National Service Criminal History Checks Policy and Procedure
Under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended by the Serve America Act (SAA), AmeriCorps grantees must conduct National Service Criminal History checks on all covered employees and AmeriCorps members who receive a salary, national service education award, living allowance, or stipend under CNCS grants, even if the activities don’t involve service with vulnerable populations. An individual is ineligible to serve in a position that receives such CNCS funding if the individual is registered, or required to be registered, as a sex offender or has been convicted of murder.
Grantees must have a written criminal background check policy and procedure that ensures the minimum CNCS and California Volunteers requirements are met as outlined in Exhibit H, “National Service Criminal History Checks Certification Form.” Exhibit H describes California Volunteers’ NSCHC policy, which include requirements that exceed the minimum federal requirements.
This section contains resources to help your program meet National Service Criminal History Check requirements for AmeriCorps members and staff working on the grant. Follow the CV NSCHC Steps Checklist to ensure all required steps are completed.The California Volunteers NSCHC Verification Form must be used as documentation that staff and member checks have been completed correctly. All other items are for reference. Contact your PO if you have questions.