteer may be disqualified or have limited participation/restrictions with a convictions and/or associates that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Residing on the same premises as a registered sex offender
DWI, DUI, or possession of marijuana under two (2) ounces—multiple offenses within the last five (5) years
Theft, theft-related, fraud, or forgery offenses in the past five (5) years
History of driving-related offenses

Who decides if I can volunteer or continue to volunteer? toggle arrow

The decision to exclude or limit a volunteer’s participation remains at all times at the discretion of Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands.

What if you receive criminal history results that I believe are incorrect? toggle arrow

In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. For more information, including information about additional rights, go to www.consumerfinance.gov/learnmore. Please contact Sterling Volunteers directly for assistance with the correction process.