A: Felony and misdemeanor charges typically appear on Background Checks for at least seven years.

In some jurisdictions, infractions or ordinance violations may also return. There is a direct correlation between the content of Background Checks, the level of search ordered, and applicable state laws regarding the returned records. The majority of records related to sexual abuse and violent behaviors are prosecuted and maintained at the county level. Cases prosecuted at the federal level are particularly relevant in identifying charges related to child porn and internet charges for enticing minors.

For additional information, please refer to our Search Descriptions.

A: MinistrySafe returns ALL legally reportable information for every Background Check, within the level of search chosen. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (federal legislation) allows Background Check providers to report criminal convictions indefinitely, but limits reporting of any other adverse information, such as non-convictions or non-criminal case information, to 7 years only. Some states may further limit the scope of Background Checks. It’s important to know which state or local laws may affect your location to better understand what to expect from any Background Check provider.

A: Our MinistrySafe Background Check analysts are trained to identify all legally reportable data within the level chosen, including plea down offenses that may originate from sexual crimes. When such an offense is encountered, we conduct a deep dive into the data to provide our members with the most comprehensive information possible. Background checks are no ‘silver bullet,’ but we pride ourselves on providing the most comprehensive options available.

A: The standard turnaround time for MinistrySafe Background Checks is 1-3 business days; however, due to our deep dive philosophy and commitment to accurately confirming identity, it may take longer. Several factors contribute to an extended ETA, including, but not limited to, jurisdictional issues, inclement weather, clerk-assisted searches or records, and court copy requests to confirm case information or applicant identity, particularly for common names. An extended ETA could stem from an issue as simple as verifying records associated with a common name. Please note that we are unable to provide detailed case information until the applicant's identity and reportability are confirmed.

A: If an applicant has a record listed on their report, you will see charge and disposition information. Please see our Sample Report for more information.

A: Yes. If the applicant does not have a driver’s license, your ministry may order any level search that does not include a Motor Vehicle Report. If an applicant does not have a Social Security Number, the applicant may enter all 0’s to bypass the system requirement.

Regardless of citizenship status, all ministries should require two forms of identification to verify an applicant’s identity and to rule out discrepancies in the information provided.

A: We recommend that applicants input 10 years of address history, but there is an option to bypass the 10-year address history requirement. Identity Research is included in every MinistrySafe Background Check.

A: If your ministry takes any action based on the findings of a Background Check on a prospective or current applicant, the Adverse Action Process must be followed. Some records may not disqualify an applicant from serving or working in your ministry. If you have questions about which types of offenses should preclude an applicant from serving children or vulnerable populations, please complete Skillful Screening Training or reach out for Legal Services.

A: In general, more is better. Ministries should run the most comprehensive level possible, balancing financial feasibility. Keep in mind: there IS no ‘one-size-fits-all’ ministry Background Check, and the Level requested should be keyed to the level of trust and DEGREE OF ACCESS to children. A high-trust, high-access volunteer should undergo a more thorough Background Check.

For volunteers, Level 3 is the most commonly ordered Level.

A: Child sexual abuse is typically prosecuted at the county level, and the county is always the most up-to-date source of court record information. Some states do not have statewide searches at all. In some states, the state source is identical to the county source. In these instances, MinistrySafe can run the state search in lieu of a county search. Other states have central repositories to which county courts upload data, but these repositories are not generally 100% up to date and may require courts to upload information within 30 days, 6 months or no specific timeframe at all. In some cases, a county record not included in the Level ordered OR not a jurisdiction in which the applicant has lived may be uploaded to the state source. Thus, the state search can provide an extra layer of coverage.